Director of Ferry Operations - Maritime Division

About the Role

Serves as the Director of Ferry Operations, reporting directly to the Director of the Maritime Division. Manages vessel operations, personnel management, vessel maintenance, terminal operations, regulatory compliance with the United States Coast Guard, and emergency response readiness. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others. Work requires extensive contact with high-level executives, governmental officials, private entities, internal agency audiences, and the public. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct responsibility for the work product.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, develops, and implements ferry operating procedures and emergency management planning and protocols.
• Plans, directs, and manages employees’ activities and monitors and evaluates employee performance.
• Develops and implements professional development pathways for personnel.
• Oversees and directs the development of strategic short to long-range reports and plans for waterway, seaport, and ferry operations.
• Oversees the implementation of software, performance metrics, and reports that support efficient and safe ferry service delivery.
• Develops staffing and funding recommendations for ferry operations, including monitoring the Maritime Division’s budget as related to ferry operations.
• Reviews proposed legislation and directs the implementation of legislation affecting ferry operations and maritime activities.
• Directs the operations of the Department’s ferry systems, establishing high-performance standards, operational benchmarks, and long-term improvement strategies.
• Develops and implements vessel life cycle management systems, including condition assessment, dry-docking, scheduling, and replacement planning.
• Oversees the development of contracts and agreements for vessel construction, retrofitting, dry-docking, repairs, fuel supply, infrastructure construction, and related ferry operations services.
• Oversees the coordination of emergency response and continuity of operations planning for ferry service during hurricanes, severe weather, and other disruptions.
• Oversees compliance with regulations from the United States Coast Guard, Federal Transit Administration, Federal Highway Administration, and other federal and state agencies applicable to inspected vehicle and passenger vessels, including Certificates of Inspection and vessel security plans.
• Oversees credentialing and training requirements for ferry operations personnel consistent with United States Coast Guard and Department standards.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline (Marine Transportation, Engineering, Naval Architecture, etc.). Relevant work experience may be substituted for the degree on a year-per-year basis.
• Experience: 5 years of experience in marine transportation, maritime transit management, vessel operations planning, or related field. Experience can be satisfied by full-time or prorated part-time equivalent. Related graduate-level education may be substituted for experience on a year-per-year basis. Must have three (3) years of supervisory/managerial experience. Project leader or lead worker experience may substitute for supervisory/managerial experience.
• Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license. Mandatory: Safety Impact Certificate.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations relevant to maritime operations.
• Understanding of maintenance concepts, methods, policies, and requirements for intermodal transportation and ferry engineering.
• Familiarity with maritime operations, ferry operations, and United States Coast Guard regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor budgets and resources.
• Considerable knowledge of communication strategies, contract development, and legislative processes.
• Expertise in setting objectives, directing teams, and evaluating performance.
• Proficiency in public relations, policy development, data analysis, and presentation skills.
• Ability to board and disembark vessels, ascend and descend stairs under varying conditions during inspections and operational visits.

Benefits

• 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 designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. For a complete list of our total compensation package, visit our Total Compensation Package website.

TxDOT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. This is a Safety Impact position, requiring a pre-employment drug test and random testing. Medical marijuana is not a valid explanation for a positive drug test result.