Deck Hand I

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Deckhand at Harris County directs vehicles safely on and off the ferry, counts vehicles and passengers, and maintains deck security.

Responsibilities include assisting the ferry pilot with vessel maneuvers, monitoring adherence to USCG and other regulations, and participating in drills and maintenance activities. Requires high school diploma or GED, valid Texas license, and TWIC/CPR certifications.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or G.E.D. from an accredited institution.
• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Participation in a random drug and alcohol testing program.

Responsibilities

• Directs vehicles safely on and off the ferry and counts vehicles and passengers.
• Perform deck evaluations and monitor compliance with maritime regulations.
• Maintain deck security and observe passengers for safety violations.
• Assist the ferry pilot with vessel maneuvering in high density traffic areas.
• Assist in daily inspection of emergency, life saving and operating equipment.

Skills

Driver's license

Swimming

TWIC card

CPR/First Aid/AED

Maritime regulations

Communication

Emergency response

Machinery/Rigging knowledge

Engine/Machinery knowledge

Education

High School diploma or G.E.D.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as lookout for the pilot and vessel 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 the Inland Rules of the Road and rules of good seamanship.
• 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.
• Checks all 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 the removal of stalled vehicles as needed.
• Assists ferry pilot 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.
• Participates in periodic all-hands drills and emergency exercises.

Other Duties:

This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or G.E.D. from an accredited education institution.
• Valid Texas driver's license
• Participation in a random drug and alcohol testing program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and ability to follow/enforce maritime laws, rules and regulations, seamanship.
• Ability to swim.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a TWIC card.
• Certified in CPR, First Aid and AED.
• Ability to communicate and work well with staff and the general public.
• Knowledge of ferry maneuvers.
• Ability to respond to emergency/high-stress events such as a fire.
• Ability to understand and operate machinery and rigging.
• Knowledge of engines and similar mechanical equipment.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to pass a U.S. Coast Guard physical.
• Physical ability to perform job duties including: walking, bending, climbing stairs, swimming (in emergency situations), pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods of time.
• Must regularly lift and/or move at least 50 pounds.
• Marine operations are subject to varied wake and motion.

NOTE:

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Position Type and Typical Hours Work:

• This is a full-time position.
• On-call after hours, various rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Emergency situations may require additional hours.

Work Environment:

Work environment is mostly outdoors and involves working in inclement weather, extreme heat, extreme cold, and confined spaces.

Reporting Relations:

Reports To Position: Ferry Pilot

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

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

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

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