Marina Operations Supervisor
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Supervise dockhands and front desk staff
- Create staff schedules and assign daily tasks
- Enforce safety procedures on docks and in facilities
- Inspect docks, slips, pilings, and walkways for hazards
- Coordinate fueling operations and spill prevention practices
- Oversee boat launching and hauling coordination
- Manage slip assignments and customer check ins
- Handle customer concerns and resolve service issues
- Coordinate maintenance for utilities such as power and water
- Track work orders and follow up on completion
- Support inventory control for supplies and equipment
- Assist with budgeting and cost control for operations
- Coordinate vendors for repairs and specialized services
- Maintain incident logs and support incident investigations
- Support compliance with environmental and local regulations
- Prepare the marina for storms and emergency events
- Train new staff and provide performance feedback
- Support marina events and seasonal readiness planning
Top Skills for Success
Team Leadership
Customer Service
Scheduling
Problem Solving
Clear Communication
Conflict Resolution
Safety Management
Emergency Response Readiness
Facility Inspection
Dock Operations
Basic Mechanical Aptitude
Fueling Procedures
Spill Prevention
Environmental Compliance Awareness
Vendor Management
Inventory Management
Budget Tracking
Marina Management Software
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Marina Manager
Harbor Master
Regional Operations Manager
Facilities Manager
Operations Manager
Yard Manager
Transition Opportunities
Port Operations Coordinator
Marine Service Manager
Waterfront Property Manager
Health and Safety Supervisor
Fleet Operations Supervisor
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Budget ManagementFormal Safety TrainingIncident ReportingStaff CoachingMaintenance PlanningCustomer Escalation HandlingRegulatory Compliance KnowledgeOperations Metrics Tracking
Development SuggestionsBuild a simple operating cadence with weekly safety checks, daily dock walk logs, and clear service standards. Ask to own a small budget line, run monthly vendor reviews, and lead at least one emergency drill each quarter to grow leadership and compliance confidence.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry Level$45,000 to $60,000
Mid Level$60,000 to $85,000
Senior Level$85,000 to $120,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, strongest in coastal and lake regions with high boating activity. Hiring increases seasonally and rises with growth in marina networks, boat storage, and waterfront hospitality.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Safe Harbor MarinasSuntex MarinasWestrec MarinasIGY MarinasFreedom Boat ClubYMCA Camp MarinasCity of San DiegoPort of SeattleMiami Dade County Parks and RecreationDelaware River Waterfront Corporation
Industry Sectors
Marina managementYacht clubsBoat storage and service yardsWaterfront resortsMunicipal marinasPort authoritiesRecreation and tourismFerry and waterfront operations
Recommended Next Steps
1
Earn First Aid training2
Earn CPR training3
Complete OSHA safety training4
Learn spill response procedures5
Create a dock inspection checklist and use it daily6
Get hands on practice with work order tracking7
Learn marina management software used by your site8
Shadow the marina manager during budgeting and vendor meetings9
Build a seasonal staffing plan with clear coverage needs10
Document standard operating procedures for key tasks