Ferry Crewmember

Location: Surry

Job Description
Job Title: Ferry Crew member
Location: Surry, VA 23883
Employment Type: Full-Time (W2)

Gov First is seeking a reliable and safety-focused Ferry Crew member to support ferry vessel operations.

This role serves as a key member of the ferry boat crew, assisting with the safe loading and unloading of vehicles and passengers, maintaining vessel safety and security, and ensuring compliance with all U.S. Coast Guard and VDOT regulations
.

This position is designated as essential and requires professionalism, situational awareness, and readiness to respond during emergency and adverse weather conditions.

The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following duties, including but not limited to:

Responsibilities:

Vessel Operations & Passenger Safety

• Assist with loading and unloading vehicles and passengers using clear, standardized hand signals.
• Ensure proper spacing between vehicles to maintain passenger and vessel safety.
• Properly chock and secure the first and last vehicles in each lane.
• Handle vessel lines and assist with docking and undocking operations as required.
• Stand lookout watch when assigned and remain alert during vessel operations.
• Patrol vessel decks to ensure compliance with safety and health regulations.

Security & Emergency Response

• Maintain awareness of security concerns and report suspicious behavior or violations immediately.
• Perform security sweeps of the vessel between crossings to ensure all passenger access areas are clear prior to reloading.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations and assist in emergency response activities.
• Serve as an emergency helmsman when trained and directed.

Housekeeping & Equipment Readiness

• Maintain cleanliness of assigned areas and ensure trash is removed regularly.
• Be prepared to operate assigned equipment in all weather conditions.
• Perform routine duties to maintain the safety, cleanliness, and orderliness of the vessel.

Professional Conduct & Communication

• Demonstrate and consistently practice safe work behaviors as a condition of employment.
• Report all safety incidents, accidents, and concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisors and report to work on time and prepared.
• Monitor weather forecasts to ensure operational readiness.
• Act with integrity and professionalism in all interactions and serve as a trusted steward of public resources.

Additional Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by a Supervisor or Senior Project Manager.

Requirements

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience performing manual labor using basic hand tools.
• Experience participating in emergency response activities preferred.
• Knowledge of seamanship, line handling, and basic marine terminology preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly, courteously, and professionally with coworkers and the public.

Required Education & Credentials

• High School Diploma or GED preferred; equivalent experience or training may be considered.
• Required to obtain a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) with AB or QMED endorsement within two (2) years of hire.
• Existing Merchant Marine credentials or endorsements are a plus.

Required Work Authorization:

• U.S. Citizen

Required Licensing & Background Check

• Valid driver's license required.
• DMV records check required.
• Pre-employment drug screening required.
• Fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check required.

Work Environment & Conditions

• 90-day probationary period.
• Potential for prolonged standing or sitting.
• Subject to short or no-notice work assignments.
• Performance monitored through routine evaluations.
• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions