Ferry Able Seafarer - Relief

State of Maine; Rockland (ME); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Prorated benefits

Job summary

Maine State Ferry Service, part of the Maine Department of Transportation, seeks a relief Able-Bodied Seafarer for ferry operations based in Rockland, Maine. You may be assigned to routes to Vinalhaven, North Haven, Swans Island or Islesboro, with schedule varying by business need.

On-duty crews must reside on the assigned island or use state housing with cable and parking. A per-diem meal allowance is provided; valid USCG AB, TWIC and pre-employment screening are required.

Qualifications

• Experience as a deck crew member of vessels operating on ocean or coastal routes.

Responsibilities

• Handles mooring lines during docking/undocking operations.
• Verifies and collects boarding tickets and assists in the loading/unloading of passengers and vehicles including chocking/un-chocking of vehicle wheels and operating the transfer bridge.
• Cleans/paints interior and exterior vessel structure, gear, and equipment, passageways and compartments on or above the main deck.
• Actively participates in safety drills and operations including the swinging out, lowering, handling, and retrieval of lifeboats.
• Stands helm and lookout watches in wheelhouse.
• Performs security duties IAW the Vessel Security Plan.

Skills

Deck crew experience

Education

USCG Able Seaman / Lifeboatman

Job description

Maine Department of Transportation Salary: New employees will start at Step 8 - $28.12/hour (which includes a 30% stipend) To view the full salary range of this position, click here.

Office/Bureau: Maine State Ferry Service

Location: Rockland, ME

Opening Date: September 21, 2026

Closing Date: October 5, 2026

Job Description

This position serves as a relief Able-Bodied Seafarer aboard one of our Ferry vessels. While headquartered in beautiful Rockland, Maine, the Maine State Ferry Service offers transportation to and from several of Maine's Island communities. Candidates could be assigned to one of the following vessel routes: Vinalhaven, North Haven, Swans Island or Islesboro. The schedule for this position varies according to business need, but is communicated with as much advance notice as possible. When on duty, crews are required to stay on the island in which their vessel is assigned. Employees who do not reside on the island are permitted to utilize state owned housing equipped with cable, free parking, and other amenities. Employees receive a per-diem allowance for meals that is non-taxable income. Typical daily duties include, but are not limited to:

• Handles mooring lines during docking/undocking operations;
• Verifies and collects boarding tickets and assists in the loading/unloading of passengers and vehicles including chocking/un-chocking of vehicle wheels and operating the transfer bridge;
• Cleans/paints interior and exterior vessel structure, gear, and equipment, passageways and compartments on or above the main deck;
• Actively participates in safety drills and operations including the swinging out, lowering, handling, and retrieval of lifeboats;
• Stands helm and lookout watches in wheelhouse;
• Performs security duties IAW the Vessel Security Plan.

Candidates must possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Document (MMD) with AB endorsement (unlimited, limited, or special) and a TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Credential) in order to be considered for this position. The applicant selected for hire must submit to and pass pre-employment drug screening as outlined in 49CFR Part 40. Applicants must be physically capable of performing all duties of Ferry Able Seafarer and, at the Department's discretion, submit to and pass a pre-employment physical.

Minimum Qualifications

To be minimally qualified for this position candidates must provide evidence of the following experience:

• Experience as a deck crew member of vessels operating on ocean or coastal routes.

Licensing / Registration / Certification Requirements

• U.S. Coast Guard certificate as able seaman and lifeboatman.
• Required to have a current TWIC Card - Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card. Card is provided by TSA - Transportation Security Administration.

If you have general questions, please contact Maine State Ferry Service Human Resources Specialist Erica Cyr at 207-441-4741 or via email at [e-mail].

Why join our team?

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto - "Dirigo" or "I lead" – as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Wellness - We care about you and your family's wellbeing, offering 12 days of sick leave annually to help you stay healthy.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
• Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status, or genetics. If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.