Harbormaster (Director)

Position Overview

The City of Kodiak is seeking a full-time Harbormaster (Director) to lead the successful management of its Ports and Harbor Department. This leadership role oversees operations for St. Paul Harbor, St. Herman Harbor, which collectively provide moorage for 650 vessels, the Kodiak Shipyard, and key port facilities including Pier 1-Ferry Dock, Pier II-Fishermans Terminal, and Pier III-Cargo Terminal.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting under general administrative guidance, the Harbormaster will plan, direct, manage, and supervise all activities related to the harbor department. Duties include managing operations, maintenance, and security across city ports and harbor facilities, executing long-term strategic plans, overseeing financial management, conducting special projects, and researching and preparing rate studies to maintain harbor enterprise fund sustainability. Responsibilities also encompass maintaining precise cost accounting, providing port development recommendations, supervising damage investigations and claims, managing leases, and handling departmental records such as revenue and expenditure reports.

Organizational Role

As an executive role, the Harbormaster administers the harbor department’s operating and capital budgets while leading departmental staff to align with the City Council’s goals. Acting independently or under the City Manager's direction, the Harbormaster implements policies, plans, and evaluates departmental activities, ensuring professional standards and an image that fosters efficient resource utilization.

About Kodiak

Kodiak is a home rule city governed by a council-manager system with approximately 6,000 residents plus an additional 7,500 in surrounding communities on Kodiak Island. The local economy relies heavily on commercial fishing and seafood processing supplemented by tourism, sport hunting and fishing, aerospace, healthcare, government work, and the nation's largest U.S. Coast Guard base. Kodiak is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse outdoor recreational opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field.
- Eight to ten years of progressively responsible harbor-related professional experience, including at least five years in an executive management role with supervisory duties.
- Alternatively, an equivalent mix of education and experience adequate to perform the role’s essential functions.
- Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
- Valid Alaska driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Port Management certification
• Hazmat certifications

Compensation and Employment

The hiring salary will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The City of Kodiak is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to diversity.