TX
TxDOTFerryboat Deckhand I
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Before you apply
LocationUST-Texas-Port Aransas-Port Aransas Ferry Operations
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityEntry
Company size10,000+ people
First seenOct 18, 2026 · 2w ago
Verified live16h ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
No education or experience required
Must have required US Coast Guard (USCG) certifications and/or documents appropriate for the position and vessel being operated
Mandatory: Safety Impact Certificate
Knowledge of methods and procedures used in the maintenance and repair of marine equipment, machinery, facilities and ferryboats
Knowledge of emergency response procedures
Knowledge of applicable industry safety standards, guidelines and specification codes
Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regulations
Some skill in public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
Some skill in the use of tools and equipment used in vessel, ramp and facility maintenance
Some skill in fire fighting
Some skill in maintaining a safe working environment
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to work in varying conditions to include heavy traffic, overhead power lines and underground utilities
Ability to work in cramped spaces (bend, stoop, crawl) and at varied heights
Must pass 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
Benefits
Retirement plans
Flexible schedules
Paid leave
Health insurance
On the job training
Tuition assistance
Wellness program
Career development
About the role
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
At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:
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Retirement Plans
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Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
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Paid Leave and Holidays
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Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
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On-the-Job Training
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Tuition Assistance Program
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Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
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Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
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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 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:
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Performs duties as ferryboat oiler
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Assists in the daily inspection of the operating condition of an emergency firefighting, lifesaving and childbirth equipment on the vessel
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Assists in the repair or renovation of motor ferry vessels as directed
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Attends to passenger needs and performs cleanup and maintenance duties
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Ensures strict compliance with the Federal Waters Pollution Control Act and the Federal Communications Commission Communications Act of 1934
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Participates in periodic all hands drills and emergency exercises
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Performs deck evolutions, operates safety gates and vehicle loading ramps, directs, spaces, parks and blocks vehicles and maintains security about the decks
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Pumps out bilges as needed
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Reads all gauges and fluid levels in engine room and reports any problems to the captain
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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
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Performs other job responsibilities as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
No education or experience required.
Licenses and Certifications:
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Must have required US Coast Guard (USCG) certifications an/or documents appropriate for the position and vessel being operated
•
Mandatory: Safety Impact Certificate
Competencies:
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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
Nice to have
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:
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Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device
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Works in narrow aisles or passageways
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Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs
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Climbing and/or ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc
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Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling
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Standing-prolonged periods of time.
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Subject to environmental conditions; protection from weather but not temperature changes
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Subject to outside environmental conditions; no effective weather protection
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Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
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Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour
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Subject to noise
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Subject to vibration
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Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
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Subject to atmospheric conditions-fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation
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Subject to air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids
Legal
Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)
Hiring process
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This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
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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.
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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
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