Harbor Patrol Officer Trainee​/I​/II

The Harbor Department

The Harbor Department operates Channel Islands Harbor, the "Gateway to the Channel Islands," as a recreational and business facility. The Harbor consists of approximately 310 acres of land and water. Immediately adjacent to the Harbor are two miles of County‑owned public beaches and the State‑owned La Janelle Shipwreck and Beach, which are also managed by the Harbor Department, providing lifeguard and maintenance services.

The Department oversees 31 master leases with private sector businesses, as well as a County fuel dock, small‑boat and commercial fishing marinas, a public launch ramp, and several public parks and docks. The Harbor Patrol works rotating shifts, covering 24‑hour a day, 7‑day a week operations.

Under immediate (Trainee), direct (I), or general (II) supervision, the Harbor Patrol Officer patrols the harbor including waterways, beaches, and parking areas; enforces local, state, and federal laws and ordinances, regulating boat operations, public safety, and facility usage.

Harbor Patrol Officer Trainee is a training classification in which incumbents complete required training, obtain required certifications, and learn the rules and regulations involved in harbor operations to prepare for advancement to Harbor Patrol Officer I. Trainees are assigned routine duties and are expected to operate the boats except where a fee is required for services rendered.

The Harbor Patrol Officer I is the entry‑level classification and performs a wide variety of duties under direct supervision and serves rotating shifts patrolling the harbor area.

The Harbor Patrol Officer II is the journey/lead level and performs a wide variety of complex duties under general supervision.

Harbor Patrol Officer Trainee: $30.47 per hour

Harbor Patrol Officer I: $33.11 – $42.89 per hour

Harbor Patrol Officer II: $34.94 – $46.81 per hour

Educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an associate, bachelor's, or master’s degree not required for the classification.

Optional bilingual incentive depending on operational need and certification of skill.

Applicants must provide documented proof of at least 200 days of verifiable boat operation or sea service. Acceptable documentation includes:

• Sea Service Form, signed by an authorized individual; if the signer is not the applicant, the signature must be notarized; if the applicant is both the boat owner and signer, proof of vessel ownership (e.g., vehicle registration) must be included.
• DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) that details sea service under the "Record of Service" section.
• Active Captain’s License, acceptable in lieu of the Sea Service Form or DD214.

Applicants who fail to submit a completed and signed Sea Service Form (with notarization if required), a qualifying DD214, or a valid Captain’s License will be disqualified.

• Patrol county‑owned harbor, including waterways and beaches, and on land via vehicles such as cars and trucks, ensuring safety of personnel and property.
• Enforce local, state, and federal laws and ordinances regulating harbor district boating operations, public safety, and facility usage; issue citations for illegal activities.
• Monitor radios and respond to emergency calls, including fires, boats, and passengers in distress, law enforcement, and medical emergencies in the county‑owned harbor.
• Respond to pollution issues and handle hazardous materials.
• Summon assistance from and report criminal activities to law enforcement agencies, fire, or other appropriate agencies.
• Provide information and assistance to visitors; issue permits and collect fees; write reports and maintain daily logs.
• Perform maintenance and minor repairs on specialized equipment and facilities.

• 200 days of verifiable boat operation/sea days via notarized Sea Service Form or DD214 with sea service detailed under Record of Service.
• Completion of mandatory training within 12 months of hire:
  Basic law enforcement (PC832), HAZWOPER certification, U.S. Coast Guard Motorboat Operator’s License with towing…