Chief Harbormaster

The State of New Hampshire, Division of Ports and Harbors has a full-time vacancy for a Chief Harbormaster.

The Chief Harbormaster performs administrative and supervisory duties, including analyzing, developing and implementing long and short range goals and objectives for the Division of Ports and Harbors Harbor Management Program.

Applicants must possess a police officer certification issued by the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council or have the ability to obtain the certification.

State of New Hampshire Job Posting
Division of Ports and Harbors
555 Market St.
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Chief Harbormaster
Labor grade 23
Position #181700 – 23

• Supervise Harbor Management activities concerned with enforcing New Hampshire state laws, DPH rules and other regulations pertaining to tidal waters and harbors.
• Evaluate, develop and implement comprehensive plans for tidal waters addressing land uses, zoning, harbor users, mooring plans and environmental issues.
• Represent the agency in coordinating with all public and private agencies, commissions and other organizations which have interest or jurisdiction within the tidal water area.
• Prepare and administer harbor management operating budget for the Division of Ports and Harbors, including general fund appropriations, mooring fees, violation fines and the harbor management fund.
• Define and assess existing recreational boating demands and forecast near future demands; identify potential opportunities for improving and expanding recreational boating facilities.
• Review for consistency with the harbor management plan any public notice of an application for a local, state or federal permit for an activity taking place within the agency's jurisdiction.
• Maintain administrative control over the Harbor Management Program to ensure that local goals and objectives are incorporated into other state agencies.
• Represent the agency in dredging projects.
• Apply and maintain permits for aids to navigation and coordinate the placement and maintenance of the aids.
• Supervise and develop policies for the Division of Ports and Harbors commercial diving operations.
• Develop the security policy for all properties and facilities owned by the Division of Ports and Harbors.
• Review activities of harbormasters through reports prepared by subordinates; conduct conferences with personnel and onsite inspection participation.
• Coordinate training programs.
• Assist the Port Director with recommendations for improving working conditions, maximizing efficiency and improving morale.
• Provide individual guidance and counseling for personnel improvement.
• Oversee appropriate uses of division property and equipment.

• Extensive knowledge of the boating industry and its related activities.
• Considerable knowledge of laws, rules and regulations relating to boats.
• Ability to supervise and train personnel in enforcement work.
• Thorough knowledge of court procedures and the rules of evidence with the ability to testify before courts to present cases.
• Some knowledge of first-aid procedures.
• Ability to direct enforcement activities at public functions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Ability to prepare reports and legal orders.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with government and private agency officials and the public.
• Must be willing to maintain appearance appropriate to designated duties and responsibilities as appointed by the agency appointing authority.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an institution of higher learning with a major course of study in nautical and/or maritime studies, business administration, public administration or criminal justice.
• Each year of approved education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.

• Five years experience in law enforcement or other relevant field including at least two years in a supervisory capacity. Substantial experience in work associated with boat operations in tidal waters and/or maritime industries.
• Each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
• Must be at least 18 years of age, applicants at least 21 years of age preferred.
• Must possess police officer certification issued by the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council.
• Experience in SCUBA diving operations is preferred.
• Proven ability to operate division equipment including vehicles, boats, radar radios, computers, etc.

• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discount
• Flexible Schedule
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Professional Development Assistance
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement

For more information or to apply, please send your resume to: