Casual Night Vessel Operator (Marine) - Cape May Lewes Ferry

Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA); Cape May (NJ); On-site; USD 22,041 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA) is seeking a Casual Night Vessel Operator (Marine) for overnight watches at Cape May, NJ. Responsibilities include operating vessel engines, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. The role is part-time with no guaranteed hours.

The position requires reading SOPs, diagnosing machinery issues, and following manuals. TWIC and driver's license are preferred; MMC may be requested for engine duties.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and follow Engine Room SOPs and DRBA Facilities Operations Manual.
• Ability to diagnose typical machinery malfunctions and recommend corrective actions.
• Ability to read blueprints and machinery system manuals.

Responsibilities

• Operate engines and related systems safely on vessels and facilities.
• Perform maintenance/repair per Port Engineer's designee.
• Pumping sewage and taking on fresh water; reset power as needed; report deficiencies.
• Check mooring lines and vessel deck levels; report discrepancies.
• Maintain contact with Authority police during night watch.
• Respond to emergencies decisively and follow safety protocols.
• Assist in engine room during vessel operation as required.
• Record information in machinery logs and report completed work.
• Ensure cleanliness of engine room and machinery spaces.
• Provide high level of customer service and professionalism.

Skills

Engine room procedures

Diagnose machinery issues

Read blueprints/manuals

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

CASUAL Night Vessel Operator (Marine)

Location: Cape May, NJ
Hourly Rate: $16.50 - $18.50
Opening Date: February 26, 2026 Closing Date: Until Filled

I. POSITION SUMMARY

The Night Vessel Operator stands overnight watches on the vessels. He/she has many maintenance duties, including pumping sewage, filling potable and flushing water tanks, and maintaining all hoses and equipment to meet the current USCG and FDA regulations. This employee will also operate vessel equipment, make log entries, and report potential problems to the Sr. Manager of Marine Maintenance, Port Engineer or Port Captain. He/she will assist with maintenance and repair of the vessels as assigned by the Sr. Manager of Vessel Maintenance. He/she may be requested to work underway (if holding an MMC) and then be responsible to the Chief Engineer for engine room duties and to the Captain for emergency duties. This is a safety sensitive position both underway and ashore. This individual is responsible for following established safety practices while performing assigned duties to protect self, co-workers and the public from personal injury and to prevent damage to Authority property and the environment. This casual position is part-time with no guaranteed minimum number of hours, nor are there any guaranteed assignments.

II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

• Responsible for the safe operation of all engines, auxiliary machinery and related systems and equipment on vessels and in related facilities.
• Performs maintenance and repair of vessels and related machinery under the direction of the Port Engineer's designee.
• Pump sewage and take on fresh water for the vessel systems. Reset electrical power as required and to report any deficiencies immediately to his supervisors.
• Check all mooring lines and all deck levels of vessels. Report any discrepancies to supervisors.
• Maintain contact with Authority police during the night watch.
• Responds decisively and effectively to emergency situations.
• Maintains familiarity with vessel equipment operating characteristics.
• Assists in the engine room during vessel operation as required.
• Responsible for observing and recording of information in machinery logs and reporting completed work or needed repairs to the Chief Engineer.
• Ensures cleanliness of vessel engine room and other machinery spaces.
• Provides the highest level of customer service and professionalism to all internal and external customers.

III. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Able to read and understand the Engine Room Standard Operating Procedures and the DRBA Facilities Operations Manual and follow the instructions of these plans.
• Ability to diagnose typical machinery malfunctions and recommend a course of corrective action.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and machinery system technical manuals.

IV. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent or equivalent work experience.
• Must demonstrate some mechanical knowledge and have experience working on mechanical systems. Six months preferred; diesel mechanic experience preferred.

V. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
• Valid driver's license.
• Merchant Mariner Credential preferred.

VI. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Available for duty at all hours, day or night, as may be required in order to maintain continuous operation of the ferry service.
• Subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable federal regulations.

VII. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Subject to a background investigation.
• Subject to applicable drug testing regulations and a pre-employment physical examination (if holding a current MMC or provide Med card).
• Delaware River and Bay Authority requires all employees to have direct deposit with a financial institution or enroll in the payroll card program to receive their bi-weekly pay.