Ferry Deck Hand - Relief (Anticipated Vacancy)

Department of Transportation; Village of Nyack (NY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Maine State Ferry Service, part of the Maine Department of Transportation, seeks a Deckhand (Relief) to work on Rockland, Lincolnville, or Bass Harbor vessels. This entry-level role includes cleaning, maintenance, and assisting passengers while supporting crew safety.

Requires a high school diploma; ability to obtain a TWIC card within 30 days of hire; and strong customer service. Maritime experience preferred; full-time position with benefits.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Must obtain TWIC card within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, clean, and maintain ferries and exterior areas.
• Perform general upkeep of compartments, passageways and vessels.
• Provide information to passengers and assist with boarding/exiting the boat.
• Support crew and passenger safety at all times.

Skills

Customer service

Maritime experience

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Maine Department of Transportation Salary: $15.78 - $19.83/Hourly New employees will start at $20.02 per hour (Step 8) *This includes a 5% stipend* To view the full salary range of this position, click here.

Office/Bureau: Maine State Ferry Service Location: Rockland, ME Opening Date: October 30, 2026 Closing Date: November 14, 2026

The Maine State Ferry Service offers transportation to and from several of Maine's Island communities. Ferry Deckhand (Relief) may work on any assigned vessel between Rockland, Lincolnville, or Bass Harbor. This is a full-time position. This is entry-level maintenance and personal services work involving general upkeep, cleaning, and maintenance of compartments, passageways, and exterior areas of a ferry. Responsibilities include inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining ferries and ensuring the crew and passengers' safety. The work includes customer service functions such as providing information to passengers and assisting with entering and exiting the boat. Preference may be given to candidates with maritime experience.

To be minimally qualified for this position candidates must provide evidence of the following experience: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Licensing/Registration/Certification Requirements: The applicant selected for hire must obtain a TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Credential) Card that is provided by TSA -Transportation Security Administration within 30 days of hire.

Why join our team?

• 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 ($12,213.60-$13,650.48 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.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by up to 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% 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.

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.

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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].