Deckhand - St. John’s River Ferry

Land & Sea Development Services, Inc.; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Land & Sea Development Services, Inc. is seeking a Deckhand to support ferry operations and ensure safe passenger transport along river routes. You will monitor vessels and passengers, assist with boarding, ticketing, and toll collection, and perform routine maintenance and safety checks.

The role emphasizes teamwork, adherence to safety procedures, and strong customer service. Candidates must be capable of working outdoors in varying weather and following regulatory requirements, including MSDS

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Valid Driver’s License and TWIC (or ability to obtain within 90 days)
• Copy of DD214 if Veteran status
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a team and fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to handle changing priorities
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive mindset
• Minimum one year of customer service experience
• Two to three years of cashier, retail, or accounting experience preferred
• Must pass USCG-mandated alcohol and drug tests (pre-employment, random, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Monitor river, vessel, and passengers to ensure safety during ferry operation.
• Assist in boarding and disembarking passengers and maintain passenger counts.
• Handle ticket sales and respond to public inquiries.
• Perform mooring, anchoring, lines handling, and vessel ramp tasks.
• Conduct lookouts and monitor nearby traffic and potential hazards.
• Collect tolls and ensure ticket authenticity with required documentation.
• Perform cleaning, maintenance, and custodial tasks.
• Assist with crew training and follow Safety Management System (SMS).
• Present a professional customer service appearance and demeanor.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal & written communication

Teamwork

Detail oriented

Problem solving

Education

HS Diploma or equivalent

Job description

About the role

The Deckhand monitors the river and passengers to ensure safety during ferry operation as well as count ferry riders, complete necessary paperwork and complete toll collections as required. This position also handles mooring lines to dock or undock the vessel and transit locks while performing custodial and maintenance tasks as directed, all while providing a high level of customer service to ferry riders.

What you’ll do

• Remain true to and champion the Company’s Core Values and Code of Conduct.
• Safety First – Safety shall remain the highest priority at all times.
• Consider reliability and efficiency with regard to Company operations.
• Monitor river, vessel, and passengers to ensure safety during ferry operation.
• Participate in onboard training and routine drills.
• Demonstrate practical knowledge of all phases of shipboard safety procedures and knowledge of location and use of all firefighting and safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, life preservers, work vests).
• Use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Handle and dispose of all chemicals and other types of hazardous or caustic materials in compliance with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) (as required).
• Report safety-related concerns.
• Assist in boarding and disembarking of passengers, maintain passenger counts, handle ticket sales, and respond to questions from the public.
• Responsible for getting underway, mooring, anchoring, handling lines, ship’s ramps, and shore-side facilities in all weather conditions.
• Block tires of vehicles as they embark the vessel as directed.
• Perform lookout duties while underway, including monitoring other vessels, traffic conditions, and potential unsafe conditions onboard and otherwise.
• Perform assigned tasks within the legal requirements of USCG and other regulatory agencies.
• Collect tolls and sell ticket books, using credit card systems as needed.
• Ensure ticket authenticity and maintain required documentation for tolls collected and tickets sold.
• Guarantee cash authenticity by utilizing available means (e.g., fraud detection pen).
• Assist with filling water, bunkering fuel, shore power connection & disconnection, and engine room repairs & maintenance as directed.
• Perform cleaning tasks for the vessels & property as required.
• Perform maintenance and construction tasks as required.
• Assist with crew training as necessary.
• Understand and adhere to the Employee Handbook policies.
• Understand and comply with the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Understand and comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain Crew Qualification Binder.
• Stay attentive to regulatory requirements and remain alert to regulatory changes.
• Assist the Captain in ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations.
• Assist the Captain in ensuring the vessel is in an inspection-ready condition at all times.
• Present a professional level of customer service and appearance to all clients, both internal and external.
• Serve as a company representative to passengers aboard the vessel while underway and ashore.
• Handle money and balance deposits/money bags; perform deposits within guidelines provided by the Office Manager.
• Report passenger count (vehicles and pedestrians) to the Captain upon departure.
• Generate settlement and recap reports as required.
• The majority of work is performed in a Marine environment in outdoor conditions with exposure to various temperatures and weather conditions, along with a moderate to loud noise level.
• The Marine operation is subject to varied wake and motion.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or equivalent
• Valid Driver’s License/Valid TWIC or be able to obtain one during first 90- days of employment and maintain
• Copy of DD214 (if Veteran status)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work efficiently in a team and fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to handle changing priorities
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive mindset
• Minimum one year of customer service experience
• Two to three years of cashier, retail, or accounting experience preferred
• Must be able to pass USCG-mandated alcohol and drug tests (pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-incident)

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Land & Sea is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices, including, but not limited to, selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, marital status, domestic partnership status, disability, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding status, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, service member status, citizenship status, arrest or conviction records, political affiliation, status as a victim of domestic violence, assault, or stalking, family care or medical leave status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.