What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dockhand position at The Cooper?
The Dockhand plays a key role in delivering a seamless, high-end marina and boating experience for Cooper hotel guests. This position supports daily dock operations, assists with the care and presentation of the marina’s fleet, and ensures safe, efficient, and courteous service for all marina guests. Dockhands are ambassadors of the Cooper’s luxury service standards—on the dock and on the water.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Service
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a colleague to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
BHC is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and are not based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, uniformed service, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other factor or characteristic protected by applicable law. BHC participates in E-Verify.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Service
- Greet arriving and departing boaters with professionalism and warmth.
- Assist guests with boarding and disembarking boats.
- Provide a polished, anticipatory service experience aligned with luxury hospitality standards.
- Coordinate guest boating experiences with the hotel concierge and third-party excursion operators.
- Assist with VIP arrivals, private charters, and special events.
- Respond promptly and courteously to guest requests and concerns.
- Safely assist with the docking and undocking of vessels.
- Handle lines, fenders, shore power, water hookups, and pump-out services.
- Maintain clean, orderly, and visually impeccable docks and marina facilities.
- Conduct daily dock walks and report hazards, maintenance needs, or safety concerns.
- Support fueling operations in accordance with safety and environmental protocols.
- Assist with basic vessel care: rinsing, wipe-downs, canvas handling, and light detailing if required.
- Support captains and marina management with pre- and post-excursion vessel preparation.
- Monitor vessel condition and report maintenance issues promptly.
- Ensure boats are presented to luxury standards at all times.
- Follow all marina safety procedures, fueling protocols, and emergency response plans.
- Assist with spill prevention and environmental compliance.
- Participate in safety drills and required training.
- Maintain awareness of weather conditions and marina activity.
- Previous marina, boating, or dockhand experience preferred (hospitality experience a plus).
- Strong customer service skills with a polished, professional demeanor.
- Basic knowledge of boat handling, knots, and marina operations preferred.
- Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
- Strong situational awareness and commitment to safety.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, and evenings as required.
- Team-oriented with a positive, can-do attitude.
- CPR / First Aid.
- Boating safety certification.
- Fuel handling or marina safety training.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a colleague to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
- Ability to board vessels safely and assist guests on and off boats.
- Must be able to lift equipment, supplies, etc. of at least 50 pounds.
- The role may require extended periods of time on your feet, especially during peak hotel hours or events.
- Must be able to work outdoors and on docks for extended periods of time.
- Clear vision is important for reading labels, instructions, blueprints, paint schedules, reports, analyzing data, and guest interactions.
- Good hearing is necessary for effective communication with the team via radios, with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.
- Frequently required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
- Regularly required to climb ladders, stand, walk, talk, and hear; frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, and reach with hands and arms.
BHC is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and are not based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, uniformed service, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other factor or characteristic protected by applicable law. BHC participates in E-Verify.