Terminal & Pilot Vessel Operations Foreman (Dock Bosun)

Company Overview 

San Francisco Bar Pilots are experienced master mariners with specialized training and education that qualifies them to direct the navigation of vessels in San Francisco and Monterey Bays. We service over 200 docks and maritime facilities located throughout the Bay including the ports of San Francisco, Oakland, Richmond, Benicia, Redwood City, Stockton and Sacramento.

Company website: https://sfbarpilots.com

San Francisco Bar Pilots is currently seeking qualified candidates for an immediate opening as a Terminal & Pilot Vessel Operations Foreman (Dock Bosun).

Union-Represented Position – Sailors Union of the Pacific (SUP) 

Position Summary 

The Terminal & Pilot Vessel Operations Foreman (Dock Bosun) is a union-represented leadership role responsible for coordinating dockside operations, pilot vessel support services, safety compliance, and supervision of dock personnel at Pier 9. This onsite position works closely with the Marine Superintendent, Port Engineer, pilot vessel captains, and shore-based personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant marine operations. All wages, hours, overtime, work rules, discipline, grievance procedures, and other terms and conditions of employment for this position are governed by the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Sailors Union of the Pacific (SUP). Where a conflict exists between this job description and the CBA, the CBA shall prevail.

This is an onsite, in-office position based at the Port of San Francisco Pier 9, requiring physical presence and supporting dockside and vessel operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The Dock Bosun performs the following duties in accordance with established company and industry policies, safety regulations, and the SUP CBA: 

Dock Operations & Equipment Management 

• Coordinate and perform pilot vessel maintenance and repair activities in collaboration with the Marine Superintendent and Port Engineer. 

• Maintain dock equipment, including dock lines, ladders, safety gear, emergency equipment, stores-handling equipment, hand trucks, and dollies. 

• Serve as the primary person responsible for coordinating boat fueling operations at Pier 9, ensuring all safety and environmental protocols are followed. 

• Supply pilot vessels with potable water while docked. 

• Perform and coordinate cosmetic pilot vessel maintenance, including painting, rust removal, bird deterrence/cleanup, and minor repairs. 

• Design, fabricate, and maintain custom safety equipment such as grab lines, special safety lines, man-overboard (MOB) nets, and buoys. 

Safety & Compliance - Safety Management System (SMS) Lead 

• Serve as the designated SMS Lead and crew contact for the Safety Management System (SMS) for dockside and pilot vessel-interface operations. 

• Maintain direct safety oversight and contact with crew members transiting through Pier 9 as required. 

• Track, update, and verify pilot vessel safety equipment records using HELM, including life rafts, MOM units, water lights, signal devices, first aid kits, trauma kits, and AEDs. 

• Coordinate inspections, servicing, and certifications of pilot vessel safety equipment with approved vendors in conjunction with the Marine Superintendent. 

• Schedule and oversee annual fire inspections and other required safety audits. 

• Identify and promptly report hazardous conditions, unsafe practices, or equipment deficiencies that could impact personnel, operations, or the environment. 

Personnel Coordination & Training 

• Coordinate S.U.P. personnel while working ashore, consistent with authority defined in the CBA. 

• Train and supervise dock workers to ensure operational readiness and safety compliance. 

• Work with pilot vessel captains to develop and support crew training and evaluation cycles. 

• Coordinate crew scheduling and work with the administrative staff on payroll reporting, consistent with the CBA. 

Stores, Logistics & Vendor Coordination 

• Order pilot galley and pilot vessel stores, including grocery supplies. 

• Receive and review orders from cooks; edit and consolidate orders as appropriate. 

• Submit finalized orders to approved vendors (e.g., Safeway, Costco) in alignment with purchasing guidelines. 

• Coordinate deliveries to ensure timely receipt and distribution of supplies to pilot vessels. 

• Work with cooks to ensure accurate and efficient transfer of stores to pilot vessels. 

Conditions of Employment 

This position is designated as a safety-sensitive position. Employees in this role are subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with applicable law and SUP CBA. 

Qualifications & Competencies 

• Experience in marine operations, dockside safety, or pilot vessel support services, including a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role or senior deck capacity. 

• Working knowledge of applicable maritime safety regulations and procedures. 

• Ability to coordinate crews and work within a unionized environment. 

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 

• Basic Excel, Word and Outlook skills. 

• Ability to perform physically demanding work in varied weather and operational conditions. 

• USCG 200-ton Master or 200-ton Mate (oceans or near coastal) License or higher. 

• Valid driver’s license required. Must meet insurability standards and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check. 

• Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and Medical Certificate. 

• Understanding of the ISM Code and Code of Safe Working Practices (COSWP). 

• Completion of SFBP sponsored Safety Management System (SMS) training. 

Reporting Relationships 

Reports to: Marine Superintendent 

Works closely with: Port Engineer, Pilot Vessel Captains, HR Manager, and Administrative Personnel 

Physical Abilities 

Must have the ability to climb shipboard ladders and navigate narrow passageways, perform duties in confined spaces and access areas with restricted headroom. Lift, carry and move heavy objects up to 50 lbs. Strict adherence to safety regulations. Must be able to perform duties and maintain balance for long periods of time during adverse weather conditions. Must be able to manipulate mechanical devices using manual and digital dexterity and strength. Physical activities include hearing, reaching, walking, fingering, repetitive motions, crouching, lifting, talking and able to climb & descent vertical ladders. Routine movement on slippery, uneven, and unstable surfaces between spaces and compartments. 

Work Environment 

Must have ability to work both in office/shop environment and aboard vessels. Must be able to tolerate vibrations, heat, harsh weather conditions, confined spaces and high noise levels. May be exposed to odors, dust, dirt, mechanical and chemical hazards and dangerous equipment. 

Compensation 

Daily Rate of pay: $409.46, in accordance with the applicable SUP CBA. 

Application Instructions 

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume via email to Human Resources at [email protected]

Application Instructions 

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume via email to Human Resources at [email protected]