Ferryboat Deckhand I - (2601765)
Position Information
Looking for a job where the water is your workplace, and you play a key role in safely moving people and vehicles across the Gulf? Step aboard! As a Ferryboat Deckhand, you’ll be an essential part of the team operating state run motor ferry vessels, guiding passengers, supporting vessel operations, and keeping our ferries running smoothly.
Start your maritime careers here, by bringing your commitment to safety, teamwork, and great customer service and we'll help you build the additional skills and certifications to succeed! If you’re ready for hands on work in a fast paced environment with constant interaction with the public, this physically active, safety focused role could be the perfect next step in your career.
TxDOT Galveston-Bolivar Ferry is a 24/7, 365 days inland maritime operation based out of Galveston, Texas. We safely transport vehicles and passengers on a 3-mile route between Galveston and Port Bolivar, Texas.
Minimum Salary: 35,439.00
Maximum Salary: 52,388.00
Pay Basis: Yearly
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time
Shift: Day Job
Shift Details: 40
Location Flexibility: Onsite
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)
Position Description
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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Assists in the daily inspection of the operating condition of all 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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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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Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
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Must have required US Coast Guard (USCG) certifications an/or documents appropriate for the position and vessel being operated.
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USCG-Mer Mar Doc-Ord Seaman/Wi (within 90 days from date of hire)
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For Galveston Ferry Operations: Must have or obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) at the time of application.
Preferred Qualifications:
Competencies:
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Some knowledge of:
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 and effective working relationship with others -
Ability to:
Work in varying conditions to include heavy traffic, overhead power lines and underground utilities
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
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Subject to outside environmental conditions; no effective weather protection
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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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Required to wear protective gear - respirator, hard hat, or other devices
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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 - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc.
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Balancing - walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling
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Reaching - extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction
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Standing - prolonged periods of time
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Walking - moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another
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Pushing - using upper extremities to press against object with force to move in a direction
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Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position/horizontally to a different position
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Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
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Hearing - perceive sound at normal speaking levels;receive information by oral communication
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Visual Acuity - operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment
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Visual Acuity - determine work quality/make general observations of facilities/structures
Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)
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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.
Job: Maint/Skilled Craft/Ferry Ops
Job Level: Non-Management
Job Posting: Jul 21, 2026, 8:15:11 AM
Unposting Date: Jul 31, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
State Job Title/s: Ferryboat Deckhand I
State Job Code/s: 9838
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
