Ferry Master

State of North Carolina; Cherry Branch (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of North Carolina, Department of Transportation, Ferry Master (S) role operates U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessels along North Carolina's coast, sounds, and rivers from Cherry Branch.

You will supervise deck, above-deck, and engine room crews to ensure safe passage and compliance with safety rules. Candidates must hold a valid USCG Master license for Inspected Ferry Vessels, plus Radar Observer, Marine Radio Operator permits, and TWIC.

Qualifications

• Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard license for Master of Inspected Ferry Vessels.
• Radar Observer certification and Marine Radio Operator permit required.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card required.

Responsibilities

• Operates U.S. Coast Guard inspected ferries across NC waters, supervising crew and ensuring safety.
• Directs deck, above deck, and engine room personnel; enforces navigation and safety rules.
• Performs safety inspections, drills, and maintains equipment and communications.
• Trains lower-level crew and oversees docking, loading, and passenger safety.
• Works 7 days on, 7 days off from Cherry Branch Ferry operations.

Skills

Crew supervision

Radar navigation

Safety compliance

Maritime operations

Education

USCG Master License (Inspected Ferry Vessels)

Radar Observer certificate

Marine Radio Operator Permit (FCC)

TWIC credential

Job description

Agency

Dept of Transportation

Division

Transit

Job Classification Title

Ferry Master (S)

Position Number

60018714

Grade

NC11

About Us

It's the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

Work in this class involves full responsibility for operating U.S. Coast Guard Inspected vessels across North Carolina near coastal, sound, and river waterways. Employees supervise deck, above deck, and engine room personnel; ensure safe operation and navigation of the ferry vessel while underway and enforce safety guidelines and rules for vessel crew and passengers. Employees operate vessels of varying gross tonnage, on various waterways, and in varying weather and work conditions. Employees interpret radar, Global Positioning Systems and weather instruments or oversee these operations. Employees are responsible for overseeing compliance with all safety and Homeland Security rules and regulations. Work is reviewed by superiors through written reports and by U.S. Coast Guard inspections. Employees may perform other duties as required.

Job duties include, but not limited to:

• Navigates vessels on a pre-charted course between dock terminals, reads weather instruments, operates electrical communications devices, and adheres to navigational regulations to ensure safe passage while underway.
• Directs crews in operational and maintenance functions of the vessel. Confers with the marine engineer on routine and emergency repair and maintenance problems. Takes appropriate action to remedy such problems.
• Assists departmental and United States Coast Guard in making safety inspections. Takes immediate action to correct inadequacies determined by such inspections.
• Conducts safety meetings and emergency drills to ensure maximum protection for crew and passengers. Maintains proper safety equipment and periodically inspects such equipment to maintain its working order.
• Periodically checks the condition of all docking facilities and supervises the loading and discharging of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo.
• Trains and supervises lower-level crew members.
• Performs related duties as required.

This position will be at the Cherry Branch Ferry operations and will work shift work - 7 days on and 7 days off.

A copy of a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) of 1600 gross registered tons (GRT) Inland Waters Master or higher, a current USCG Medical card, and Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) must be presented at the interview process.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC11 $45,431 - $79,504

Management prefers applicants with the following:

• Knowledge of applicable state, federal, and U.S. Coast Guard laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of radar, navigational, Global Positioning Systems, and communication equipment pertaining to ferry, or similar vessel operations.
• Skill in supervising and instructing personnel in areas of maritime transportation.
• Skill in chart readings and plotting courses.
• Experience in navigating a vessel involving ship handling and seamanship

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience". If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard license as Master of Inspected Ferry Vessels with sufficient gross tonnage for the vessel operated. Possession of a valid certificate as Radar Observer issued by an institution approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Possession of a valid Marine Radio Operator permit issued by the Federal Communications Commission. Necessary Special Qualifications Possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.