Deck Hand I

Salary: $20.00 - $28.00 Hourly
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600579
Department: Lynchburg Ferry Operations and Maintenance
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 7/22/2026 11:59 PM Central


Position Description


The Deckhand directs vehicles safely on and off the ferry. Performs deck evaluations, operates vehicle safety barricades and vehicle loading ramps. Directs, spaces, and parks vehicles on the ferry deck. Maintains security on deck, observing passengers for compliance with all USCG, Federal, State and local regulations, reports any violations to the ferry pilot. Responsible for accurately counting vehicles and passengers, reporting count to ferry pilot.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as lookout for the pilot and vessel when ferry is underway. Stands lookout during periods of restricted visibility and assists the pilot in maneuvering the vessel in high density traffic areas under all weather and sea conditions in accordance with the Inland Rules of the Road and rules of good seamanship.
• Serves as secondary enforcement authority for Federal, State and local regulations governing operation of the ferry and safe welfare of the vessel. Reports all observations, actions and matters affecting the stability, operational capacity, safety and welfare of the vessel, crew and passengers to the ferry pilot.
• Checks all vehicles for hazardous cargo, safe and unsafe loads, height, max weight etc. to ensure ferry is compliant with regulations; flags vehicle traffic and assists in the removal of stalled vehicles as needed.
• Assists ferry pilot in the daily inspection of the operational condition of all emergency, fire fighting, life saving and operating equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance work, including washing down of vessel, mopping, scrubbing, disinfecting, exterior and interior cleaning, washing of bulkheads and overheads, gangway hardware inspection, lubricates machinery, primes and paints, and splices and repairs ropes and cables as needed.
• Makes regular rounds of the engine room and deck to ensure good, safe, and operational order.
• Participates in periodic all-hands drills and emergency exercises.

Other Duties:
This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or G.E.D. from an accredited education institution.
• Valid Texas driver's license
• Participation in a random drug and alcohol testing program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and ability to follow/enforce maritime laws, rules and regulations, seamanship.
• Ability to swim.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a TWIC card.
• Certified in CPR, First Aid and AED.
• Ability to communicate and work well with staff and the general public.
• Knowledge of ferry maneuvers.
• Ability to respond to emergency/high-stress events such as a fire.
• Ability to understand and operate machinery and rigging.
• Knowledge of engines and similar mechanical equipment.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to pass a U.S. Coast Guard physical.
• Physical ability to perform job duties including: walking, bending, climbing stairs, swimming (in emergency situations), pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods of time.
• Must regularly lift and/or move at least 50 pounds.
• Marine operations are subject to varied wake and motion.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours Work:

• This is a full-time position.
• On-call after hours, various rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Emergency situations may require additional hours.

Work Environment:
Work environment is mostly outdoors and involves working in inclement weather, extreme heat, extreme cold, and confined spaces.

Reporting Relations:
Reports To Position: Ferry Pilot
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
If you need special services or accommodations, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email:
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.


The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
• 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement pension (TCDRS)
• Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
01


Do you have a High School diploma or GED from an accredited institution?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a valid Texas driver's license?

• Yes
• No

03


Are you willing to participate in a random drug and alcohol testing program as required for this position?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you require sponsorship?

• Yes
• No

Required Question