Ferryboat Deckhand I

Performs as deckhand of motor ferry vessels transporting crew members, public vehicles and passengers. Work requires constant contact with private entities. Employees at this level follow standard practices that do not require frequent supervision of details.

Essential Duties:

• Performs duties as ferryboat oiler
• Assists in the daily inspection of the operating condition of an emergency firefighting, lifesaving and childbirth equipment on the vessel
• Assists in the repair or renovation of motor ferry vessels as directed
• Attends to passenger needs and performs cleanup and maintenance duties
• Ensures strict compliance with the Federal Waters Pollution Control Act and the Federal Communications Commission Communications Act of 1934
• Participates in periodic all hands drills and emergency exercises
• Performs deck evolutions, operates safety gates and vehicle loading ramps, directs, spaces, parks and blocks vehicles and maintains security about the decks
• Pumps out bilges as needed
• Reads all gauges and fluid levels in engine room and reports any problems to the captain
• Reports all observations, actions and/or matters affecting the stability, operational capacity, safety and welfare of the vessel, crew, passengers, vehicles and other public properties to the captain or first deckhand
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

No Education Or Experience Required.

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

Competencies:

• Methods and procedures used in the maintenance and repair of marine equipment, machinery, facilities and ferryboats
• Emergency response procedures
• Applicable industry safety standards., guidelines and specification codes
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations

Some skill in:

• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• The use of tools and equipment used in vessel, ramp and facility maintenance
• Fire fighting
• 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:

• Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device
• 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 and/or ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc
• Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling
• Standing-prolonged periods of time.
• 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
• Subject to vibration
• Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
• Subject to atmospheric conditions-fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation
• Subject to air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids

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.
  

Position Information

Ready to build an exciting career on the water? Join our crew!

We are looking for dependable Ferryboat Deckhands to join the Port Aransas Ferry family. Operating 24/7/365 as a vital part of SH-361, our team keeps Texas moving by crossing the Corpus Christi Ship Channel between Harbor Island and Mustang Island.

You’ll work outdoors with a great team, guide passengers safely across the water, and play a hands-on role in an essential community service—including vital hurricane evacuation support when it matters most. If you’re ready for a rewarding career with great benefits and a supportive crew, let’s talk!

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)

Job

Maint/Skilled Craft/Ferry Ops

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Level

Non-Management

Job Posting

Jul 10, 2026, 11:08:36 AM

State Job Title/s

Ferryboat Deckhand I

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

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

Applicant Information

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