Ferryboat Captain I

Job Description - Ferryboat Captain I )

Job Description

Position Information

Looking for a career where your leadership keeps Texas moving?

As our Captain I, you’ll help oversee a bustling, non-stop maritime operation. We run a dedicated fleet of eight ferries (three 20-car and five 28-car vessels) crossing the quarter-mile Corpus Christi Ship Channel between Harbor Island and Mustang Island. From smooth ten-minute daily commutes to managing peak summer tourist surges and critical hurricane evacuation planning, no two days are the same.

If you’re ready to bring your operational expertise to a supportive, high-performing team with incredible long-term stability, let's connect!

Minimum Salary

57,614.00

Maximum Salary

93,138.00

Pay Basis

Yearly FLSA Status : Nonexempt

Work Locations

Port Aransas Ferry Operations 619 W COTTER STREET CC SHIP CHANNEL, PTA/ARAN Port Aransas 78373

Travel

Yes, 5 % of the Time Shift : Rotating Shift Details : 40 Location Flexibility : Onsite

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance (ERS.texas.gov)

Performs as an experienced ferryboat captain of motor ferry vessels transporting crew members, public vehicles and passengers. Has total responsibility for decisions and/or actions affecting the safety and welfare of the vessel, crew, passengers, vehicles and other public properties. Has sole authority for the movement or non-movement of the vessel and the retention or expelling for cause, of crew members and/or passengers and their property from the vessel. Work requires constant contact with private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Provides general direction to deckhands involved in performance of deck evolutions (loading, unloading, security and minor cleaning and maintenance.)

Provides general direction to marine communications coordinators involved in public relations and land-to-sea communications.

Provides general direction to the watch engineer involved in performance of engineering watch and maintenance duties.

Takes charge of all ferry operations and support functions in the absence of the Ferry Operation Manager/Assistant and/or Ferry Supervisor, when directed.

Ensures strict compliance with the Federal Waters Pollution Control Act and the Federal Communications Commission Communications Act of 1934.

Ensures the daily inspection and report of the operating condition of all emergency fire fighting, lifesaving and childbirth equipment on the vessel.

Leads and trains ferry operations personnel as necessary.

Maintains and submits daily activity logs of vessel movements, traffic and passenger statistics and unusual occurrences or special events.

Navigates and maneuvers vessels in high density traffic areas and/or under all weather and sea conditions in accordance with Inland Navigation Rules of the Road and the rules of good seamanship.

Navigates in situations involving meetings/overtaking/crossing encounters with other vessels in times of darkness and light, high winds, extreme tide fluctuations, heavy ebb/flow currents, zero visibility and close proximity to shoal waters.

Reports to U.S. Coast Guard all incidents of marine, accident, injury or death occurring on the vessel while in his/her charge.

Responsible for the periodic conduct of all-hands emergency drills and exercises such as fire, collision, man overboard, fog navigation, grounding, bomb threat and emergency childbirth.

Serves as primary enforcement authority for State Regulations Governing Operation of the Ferries.

Submits reports on the above matters of the Ferry Operation Manager and/or staff as well as any other matters affecting the stability and/or operational capability of the vessel and all matters of consequence with the public.

Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education : High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.

Experience : 6 years in marine operations. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).

Graduation from a maritime academy will substitute for 5 years experience.

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Must have required US Coast Guard (USCG) certifications an/or documents appropriate for the position and vessel being operated.
• USCG Lic-Mas-S&L Ves-100 Tons > (Must have at the time of application).
• Transportation Worker ID Cred-TWIC (Must have at the time of application).
• Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines and specification codes.

Applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

• Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others.
• Preparing and maintaining confidential and sensitive records, files and reports.
• Training in a classroom, office, or field environment.
• Maintaining a safe working relationship.
• Maintaining a safe working environment.

Ability to:

• Work in varying conditions to include heavy traffic, overhead power lines and underground utilities.

Work in cramped spaces (bend, stoop, crawl) and at varied heights.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to outside environmental conditions; no effective weather protection.
• Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour.
• Subject to noise.
• Subject to vibration.
• Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device.
• Works frequently in small/crawl spaces; manholes; areas that can cause claustrophobia.
• Works in narrow aisles or passageways.
• Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs.
• Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling.