City Dockhand and Caretaker

City of Muskegon – Parks & Recreation / Waterfront Operations, Full Time, Seasonal

Worksites: Hartshorn Municipal Marina & Fisherman’s Landing Launch Ramp

Position Overview

The Municipal Marina & Launch Ramp Operations Assistant supports daily operations at Hartshorn Municipal Marina and Fisherman’s Landing Launch Ramp, ensuring both facilities remain clean, safe, and welcoming for boaters, anglers, tournament organizers, and the general public. This position blends customer service, dock and grounds maintenance, restroom and pavilion care, and operational support during high‑traffic periods and fishing tournaments.

Key Responsibilities:

Boater & Public Assistance

• Provide friendly, professional assistance to boaters during docking, launching, and loading.
• Answer questions about marina services, launch procedures, slip assignments, and City policies.
• Assist transient boaters at Hartshorn Marina with check‑ins, slip assignments, and fee collection.
• Communicate rules, safety expectations, and waterfront regulations clearly and respectfully.
  
  
  

Hartshorn Municipal Marina Operations

• Perform daily inspections of docks, finger piers, power pedestals, pump‑out equipment, and walkways.
• Maintain clean, hazard‑free docks and marina grounds.
• Assist with pump‑out operations (training provided).
• Support marina staff during peak weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Maintain logs of inspections, incidents, and maintenance needs.
  
  
  

Fisherman’s Landing Launch Ramp Operations

• Monitor launch‑ramp activity and assist boaters with launching and loading when appropriate.
• Check for proper launch permits and assist users with purchasing or understanding permits.
• Maintain orderly traffic flow during busy periods and tournament events.
• Inspect ramps, docks, signage, and parking areas for safety concerns.
  
  
  

Fishing Tournament Support (Fisherman’s Landing)

• Coordinate with tournament organizers regarding site access, pavilion use, weigh‑in areas, and parking.
• Prepare the site before events: trash removal, restroom checks, signage placement, and grounds readiness.
• Provide on‑site support during tournaments, including crowd management and facility upkeep.
• Assist with post‑event cleanup and resetting the site for public use.
  
  
  

Restroom, Pavilion & Grounds Maintenance

• Clean and restock the Fisherman’s Landing restroom facility daily.
• Inspect plumbing fixtures, lighting, and supplies; report issues promptly.
• Clean and maintain the pavilion, including tables, floors, and surrounding grounds.
• Remove trash, debris, weeds, and hazards from marina and launch‑ramp areas.
• Perform light maintenance tasks such as sweeping, minor repairs, and equipment checks.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Comfortable working around water, boats, and busy public areas.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks such as walking, bending, and carrying equipment.
• Experience with facility cleaning or grounds maintenance preferred.
• Availability on weekends, holidays, early mornings, and tournament days is required.
  
  
  

Preferred Attributes

• Dependable, self‑motivated, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Strong situational awareness and ability to manage high‑traffic environments.
• Positive attitude and ability to remain calm during busy or stressful situations.
• Interest in boating, fishing, outdoor recreation, or public‑facing seasonal work.
  
  
  

Work Environment

This position works across two major waterfront facilities:

• Hartshorn Municipal Marina – a marina with seasonal slips, utilities, pump‑out, and high visitor interaction.
• Fisherman’s Landing Launch Ramp – a high‑volume launch facility hosting numerous fishing tournaments, with a public restroom, pavilion, fish cleaning station, and large parking area.