Captain; Sludge Boat): NYC DEP

• Captain (Sludge Boat): NYC DEP in New York

City of New York - Department of Environmental Protection New York City, NY Start Date
09/15/2026

137500 Full-Time

The City of New York Department of Environmental Protection is hiring a full-time Captain (Sludge Boat) in New York City, New York. The position pays $133,531 within a published $125,000 to $150,000 salary band. The captain commands an assigned vessel and crew. The captain pilots sludge vessels and directs mooring, loading, and unloading.

DEP's Bureau of Wastewater Treatment operates municipal wastewater facilities, sludge dewatering facilities, collections facilities, laboratories, and harbor vessels. The appointed captain maintains logs, inspects the vessel, trains junior officers and crew, and reports vessel matters to a supervisor. The initial appointment is provisional, with permanent employment tied to passing the next Captain (Sludge Boat) civil service examination and obtaining an NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services list number.

• Role:
  Captain (Sludge Boat)
• Employer:
  
  City of New York Department of Environmental Protection
• Location:
  
  New York City, NY
• Pay: $133,531 within a $125,000 to $150,000 salary band

A candidate preparing an application has the required Merchant Mariner Credential, master endorsement, FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit, and supporting license records ready. The candidate also settles the provisional appointment and civil service examination requirements before submitting materials.

The captain position directs vessel and crew work inside DEP's wastewater operation. The captain assigns crew duties, supervises vessel movements, and reports vessel matters to a supervisor. Vessel records cover activity, inspections, equipment, and operating conditions.

Daily command includes piloting sludge vessels and managing mooring, loading, and unloading. The captain maintains ship supplies and equipment, trains junior officers and crew, and enforces department, U.S. Coast Guard, and other regulatory rules. The role requires decisions that protect the vessel, crew, and surrounding waterway during municipal service.

DEP provides 1.1 billion gallons of drinking water and manages wastewater, stormwater, and pollution control for New York City. The agency employs nearly 6,000 people and maintains a water system with 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes across a 2,000-square-mile watershed.

The captain works around New York waterways that support a large public utility. The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment operates 14 wastewater treatment plants alongside its sludge, collection, laboratory, and harbor-vessel operations. The New York captain role connects licensed vessel command with that municipal infrastructure.

The required credential is a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with an endorsement as Master of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage Upon Inland Waters or a higher license. The captain also needs an FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit or a higher radio operator license. A First Class Pilot's License for all department sludge-boat waters becomes necessary within one year of appointment.

A valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential is required within 30 days of appointment, and all licenses and the TWIC must remain valid during employment. The hiring process includes a U.S. Coast Guard medical examination before appointment, medical examinations during employment, and pre-appointment and random drug screening. The civil service examination and list-number requirement apply to permanent employment after the provisional appointment.

Safe command begins before a vessel leaves the dock. The captain checks the route, weather, equipment, crew readiness, and emergency arrangements, then keeps the crew informed about duties and changing conditions. The position's vessel command includes safe vessel operation , crew direction, and protection of people aboard.

• Review navigation information and operating conditions before departure
• Assign duties according to crew training and current vessel needs
• Coordinate mooring, loading, unloading, and movement through working harbor areas
• Run safety meetings and drills when vessel operations require them
• Record vessel activity, inspections, equipment needs, and incidents accurately

Passenger and crew protection also…