Ferryboat Captain I

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Led 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.
• Sets and enforces safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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).
• Licenses and Certifications: 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).

Qualifications

• Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines and specification codes.
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Expert skill in: Navigating ferryboats.
• Fire fighting.
• Proficient skill in: 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: Communicate effectively.
• 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. Climbing - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc. Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling. Crouching-bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine. Reaching-extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Standing-prolonged periods of time. Walking-moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another. Grasping-applying pressure to an object with fingers and palm. Feeling-determining size, shape, temperature or texture of objects. Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words. Hearing-perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication. Visual Acuity-operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment.

Skills

• Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines and specification codes.
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Expert skill in: Navigating ferryboats.
• Fire fighting.
• Proficient skill in: 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: Communicate effectively.
• 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. Climbing - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc. Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling. Crouching-bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine. Reaching-extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Standing-prolonged periods of time. Walking-moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another. Grasping-applying pressure to an object with fingers and palm. Feeling-determining size, shape, temperature or texture of objects. Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words. Hearing-perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication. Visual Acuity-operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment.

Benefits and Perks

• 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

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!

Conditions of Employment

• Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

Pre-Employment Physical

• Required to pass a pre-employment physical.

Drug Test

• Subject to a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Additional Applicant Information

• To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance (ERS.texas.gov)
• To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions
• To read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information