Captain (Sludge Boat)

Captain (Sludge Boat)

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees. The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment (BWT) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all facilities related to the treatment of sewage within the five boroughs of the City. This includes 14 wastewater treatment plants, sludge dewatering facilities, collections facilities (pumping stations, combined sewer overflow retention facilities, regulators, tide gates, etc.), wastewater laboratories and harbor vessels. Under the direction of the Supervisor of Sludge Vessel Operations, the selected candidate will take command of an assigned vessel and its crew and act as the department's representative in all matters concerning the vessel and its crew; and perform related work. Examples of typical tasks are as follows: exercise independent judgement under way; pilot the sludge vessel; assign duties and responsibilities of the licensed officers and crew; assume responsibility for the safe operation of the vessel at all times under way and in port; direct all personnel involved in mooring and unmooring vessel; proper loading and unloading operations and proper storage and care of ship's supplies and equipment; keep ship's logs and make necessary reports; inspect the ship at frequent intervals; and maintain proper upkeep of the vessel. In addition, candidate will instruct junior officers and crew in the proper performance of their duties and prepare them for assumption of higher duties; keep supervisor fully informed in all matters affecting the vessel and its crew; enforce all department and United States Coast Guard rules and regulations and those of other cognizant regulatory bodies.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualification Requirements A valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the United States Coast Guard with endorsement as a Master of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage Upon Inland Waters or higher license, plus a Marine Radio Operator Permit (MROP) issued by the Federal Communications Commission, or higher radio operator license. In addition, all candidates must obtain a valid First Class Pilot's License on all waters sailed by the department's sludge boats within a year following appointment. Note: Within thirty days of appointment candidates must possess a valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the U.S. Transportation and Security Administration. Candidates who are engaged in an appeal or waiver process for the TWIC will not be considered for appointment until such process has been completed. Medical/Physical Requirements: Medical guidelines established by the U.S. Coast Guard apply to the position of Captain (Sludge Boat). Candidates will therefore be required to undergo a medical examination prior to appointment and thereafter, pursuant to U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Candidates must also pass a drug screening to be appointed. Captains (Sludge Boat) are subject to random drug testing during their employment. All applicable licenses and TWIC must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Preferred Skills

Relative to current operations, it is specifically preferred for candidates to possess a USCG issued license of Mater of Steam of Motor Vessel of any gross tons upon Inland, Near Coastal or Ocean Waters, and a Marine Radio Operator Permit issued by the Federal Communications Commission or higher (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, GMDSS). In addition, all candidates must obtain a valid First Class (Pilot's License) Pilotage Endorsement to their USCG Master License on all waters sailed by the department's sludge boats within a year following appointment. These include, but not limited to the following: New York Harbor Upper and Lower Bay from Sea to the Batter Jamaica Bay from Rockaway Inlet to include Head of Bay Kill Van Kull from Robbins Reef to Elizabeth port Newark Bay from Kill Van Kull to Junction of the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers Passaic River from the Junction of the Hackensack River to Point No Point Hudson River from Battery to the George Washington Bridge East River from the Battery to Tallman Island.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.