Harbor Patrol Officer Trainee/I/II

About the role

The Harbor Department operates Channel Islands Harbor, the "Gateway to the Channel Islands," as a recreational and business facility. The Harbor consists of approximately 310 acres of land and water. It includes two miles of County-owned public beaches and the State-owned La Janelle Shipwreck and Beach, which are also managed by the Harbor Department, providing lifeguard and maintenance services. The Department oversees 31 master leases with private sector businesses, as well as a County fuel dock, small boat and commercial fishing marinas, a public launch ramp, and several public parks and docks.

Responsibilities

• Patrols the harbor including waterways, beaches, and parking areas;
• Enforces local, state, and federal laws and ordinances, regulating boat operations, public safety, and facility usage;
• Issues citations for illegal activities;
• Maintains radio communication and responds to emergency calls;
• Handles pollution issues and hazardous materials;
• Serves as a point of information and assistance to visitors;
• Writes reports and maintains daily logs;
• Performs maintenance and minor repairs on specialized equipment and facilities.

Requirements

• Sea Service Verification Required: At least 200 days of verifiable boat operation or sea service, as evidenced by a notarized Sea Service Form or DD214 with sea service detailed under Record of Service. An active Captain's license is acceptable in lieu of the Sea Service Form or DD214.
• Education/Training: Completion of basic law enforcement courses, HAZWOPER certification, U.S. Coast Guard Motorboat Operator’s License with towing certificate, and EMT certification within 12 months of hire.
• Experience: Harbor Patrol Officer I requires a U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s license with towing endorsement, 360 days of verifiable sea service. Harbor Patrol Officer II requires considerable experience in harbor operations and a U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s license with towing endorsement.
• Necessary Special Requirements: Rotating shifts, aquatic rescue missions, specified uniform, valid California Driver License.

Qualifications

• Completion of required certifications within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to work rotating shifts and conduct aquatic rescue missions under adverse weather conditions.
• Valid California Driver License.

Benefits

Incumbents may be eligible for an educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree that is not required for the classification. Bilingual incentives may also be available depending on operational need and certification of skill.

Pay

• Harbor Patrol Officer Trainee: $30.47 per hour
• Harbor Patrol Officer I: $33.11 - $42.89 per hour
• Harbor Patrol Officer II: $34.94 - $46.81 per hour

Schedule

Tentative schedule opening date: Friday, July 10, 2026
Closing date: Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Application Review

Applications must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026. To apply online, please refer to our website at www.venturacounty.gov. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

Lateral Transfer Option

If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here for additional information.