Marine Service & Yard TechnicianAbout the Position
Harbor West Yacht Services is seeking a dependable, mechanically inclined Marine Service & Yard Technician to join our team in Traverse City.
Our ideal candidate is an experienced marine technician who is also comfortable working across all aspects of a working boatyard—from mechanical and systems service to launching, hauling, storing and rigging boats. However, we are also willing to train the right candidate who has strong mechanical aptitude, a good work ethic and an interest in building a long-term career in the marine industry.
Candidates with backgrounds in marine service, automotive or diesel repair, heavy equipment, electrical/mechanical trades, or other hands-on mechanical fields are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Assist with launching, hauling, moving, blocking and storing customer boats
- Assist with stepping, unstepping and rigging sailboat masts
- Perform marine mechanical, electrical and systems maintenance and repairs based on experience and skill level
- Perform routine engine maintenance and assist with diagnosing mechanical and boat-system issues
- Perform seasonal and cosmetic services including buffing, waxing, bottom painting and boat preparation
- Assist with the operation, inspection and maintenance of boatyard equipment
- Assist with maintenance and repairs of company trucks, trailers, Travelift, boom truck/crane and other equipment
- Transport boats, trailers, equipment and supplies between company locations
- Maintain clean, organized and safe shops, storage buildings and boatyard areas
- Communicate professionally with customers and take exceptional care when working with customer vessels
- Perform other marine service and boatyard duties as needed
Qualifications
- Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record required
- Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physically demanding work, including prolonged standing, bending, climbing, kneeling and working in various positions
- Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Ability to work safely around boats, vehicles, machinery and heavy equipment
- Dependable, punctual and able to work both independently and as part of a small team
- Strong attention to detail and respect for customer boats and property
- Previous marine service, mechanical, automotive, diesel or heavy-equipment experience preferred
- Marine technician training or certifications are a plus
- Experience with engines, electrical systems, mechanical systems or diagnostic work is a plus
- CDL preferred, but not required
Harbor West Yacht Services is willing to provide training and assist the right employee with obtaining a CDL and expanding their marine-service skills and certifications.
Compensation
$26–$40 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications and certifications.
Developing candidates with strong mechanical aptitude may start toward the lower end of the range, while experienced marine technicians with strong diagnostic, mechanical, electrical and/or systems experience may qualify toward the upper end.
Compensation can increase as skills, certifications and responsibilities increase.
Schedule
- Monday–Friday, generally 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Some overtime and Saturday availability may be required during peak spring launch and fall haul-out periods
- Hours may vary seasonally based on workload and the employee's experience and skill set
- Full-time, year-round employment is available for candidates capable of performing a broader range of marine service and mechanical work
- In-person position based in Traverse City, Michigan
Benefits
Benefits for eligible employees include:
- Health insurance
- Paid vacation time
- Paid sick time
- Paid holidays
- SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer matching contribution
- Company-paid short-term disability
- Company-paid training and professional development opportunities, including assistance obtaining relevant licenses and certifications
- Opportunities for increased responsibility and compensation as skills develop
About Harbor West Yacht Services
Harbor West Yacht Services is a locally owned marine service, storage and boatyard operation serving the Grand Traverse Bay boating community. Our work includes boat storage, launch and haul-out, sailboat mast and rigging operations, boat transportation and marine service.
We are looking for someone interested in becoming an important long-term member of our operation—not simply filling a seasonal position. For the right person, this position offers the opportunity to develop a broad range of marine-industry skills and take on greater responsibility as our service operation continues to grow.
We encourage both experienced marine technicians and mechanically inclined candidates interested in developing their skills to apply.
Harbor West Yacht Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Pay: $26.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tools provided
Experience:
- Mechanical repair: 1 year (Preferred)
- Marine or boatyard service: 1 year (Preferred)
- Boat handling: 1 year (Preferred)
- Heavy equipment operation: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
- CDL (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Traverse City, MI 49684 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
