Ferryboat Captain I - III

Are you a seasoned mariner ready to take the helm of one of Texas' most unique transportation operations? We are seeking an experienced Ferryboat Captain I - III to safely navigate ferry vessels, lead crews, and ensure thousands of passengers and vehicles reach their destinations safely every day.

This is more than a captain's position. It is an opportunity to take command, make critical decisions, mentor crews, and play a key role in one of the state's most visible maritime operations.

Ferryboat Captain Salary Ranges:

• Ferryboat Captain I: $57,614 - $93,138
• Ferryboat Captain II: $61,184 - $99,658
• Ferryboat Captain III: $65,104 - $106,634

Are you a seasoned mariner ready to take the helm of one of Texas' most unique transportation operations? We are seeking an experienced Ferryboat Captain I - III to safely navigate ferry vessels, lead crews, and ensure thousands of passengers and vehicles reach their destinations safely every day.

This is more than a captain's position. It is an opportunity to take command, make critical decisions, mentor crews, and play a key role in one of the state's most visible maritime operations.

Ferryboat Captain Salary Ranges:

• Ferryboat Captain I: $57,614 - $93,138
• Ferryboat Captain II: $61,184 - $99,658
• Ferryboat Captain III: $65,104 - $106,634

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)

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.

Essential Duties:

Ferryboat Captain I:

• 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.
• 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.
• Performs safety ride-ons with other captains to evaluate consistency of safe vessel operations.
• Reports to U.S. Coast Guard all incidents of marine, accident, injury or death occurring on the vessel while in his/her
  charge.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Ferryboat Captain II:

• Gives instructions to traffic control personnel and/or law enforcement officers contracted for security purposes.
• Performs safety ride-ons with other captains to evaluate consistency of safe vessel operations.
• Serves as senior captain; takes charge of all ferry operations and support functions in the absence of the Ferry
  Operation Manager/Assistant and/or Ferry Supervisor, when directed.
• Trains and evaluates new Captains as assigned.

Ferryboat Captain III:

• 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.
• Serves as senior captain; takes charge of all ferry operations and support functions in the absence of the Ferry
  Operation Manager/Assistant and/or Ferry Supervisor, when directed.
• 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.
• Trains and evaluates new Captains as assigned.

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.

Essential Duties:

Ferryboat Captain I:

• 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.
• 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.
• Performs safety ride-ons with other captains to evaluate consistency of safe vessel operations.
• Reports to U.S. Coast Guard all incidents of marine, accident, injury or death occurring on the vessel while in his/her
  charge.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Ferryboat Captain II:

• Gives instructions to traffic control personnel and/or law enforcement officers contracted for security purposes.
• Performs safety ride-ons with other captains to evaluate consistency of safe vessel operations.
• Serves as senior captain; takes charge of all ferry operations and support functions in the absence of the Ferry
  Operation Manager/Assistant and/or Ferry Supervisor, when directed.
• Trains and evaluates new Captains as assigned.

Ferryboat Captain III:

• 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.
• Serves as senior captain; takes charge of all ferry operations and support functions in the absence of the Ferry
  Operation Manager/Assistant and/or Ferry Supervisor, when directed.
• 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.
• Trains and evaluates new Captains as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Experience:

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

Ferryboat Captain II : 7 years in marine operations. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).

Ferryboat Captain III : 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 an/or documents appropriate for the position and vessel being operated.
• For Galveston Ferry Operations: Must have or obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within ninety (90) days of the date of hire.
• Master 1600T(D) 3000T(ITC)or > (Must have at the time of application).
• Mandatory: Safety Impact Certificate
• Mandatory: Vessel Crew Member Cert
• USCG Cert Radar Observer
• USCG-Mer Mar Doc-Lifeboatman
• USCG-Mer Mar Doc-Able Seaman
• USCG Lic-Mas-S&L Ves-100 Tons

• USCG Medical Certificate

Competencies:

• Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines, and specification codes

• Navigating ferryboats
• Fire fighting
• 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 and effective working relationship with others
• 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

• Delegates both routine and important tasks and decisions; shares authority but has ultimate accountability

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to environmental conditions; protection from weather but not temperature changes

• Subject to outside environmental conditions; no effective weather protection

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions

• Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour

• Subject to noise and vibration

• Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals

• Subject to atmospheric conditions-fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation

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 r