Waterfront Operations Manager

Job Title: Waterfront Operations Manager
Location: Bay View Association, Petoskey, MI
Reports To: Recreation Director

Position Summary
The Waterfront Operations Manager provides leadership, oversight, and operational management of Bay View’s waterfront and boathouse. This customer-service oriented, safety-critical role ensures the waterfront operates safely, efficiently, and in alignment with Bay View standards and traditions.

Reporting to the Recreation Director, the Waterfront Operations Manager oversees waterfront supervisory staff, including the Swim Director, Sailing Director, and Boathouse Managers, and works closely with Buildings & Grounds and Security to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.

During pre- and post-season periods, the Waterfront Operations Manager serves as a key on-site operational presence, maintaining close coordination with Buildings & Grounds to ensure continuity, safety, and efficient seasonal transitions.

This seasonal role is well-suited for an experienced leader with a strong background in boating, water safety, and team leadership.

Compensation & Employment Details

• Employment Type: Seasonal (Hourly, Non-Exempt). Housing is not provided.
• Pay Range: $23–$25 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)
• Benefits: As part of working in a vibrant historic community, Bay View seasonal staff enjoy meaningful discounts on recreational programs, education classes, and performing arts tickets. Children of seasonal staff members may also receive select program discounts, encouraging family participation in campus life, subject to program guidelines. Not eligible for insurance, retirement, or other benefits.

• Pre-Season (Mid-May–Early June): Reduced but regular on-site hours focused on waterfront setup, staff coordination, safety preparation, equipment readiness, and early user needs.
• Assembly Season (June 14-August 9): Primarily afternoon and early evening hours, including weekends, aligned with waterfront programming, instruction, and member use.
• Post-Season (September–Mid-October): Variable hours supporting late-season users (kayak, paddleboard, private boats), equipment labeling and storage, winterization procedures, and coordination with Buildings & Grounds.
• Some weekend and on-call availability required; weekly hours and schedule determined in advance by the Recreation Director.

• Oversee daily operations and programming of the waterfront and boathouse.
• Ensure all waterfront activities comply with safety protocols, emergency procedures, and institutional standards.
• Develop, implement, and maintain an emergency preparedness plan addressing severe weather, vessel incidents, and medical emergencies.
• Serve as on-call contact for waterfront-related security or safety issues during off-hours.
• Provide assistance to vessels in distress or difficulty within the harbor.

• Supervise and support the Swim Director, Sailing Director, and Boathouse Managers, fostering collaboration, clear communication, and accountability.
• Ensure all waterfront staff receive proper training, equipment, and required certifications.
• Promote a professional, customer-focused workplace culture centered on safety and teamwork.
• Maintain clear operational documentation, seasonal checklists, and procedures to support continuity and allow for effective transition should staff turnover occur.

• Oversee assignment, registration, and tracking of boats and moorings; maintain accurate records of all boats in the harbor.
• Manage safe launching and retrieval of private boats, including operation of the davit crane.
• Ensure all Bay View-owned boats, equipment, and facilities are clean, well-maintained, and in safe working order.
• Coordinate and maintain active operational reports documenting equipment inventory, facility conditions, and maintenance needs.
• Oversee late-season waterfront users and ensure all equipment and vessels are properly registered, signed in, labeled, and prepared for winter storage.
• Coordinate and complete waterfront and boathouse winterization procedures in collaboration with Buildings & Grounds.

• Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds to install and remove floating docks and moorings seasonally.
• Coordinate the opening, closing, and maintenance of the toddler pool.
• Monitor waterfront buildings and grounds to ensure safety, cleanliness, and security.

• Enforce waterfront rules and regulations through staff supervision and direct communication with users.
• Respond to and resolve user concerns, complaints, and operational issues in a professional and solutions-oriented manner.
• Ensure waterfront access is limited to registered participants, members and guests in accordance with Bay View policy.

• Maintain daily communication with the Recreation Director during the Assembly Season to address operations, staffing, safety, and user concerns.
• Complete incident reports and coordinate follow-up with Security and Buildings & Grounds as needed.
• Participate in regular coordination meetings with the Recreation Director and weekly meetings with Buildings & Grounds, particularly during pre- and post-season periods, to ensure alignment on infrastructure, maintenance, and seasonal transitions.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Current Lifeguard Certification, including CPR, AED, and First Aid preferred (training provided by Bay View if needed).
• USCG boating course or certification may be required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of boating operations, marina management, and water safety.
• Strong customer service, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment.
• Background check required.