Waterfront Operations Manager

Job Title:
Waterfront Operations Manager

Location: Bay View Association, Petoskey, MI

Reports To: Recreation Director

The Waterfront Operations Manager provides leadership, oversight, and operational management of Bay View’s waterfront and boathouse. This customer-service oriented, safety-critical role ensures the waterfront operates safely, efficiently, and in alignment with Bay View standards and traditions.

Reporting to the Recreation Director, the Waterfront Operations Manager oversees waterfront supervisory staff, including the Swim Director, Sailing Director, and Boathouse Managers, and works closely with Buildings & Grounds and Security to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.

During pre- and post-season periods, the Waterfront Operations Manager serves as a key on-site operational presence, maintaining close coordination with Buildings & Grounds to ensure continuity, safety, and efficient seasonal transitions.

This seasonal role is well-suited for an experienced leader with a strong background in boating, water safety, and team leadership.

• Employment Type: Seasonal (Hourly, Non-Exempt). Housing is not provided.
• Pay Range: $23–$25 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)
• Benefits: As part of working in a vibrant historic community, Bay View seasonal staff enjoy meaningful discounts on recreational programs, education classes, and performing arts tickets. Children of seasonal staff members may also receive select program discounts, encouraging family participation in campus life, subject to program guidelines. Not eligible for insurance, retirement, or other benefits.

• Pre-Season (Mid-May–Early June): Reduced but regular on-site hours focused on waterfront setup, staff coordination, safety preparation, equipment readiness, and early user needs.
• Assembly Season (June 14-August
  9): Primarily afternoon and early evening hours, including weekends, aligned with waterfront programming, instruction, and member use.
• Post-Season (September–Mid-October): Variable hours supporting late-season users (kayak, paddleboard, private boats), equipment labeling and storage, winterization procedures, and coordination with Buildings & Grounds.
• Some weekend and on-call availability required; weekly hours and schedule determined in advance by the Recreation Director.

While this is a seasonal position, Bay View values continuity and encourages candidates interested in returning for multiple seasons to apply.

The Bay View Association (BVA) is a National Historic Landmark founded in 1875 and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. With more than 900 members, 445 cottages, and over 30 common buildings, Bay View offers summer programming in music, worship, lectures, recreation, and education, all open to the public.

The Bay View Waterfront is a highly valued amenity open to members and registered guests and is a core component of the Association’s Recreation program. The waterfront includes a supervised swimming area and beach, pier, sail dock, floating docks, storage areas, and a historic boathouse that supports sailing instruction, youth programming, equipment storage, and concessions. Recreational activities include swimming, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, and sunbathing.

Due to space, safety, and insurance considerations, use of the waterfront is limited to registered participants in Bay View recreation programming and Bay View members and guests.

• Oversee daily operations and programming of the waterfront and boathouse.
• Ensure all waterfront activities comply with safety protocols, emergency procedures, and institutional standards.
• Develop, implement, and maintain an emergency preparedness plan addressing severe weather, vessel incidents, and medical emergencies.
• Serve as on-call contact for waterfront-related security or safety issues during off-hours.
• Provide assistance to vessels in distress or difficulty within the harbor.

• Supervise and support the Swim Director, Sailing Director, and Boathouse…