Set Sail on a New Career Path: Dock Attendant at Naval Station Norfolk Marina

Are you looking for an active, outdoor job where you can work near the water, handle boats, and interact with a vibrant community? If so, the Department of the Navy has an exceptional opportunity for you. The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is currently seeking four energetic, reliable, and customer-focused individuals to join the team as Dock Attendants at the Naval Station Norfolk Marina in Norfolk, Virginia.

This role is open to the general public and offers a fantastic entry-point into maritime operations, recreation support, and federal service. Whether you are an experienced boater, a student looking for flexible work, or someone looking to transition into the maritime industry, this position offers hands-on experience, essential safety training, and a chance to make a meaningful difference for military service members and their families.

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About the Agency: Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC)

The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is the high-performing organization responsible for the operations, maintenance, and safety of all Navy shore installations worldwide. CNIC sustains the fleet, enables the warfighter, and supports the military family. Under the umbrella of CNIC's Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) Programs, the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) division manages recreational facilities, lodging, food service, and marinas.

The Naval Station Norfolk Marina is a vital recreational outlet, offering sailing classes, boat rentals, regattas, and marine services to active-duty personnel, retirees, DoD civilians, and their families. Working here means you are directly contributing to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the Navy community, helping to provide safe and memorable experiences on the water.

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Job Responsibilities of a Dock Attendant

As a Dock Attendant, you will be the heartbeat of the marina, performing a varied mix of vessel operations, basic maintenance, facility sanitation, and customer service. No two days are exactly alike, but your core duties will center on the following key areas:

1. Watercraft Operation and Event Support

• Vessel Rigging: Rig and prepare ferry and safety boats each morning, ensuring they are clean, properly fueled, and equipped with all required safety gear. Secure all vessels properly at the conclusion of daily activities.
• Safety Boat Operation: Operate safety boats during sailing training sessions, competitive regattas, and general recreational activities to keep patrons safe.
• Vessel Towing: Respond to on-the-water issues by safely towing disabled boats back to their assigned slips, docks, or dry-dock storage.

2. Customer Assistance

• Launches and Mooring: Assist boaters and patrons with launching, mooring, and docking their boats safely.
• Fueling and Pump-Outs: Educate and assist customers at the marina's fueling and waste pump-out stations, adhering strictly to safety and environmental guidelines.

3. Preventative Maintenance

• Vessel Refurbishment: Perform basic upkeep on the marina's fleet, which includes changing marine batteries, scraping boat hulls to remove growth, painting, and varnishing wood trim.
• Tool Usage: Safely utilize common hand tools to complete basic physical repairs and preventative maintenance tasks around the marina.

4. Facility Sanitation and Inspections

• Daily Inspections: Conduct walk-throughs of the docks, ramps, and walkways to identify and remove debris, clutter, or physical safety hazards.
• Janitorial Upkeep: Sweep and wash docks, clean facility windows, replace lightbulbs, and maintain clean and sanitized restrooms, bathhouses, and laundry facilities. This includes disinfecting toilets and restocking items like hand soap, paper towels, and toilet paper.

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Qualifications and Key Requirements

To be considered for the Dock Attendant role, candidates must meet specific qualifications. The hiring panel reviews resumes to assess applicants' Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) as they relate to the core duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Boating Certification: You must possess—or be able to successfully complete—the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Approved Safe Power Boating certification within two weeks of your hire date. This training equips you with the skills needed to operate the marina’s support craft safely.
• Language Proficiency: You must be able to read, write, and speak English clearly to understand operational protocols, training material, and safety directions, as well as to communicate effectively with marina visitors.
• Soft Skills: Because you are the face of the marina, you must demonstrate maturity, outstanding customer service skills, tact, and calm judgment.
• Tool Proficiency: You should have basic hands-on experience using simple hand tools for minor repairs.
• Background Check: Successful candidates must pass a standard National Agency Background Check to obtain the credentials required to work on-site.
• Drug-Free Policy: Department of the Navy installations are drug-free environments. You must remain drug-free and comply with federal guidelines throughout your employment.

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Salary and Position Overview

This Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) position is a flexible, hourly role designed to accommodate fluctuating seasonal demand at the marina.

Attribute	Position Specifications
Job Title	Dock Attendant
Pay Grade	NF-01
Hourly Wage Range	$17.00 - $17.25 per hour
Work Hours	0 to 40 hours per week (variable)
Benefits Eligibility	No benefits (flexible schedule)
Total Openings	4 vacancies
Work Location	Norfolk County, Virginia (Naval Station Norfolk)
Closes On	September 6, 2026

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Benefits and Perks of Joining the Team

While this specific position does not carry a traditional federal healthcare or retirement benefits package due to its flexible hourly structure, it offers a wealth of unique rewards:

• Professional Certification: The Navy will fund and support your training to secure your official NASBLA Safe Power Boating certification, which is highly valuable for any future maritime, rescue, or guiding careers.
• Practical Skills: Develop a strong working knowledge of maritime operations, small boat care, safety towing, and facility upkeep.
• Unique Environment: Skip the typical office cubicle and spend your shifts outdoors by the water, working alongside passionate colleagues and military patrons.
• Flexible Scheduling: The 0-40 hours schedule is highly compatible with students, retirees, or anyone seeking a supplemental source of income.

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Application Tips for Success

Applying for federal or NAF positions requires a specialized approach to your resume. Use the following strategies to make your application stand out:

1. Detail Your Physical and Practical Skills: Do not just list your previous job titles. Describe exactly what you did. If you have cleaned boats, used hand tools, helped customers resolve problems, or managed facilities, write about it in detail on your resume.
2. Align with the KSAs: Look closely at the job duties and requirements. Incorporate terms like "customer service," "hand tools," "safety," and "boating" naturally into your descriptions of past work.
3. Include All Required Documents: At the time of application, you must submit a detailed resume. Depending on your background, you may also need to provide transcripts, a DD-214 (if claiming Veteran’s Preference), a Personnel Action Report (if you are a current federal employee), or PCS orders with a marriage certificate (if claiming Military Spouse Preference). Missing documents can disqualify you instantly.
4. Review the Questionnaire First: Take a moment to preview the application questionnaire using the provided links before submitting. This will help you structure your resume to match the exact evaluation criteria the hiring managers will use.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is prior boat maintenance experience required?

No. While prior experience with boat maintenance (such as hull scraping, painting, or operating small watercraft) is highly preferred, it is not an absolute requirement. A willing attitude, mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to obtaining your boating certification within two weeks of starting are what matter most.

2. Can I apply if I do not currently have base access?

Yes. If selected, you will go through a background check and a credentialing process. However, please note that you must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another approved federal identification card (like a U.S. passport or military ID) to access the installation.

3. What does "0-40 hours w/no benefits" mean?

This is a flexible, intermittent position. Your scheduled hours can fluctuate between 0 and 40 hours per week depending on weather conditions, seasonal demand, and the volume of marina events. Because the hours are variable and not guaranteed, this role does not offer health insurance, retirement, or paid leave benefits.

4. Who can I contact for application help or accommodations?

For standard questions, you can reach the regional HR team at [email protected]. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, you can submit an email request to [email protected].

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If you love being on the water, enjoy hands-on work, and want to support our Navy service members, the Dock Attendant role at Naval Station Norfolk's Marina is an incredible opportunity. Don't wait—gather your documents, align your resume with the job duties, and submit your application package before the closing date of September 6, 2026. Start your journey under the sun and on the docks today!