Marine Deckhand

King County•Seattle, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

King County Metro Transit’s Marine Division is hiring a Marine Deckhand for its Water Taxi team. Deckhands work aboard Water Taxi vessels based at the Pier 48 terminal on Seattle’s waterfront. Under the direction of the Captain, they help maintain and prepare vessels for service and promote the safety of passengers and crew. The role supports reliable commuter service on the Vashon Island and West Seattle routes. The Marine Division operates passenger-only ferry service on two Puget Sound routes originating in downtown Seattle. Water Taxi service runs year-round, seven days a week, for 11 to 17 hours daily. The position is based at Pier 48 and Pier 50 on the downtown Seattle waterfront. Work takes place outdoors aboard the vessel and inside its cabin and pilothouse, in all weather conditions. Employees stand or walk for most of the day. Start times may be as early as 4:45 a.m. and end times as late as 11:45 p.m.; service operates seven days a week. This is a safety-sensitive, non-exempt position eligible for overtime pay. The recruitment will immediately fill one Career Service position and may also be used to create an eligibility list for future Career Service, fully benefitted Term-Limited Temporary, or Special Duty Assignment vacancies, valid for up to twelve months or until exhausted at the hiring authority’s discretion. The position is represented by the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific.

Requirements

Valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration.
Valid United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) or Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC) with at least an Ordinary Seaman (OS) endorsement.
Current First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain it upon hire.
At least two years of work experience in the maritime industry on high-speed passenger vessels.
Experience providing customer service to the traveling public, or ability to provide accurate, timely, and polite service, including appropriate guidance during emergencies.
Ability to work effectively with others in a diverse workforce where differences are valued.
Ability to demonstrate fairness, respect, and inclusiveness.
Ability to respond safely, effectively, and expeditiously during an emergency.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to be punctual and provide reliable sailings as scheduled.
Ability to work split shifts is preferred.
Applicants must submit an online employment application with employment history covering at least the past ten years if applicable, a cover letter or letter of interest, and completed supplemental questions.

Nice To Haves

Experience navigating a US Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessel in Pacific Northwest waters.
Previous experience on US Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessels, preferably high-speed vessels.
USCG MMD or MMC with an Able Seaman (AB) endorsement.
100-ton USCG Captain’s License and experience navigating Pacific Northwest waters.
Certification in Fire Safety Training and Life Saving Training.
Training and experience sufficient to qualify as a Senior Deckhand in compliance with USCG Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) No. 1-91.
Ability to work split shifts.

Responsibilities

Assist the Captain and/or engineers with vessel startup and shutdown.
Raise and lower passenger loading ramps, position ramps, and control passenger entry and exit.
Handle mooring lines, cast off when departing, and secure lines when docking.
Assist passengers boarding and departing, promote passenger safety, answer questions, and provide information.
Stand watch while underway; as directed by the Captain, perform lookout watches and assist with vessel navigation.
Perform safety and security functions, including regular vessel safety and security sweeps and engine room rounds while underway.
Clean and maintain vessels and facilities, including removing debris, snow, and ice from decks; preparing surfaces and painting; cleaning vessel furnishings, decks, restrooms, bulkheads, overheads, windows, heaters, and exterior; and sorting trash for recycling.
Check that passengers have paid the appropriate fare, observe use of electronic fare media, operate fare collection equipment, assist with cash payments and fare boxes, and count and record passengers.
Assist with vessel fueling and replenishment of supplies.
Participate in required training and drills and perform applicable emergency procedures.
Understand and maintain safety and emergency equipment in working order, including fire extinguishers, firefighting systems, life rafts, life preservers, life rings, emergency shut-downs, and radio beacons.
Be prepared to respond to emergencies or security situations aboard the ferry or at terminals.
May take over operation of the ferry to bring it into port if the Captain is incapacitated.
Follow Metro Transit safety practices and procedures, report safety and security concerns, and help maintain a safe work environment.