Ferryboat Captain I

The Port Aransas Ferry Operation runs a fleet of 8 ferries! Three, 20-car ferries and five, 28-car ferries. The operation crosses the Corpus Christi Ship Channel between Aransas Pass Harbor Island to Port Aransas, on Mustang Island. The quarter-mile route typically takes less than ten minutes, although peak summer hours may require drivers to wait longer. The operation is open 24-7, 365 days a year and considered a part of SH-361. The Port Aransas Ferry Operation is evacuation route for the City of Port Aransas during a hurricane event.

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:

• 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 log 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. 

  Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications 

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must have required US Coast Guard (USCG) certifications an/or documents appropriate for the position and vessel being operated.
• Mandatory: Safety Impact Certificate.
• Mandatory: Vessel Crew Member Certificate.
• USCG Lic-Mas-S&L Ves-100 Tons (Must have at the time of application).

Competencies:

• 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.

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.

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category. 

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information