Deckhand - St. John’s River Ferry

Land & Sea; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A marine service provider is seeking a Deckhand in New York, responsible for ensuring safety during ferry operations and providing excellent customer service to passengers. Duties include monitoring the river, handling ticket sales, and assisting with vessel maintenance. Candidates should have a high school diploma, customer service experience, and the ability to work in outdoor conditions. This role requires adherence to safety regulations and compliance with USCG mandates.

Qualifications

• Valid TWIC or ability to obtain one during first 90 days.
• Minimum one year of customer service experience.
• Must be able to pass USCG-mandated alcohol and drug tests.

Responsibilities

• Monitor river, vessel, and passengers for safety.
• Assist in boarding and disembarking of passengers.
• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials as needed.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Proven ability to work efficiently in a team

Detail-oriented

Problem-solving skills

Education

HS Diploma or equivalent

Valid Driver’s License

Job description

Get Ready to Go Beyond with Land & Sea

Grounded in our core values—integrity, a strong work ethic, and meaningful relationships—Land & Sea operates internationally across 11+ locations with 8 trusted partners, focusing on three key segments: Marine, Destinations, and Advisory.

We excel in delivering through contract services, driving value for clients and partners, and setting new industry standards— with a proven team dedicated to execution.

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.