DockMaster
Date: Oct 30, 2026
Location: Norfolk, VA, US, 23523
Company: National Steel and Shipbuilding Com
General Dynamics NASSCO is a proud member of the General Dynamics Marine Systems business unit. In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and maintenance for both commercial and national defense assets. We encourage you to learn more about our open positions and how you can become part of the important and exciting work we do here at NASSCO. Come join our team!
We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Welding department. This position specifically is located in Norfolk, Virginia. We are looking for a Dockmaster. The work schedule is 0600 to 1500 M-F.
Must be able Must be able to access all Navy installations and other shipyards by obtaining DBIDS and NAVSEA badges.
Pay Scale: $111,000 - $149,000
I. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PURPOSE (Job Description)
This position is the single point of contact responsible for the drydocking and undocking of vessels and the maintenance and operation of the drydock. Supervises the daily operations of drydock department. Manages all waterfront operations. Oversees maintenance programs on the drydock and waterfront services equipment. Maintains NASSCO and departmental policies.
II. POSITION DEMANDS (Education/Training)
Typically has a BA/BS in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering plus two 5 years directly related experience, or AA/AS plus 10 years directly related experience, or 15 years directly related experience. Formal schooling in mathematics with the ability to perform ship stability calculations.
POSITION DEMANDS (Required Experience)
A. Ability to qualify as a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)-certified dockmaster.
B. Experience in at least 10 dockings or undockings in the same type of drydock preferred.
C. Proficient in the use of AUTOCAD.
D. Ship handling skills required.
E. Excellent command of the English language, both verbally and in writing.
F. Knowledge of NAVSEA MIL STD 1625D and Naval Ship Technical Manual Requirements, OSHA requirements for commercial diving and familiarity with ship repair specifications, and ability to read blueprints.
III. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Carrying Lifting X Walking
X Climbing Pulling X Must be able to go on vessels
X Crawling X Sitting X Visual Requirements:
X Crouching X Standing
X Hearing X Stooping Other:
X Kneeling X Talking
IV. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to the Facilities Manager. Supervises the Assistant Dockmaster and the drydock department. Works closely with Production and Program Management to provide all waterfront service requirements. Contacts ship owners, representatives, and operating crew to acquire docking information. Acts as point of contact for American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), NAVSEA, Norfolk Ship Support Activity (NSSA), the Navy and other regulatory and certifying parties.
V. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Supervises all docking and undocking operations.
B. Responsible for all waterfront operations, including but not limited to: ship movements, tug operations, barges, piers, bulkheads, mooring, hull inspections, cofferdam installations, underwater inspections, etc.
C. Schedules tugs and pilots for all ship movement activities in coordination with the General Foreman Rigging & Temporary Services.
D. Oversees preventative maintenance programs on the drydock and the waterfront services equipment.
E. Reviews NAVSEA requirements to insure NASSCO maintains its MIL STD 1625D (or latest revision) certification on the drydocks.
F. Responsible for maintaining drydock in classification.
G. Reviews and approves block drawings and placement.
H. Coordinates ship service connections.
I. Oversees the drydock department budget.
J. Oversees environmental issues on the drydock.
K. Reviews all internal projects and ship support budgets related to the drydcok.
L. Conducts ship handling services for dock trials.
M. When necessary, maintains contact with Coast Guard.
N. Determines safe mooring locations for vessels and performs heavy weather mooring calculations for all vessels moored in the shipyard.
O. Monitors weather and wind conditions. Follows Heavy Weather Procedure to make necessary preparations to ensure safe operations if conditions escalate.
P. Engages with consultants, vendors, contractors to troubleshoot and develop scope of work.
Q. Selects contractors to supplement the drydock team when required and takes on a technical liaison and contract administration role.
R. Performs all job responsibilities in accordance with NASSCO’s Mission, Vision, Values and Principles.
S. Maintains a safe working environment for all employees.
T. Other responsibilities and duties as assigned.
VI. ACCOUNTABILITY
Accountable to the Facilities Manager for the certification, operation and maintenance of the drydock and all waterfront operations.
VII. STANDARD EQUIPMENT ISSUE
Cell Phone, Radio, and Desktop Computer
VIII. UNIQUE/ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Will be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Must be a U.S. citizen and qualify for a CAC or RapidGate badge. Must have reliable record of attendance and punctuality and be available for overtime as required. Must be able to physically transit all areas of the facility and the drydock. Must be able to spend up to 70% of time in an outdoor shipyard environment in all climates. Regularly required to sit, stand, use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects or controls, and to talk and hear. Must have good eye/hand coordination. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Must be familiar with working in a naval-ship-work-environment and be able to go aboard marine vessels and the drydock, climb ladders, work in tanks and confined spaces, and wear personal protective equipment. These areas can be dirty, dusty, hot or cold, and noisy.
General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:
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If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.
Call (757) 543-6801. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications. NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer
Nearest Major Market: Hampton Roads
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