Deckhand Jobs

Do you enjoy the outdoors and fresh air? If so, then make the Lynchburg Ferry your "office" as a deckhand! In operation for over 130 years, the Ferry provides a quicker way to cross the Houston Ship Channel. As one of only three ferry operations in Texas, this is a unique opportunity.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Deckhand directs vehicles safely on and off the ferry. Performs deck evaluations, operates vehicle safety barricades and vehicle loading ramps. Directs, spaces, and parks vehicles on the ferry deck. Maintains security on deck, observing passengers for compliance with all USCG, Federal, State and local regulations, reports any violations to the ferry pilot. Responsible for accurately counting vehicles and passengers, reporting count to ferry pilot.

• Assists in the daily inspection of the operational condition of all emergency, fire-fighting, life-saving and operating equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance work, including washing down of vessel, mopping, scrubbing, disinfecting, exterior and interior cleaning, washing of bulkheads and overheads, gangway hardware inspection, lubricates machinery, primes and paints, and splices and repairs ropes and cables as needed.
• Makes regular rounds of the engine room and deck to ensure good, safe, and operational order.
• Serves as lookout when ferry is underway. Stands lookout during periods of restricted visibility and assists the pilot in maneuvering the vessel in high density traffic areas under all weather and sea conditions in accordance with Inland Rules of the Road and rules of good seamanship.
• Participates in periodic all-hands drills and emergency exercises.
• Checks vehicles for hazardous cargo, safe and unsafe loads, height, max weight etc. to ensure ferry is compliant with regulations; flags vehicle traffic and assists in removal of stalled vehicles as needed.
• Serves as secondary enforcement authority for Federal, State and local regulations governing operation of the ferry and safe welfare of the vessel. Reports all observations, actions, and matters affecting the stability, operational capacity, safety and welfare of the vessel, crew and passengers to the ferry pilot.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Valid Texas driver's license and Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
• Must be able to acquire a 100-ton Inland Captains license.
• Minimum one (1) year of deckhand or marine experience.
• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited institution.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Physical ability to perform job duties including: walking, bending, climbing stairs, swimming (in emergency situations), pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods of time.
• Certified in CPR, First Aid and AED.
• Must be able to regularly lift and/or move at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to work well with staff and the general public.
• Knowledge of maritime laws, rules and regulations, seamanship.
• Must be able to pass a U.S. Coast Guard physical.

CLOSING DATE: Don't delay in applying! Applications only accepted until 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the hiring department.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested individuals must submit a resume and completed employment application found at www.hctra.org.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

HCTRA offers a comprehensive benefits package including employer-paid medical/dental/vision benefits (with the option to increase coverage), long-term disability, life insurance, retirement investment program, employee assistance program and paid holidays as approved by Harris County Commissioners Court.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible spending account
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Parental leave
• Life insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Holidays
• On call
• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC)?

Experience:

• Deckhand: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Texas Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person