Hourly Ferry Captain

Title: Hourly Ferry Captain

State Role Title: Watercraft Operations Mgr I

Hiring Range: $34.20 to $55.57

Pay Band:

Agency: VA Dept of Transportation

Location: Jamestown Scotland Ferry

Agency Website: www.virginiadot.org/jobs

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Please note, this is a hourly/wage position limited to 1500 hours within a 12-month period/averaging up to 29 hours per week (effective from the first date of employment). This position does not include the State Benefits package.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District, is seeking a Ferry Captain to serve as a member of a ferry boat crew adhering to all US Coast Guard and VDOT regulations while representing VDOT in a positive manner.

As hourly 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 we welcome you to apply.

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 in accordance with DPM 1-27, Staffing for Emergency Events.

Minimum Qualifications

Must hold a minimum Merchant Marine Credential issued by the U.S. 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.

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. USCG Physical, USCG Drug Screen and random drug screening is performed throughout employment in this position.

Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), and Obtain and Maintain 1st Aid and CPR Certifications, and Wearing of safety shoes is required.

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.
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.

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.