Ferryboat Captain I, II, or III
Apply NowCompany: Texas Department of Transportation
Location: Galveston, TX 77550
Description:
Position Information
Do you like working as a Captain, but do not want to spend an excessive time away from home or ashore? TXDOT is looking for YOU!
TXDOT's Galveston-Bolivar Ferry Operation is looking to hire safety-oriented Ferryboat Captains who values their personal time while still able to work as a merchant mariner. TXDOT Galveston-Bolivar Ferry Operation is a 24/7, 365 days inland maritime operation based out of Galveston, Texas. We safely transport vehicles and passengers on a 3-mile route between Galveston and Port Bolivar, Texas. Our fleet consists of state of the art and modern-day ferries which are propelled by either a Voith-Schneider Propulsion or single propeller systems. TXDOT provides a variety of resources to help our employees succeed.
This position is for Ferryboat Captain I, II, or Ill the Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.
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:
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)
Position Description
Ferryboat Captain I
Performs as an experienced ferryboat captain of motor ferry vessels transporting crew members, public vehicles and passengers. Has total responsibility for decisions and 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.
Ferryboat Captain II
Performs as a senior ferryboat captain of motor ferry vessels transporting crew members, public vehicles and passengers. Has total responsibility for decisions and 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 and governmental officials. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.
Ferryboat Captain III
Performs as a senior ferryboat captain of motor ferry vessels transporting crew members, public vehicles and passengers. Has total responsibility for decisions and 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 and governmental officials. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.
Essential Duties:
Ferryboat Captain I
Ferryboat Captain II
Includes all essential duties listed for Ferryboat Captain I as well as:
Ferryboat Captain III
Includes all essential duties listed for Ferryboat Captain I and II as well as:
Minimum Qualifications:
Ferryboat Captain I
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:
Ferryboat Captain II
Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.
Experience: 7 years in marine operations. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).
Licenses and Certifications:
Ferryboat Captain III
Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.
Experience: 8 years in marine operations. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).
Licenses and Certifications:
Competencies:
Ferryboat Captain I, II, and III
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Ferryboat Captain I, II, and III
Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)
Do you like working as a Captain, but do not want to spend an excessive time away from home or ashore? TXDOT is looking for YOU!
TXDOT's Galveston-Bolivar Ferry Operation is looking to hire safety-oriented Ferryboat Captains who values their personal time while still able to work as a merchant mariner. TXDOT Galveston-Bolivar Ferry Operation is a 24/7, 365 days inland maritime operation based out of Galveston, Texas. We safely transport vehicles and passengers on a 3-mile route between Galveston and Port Bolivar, Texas. Our fleet consists of state of the art and modern-day ferries which are propelled by either a Voith-Schneider Propulsion or single propeller systems. TXDOT provides a variety of resources to help our employees succeed.
This position is for Ferryboat Captain I, II, or Ill the Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.
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)
Position Description
Ferryboat Captain I
Performs as an experienced ferryboat captain of motor ferry vessels transporting crew members, public vehicles and passengers. Has total responsibility for decisions and 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.
Ferryboat Captain II
Performs as a senior ferryboat captain of motor ferry vessels transporting crew members, public vehicles and passengers. Has total responsibility for decisions and 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 and governmental officials. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.
Ferryboat Captain III
Performs as a senior ferryboat captain of motor ferry vessels transporting crew members, public vehicles and passengers. Has total responsibility for decisions and 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 and governmental officials. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.
Essential Duties:
Ferryboat Captain I
- Provides general direction to deckhands involved in performance of deck evolutions (loading, unloading, security and minor cleaning and maintenance.)
- Ensures the daily inspection and report of the operating condition of all emergency firefighting, 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.
- Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.
Ferryboat Captain II
Includes all essential duties listed for Ferryboat Captain I as well as:
- Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.
Ferryboat Captain III
Includes all essential duties listed for Ferryboat Captain I and II as well as:
- Provides general direction to the watch engineer involved in performance of engineering watch and maintenance duties.
- Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ferryboat Captain I
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.
Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications
Licenses and Certifications:
- Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
- Must have required US Coast Guard (USCG) certifications and/or documents appropriate for the position and vessel being operated.
- Must have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) at time of application.
- Master 1600T(D) 3000T(ITC)or > (Must have at the time of application).
Ferryboat Captain II
Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.
Experience: 7 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.
Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications
Licenses and Certifications:
- Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
- Must have required US Coast Guard (USCG) certifications and/or documents appropriate for the position and vessel being operated.
- Must have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) at time of application.
- Master 1600T(D) 3000T(ITC)or > (Must have at the time of application).
Ferryboat Captain III
Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.
Experience: 8 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.
Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications
Licenses and Certifications:
- Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
- Must have required US Coast Guard (USCG) certifications and/or documents appropriate for the position and vessel being operated.
- Must have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) at time of application.
- Master 1600T(D) 3000T(ITC)or > (Must have at the time of application).
Competencies:
Ferryboat Captain I, II, and III
- Extensive knowledge of:
- 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
- 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
- Delegates both routine and important tasks and decisions; shares authority but has ultimate accountability
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Ferryboat Captain I, II, and III
- Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
- Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and above 100 degrees for more than one hour
- Subject to noise
- Subject to vibration
- Required to wear protective gear - respirator, hard hat, or other devices
- Works frequently in small/crawl spaces; manholes; areas that can cause claustrophobia
- Works in narrow aisles or passageways
- Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs. at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
- Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.
- 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
- Stooping - bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist
- Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee(s)
- Crouching - bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine
- Crawling - moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet
- 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
- Pushing - using upper extremities to press against object with force to move in a direction
- Pulling - using upper extremities to exert force moving objects in a sustained motion
- Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position/horizontally to a different position
- Fingering - picking, pinching, typing; working primarily with fingers rather than whole hand
- 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
- Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and fingers
- Close Visual Acuity - work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
- Close Visual Acuity - work includes visual inspection of small defects/parts
- Visual Acuity - operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment
- Visual Acuity - determine work quality/make general observations of facilities/structures
Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)
- This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
- Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
- Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.