Ferry Captain

Title: Ferry Captain

State Role Title: Watercraft Operations Mgr I

Hiring Range: $71,125 to $115,578

Pay Band: 4

Agency: VA Dept of Transportation

Location: Jamestown Scotland Ferry

Agency Website: www.virginiadot.org/jobs

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Would you like to build a career in highway maintenance and construction, an industry that will offer you long-term career opportunities? Do you strive to serve others and make the place where you work and live a better place to be? Then consider working for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Hampton Roads District, Jamestown Scotland Ferry in Surry County. We are seeking individuals interested in joining our team to serve as members of a ferry boat crew adhering to all US Coast Guard and VDOT regulations while representing VDOT in a positive manner.

We serve the citizens of the Commonwealth and travelling public daily through our mission to plan, deliver, operate and maintain a transportation system that is safe, moves people and goods, enhances the economy, and improves quality of life. We are the third largest state-maintained highway system in the country, maintaining over 58,000 miles of roads, bridges, and tunnels, employing over 7700 people through a diverse workforce consisting of classified and hourly employees. Our strong culture focuses on:

As Ferry Captain, you will pilot ferry vessels on designated waters, carrying passengers and vehicles. Ensure safety of passengers, crew, and cargo. Obey all U.S. Coast Guard regulations governing ferry operations.

Core responsibilities include:

Vessel Management – Pilot vessel following USCG and VDOT regulations and policies. Maintain posted schedule without any justified complaints.
Maintain vessel readiness fur USCG inspections. Maintain ships log with all required information.

Passenger Management – Ensure passengers and vehicles are loaded and unloaded in a safe and orderly manner. Maintain accurate records of vehicles and passengers carried. Provide information and assistance to public as needed. Resolve issues with passengers.

Vessel Security and Emergency Response – Ensure crew is alert to security violations and suspicious behavior. Perform all required drills and training. Supervise all emergency situations and ensure timely and appropriate actions taken. Check and secure all internal and external entry points that are not used for passenger access. Log and report violations and suspicious behavior.

This position is designated as essential to emergency operations and may be required to work outside of normal work hours, on weekends and holidays during emergency situations which may include but are not limited to inclement weather, disaster response and emergency operations to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

We have Shared Values and a Code of Ethics. Your success in our organization depends upon modeling these values, therefore please review them and, if in agreement, we welcome you to apply.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDOT offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short- and Long-Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching.

Minimum Qualifications

Must hold a minimum Merchant Marine Credential issued by the United States Coast Guard- endorsed as Master 1600 gross tons, Inland, Radar Observer Certificate, Marine Radio Operator Permit.
Knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard regulations governing ferry operations.
Skill and ability to pilot ferry vessel safely.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to interact professionally with passengers and crew.
Ability to complete and maintain records and reports.
Ability to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to comply with appropriate U.S. Coast Guard and VDOT rules and regulations.
Valid driver’s license.

Additional Considerations

High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent experience or training may substitute for education.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Fingerprint-based criminal history background check, DMV driving record check, references, and work history will be required prior to employment. Valid driver’s license required. Pre-employment physical and drug screen required. Random drug screening is performed throughout employment in this position.

A TWIC card is required within thirty (30) days of employment. Wearing of safety shoes required and obtain and maintain 1st Aid and CPR Certification.

Position is designated as essential and, as such, will be required to work outside normal hours, weekends, and holidays during emergency situations which may include but are not limited to inclement weather, disaster response and emergency operations. Travel may be required.

VDOT utilizes a market-based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.

State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Job Board/Recruitment Management System (RMS).

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.

The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided in the application and optional resume; therefore, those who fully represent their qualifications and work history will be more successful with obtaining an interview. Submitting an incomplete application and/or resume lacking job history and relevant experience detail may impact interview eligibility. State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered.

We are a “Virginia Values Veterans” (V3) official certified company and state agency that provides hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application.

Contact Information

Name: Wesley Jones

Phone: 757-956-3289

Email: wesley.jones@VDOT.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.