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 employee work-life balance. In keeping with our commitment to this value, our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities that include:

• Low Turnover
• Retirement Pension
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Paid Leave/Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for full-time employees
• On the Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Comprehensive Wellness Program/Wellness Leave Incentives
• Career Development Programs/Opportunities for advancement

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 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:

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Mandatory: Safety Impact Certificate.
• Mandatory: Vessel Crew Member 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.

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/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination in the workplace. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

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