Kitsap Transit
Under general supervision, perform deckhand duties on a small passenger ferry vessel and assist in operating the vessel safely, reliably, and in conformance with agency policy.
Assist the Captain in operating the vessel safely in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Coast Guard. Stop vessel and passenger operations and take corrective actions immediately, if an unsafe condition exists.
Perform routine inspections of the vessel and its components, checking on all operating and safety equipment as well as electronics componentry to ensure that the vessel is seaworthy in every respect. Inspect the operational status of emergency backup controls daily prior to departing homeport. Perform safety inspections and drills.
Perform basic deck and vessel cleaning and maintenance functions; keep docks clean and free of debris and ice; clean vessel furnishings, decks, restrooms, bulkheads, overheads, windows and vessel exterior as needed; empty vessel trash and separate items for recycling.
Assist in fueling operations and replenishment of vessel supplies. Inspect and fill engine fluids prior to getting underway, ensuring that the vessel has extra fluids on board at all times. Transfer diesel, waste and potable water via hose to/from the vessel.
Process passenger embarkation, Passenger-On-Board counts, payments and interact positively with passengers. Ensure vessel cleanliness is maintained at all times. Communicate passenger behavior standards and expectations.
Conduct nautical operations such as vessel mooring, handle mooring lines; cast off lines upon embarking and secure lines upon docking.
Perform lookout duties in compliance with national and international marine standards. May also conduct light maintenance and cleaning duties on the vessel when in operation and between trips, involving the use of cleaning supplies.
May take over vessel operation and bring the vessel into port if the Captain is incapacitated.
Kitsap Transit Employees Who Wish To Apply Must Have a Satisfactory Performance And Attendance Record. Kitsap Transit Operators With Any Of The Following Criteria In The Last Twelve Months Are Excluded From Recruitment Opportunities
Education And Experience High school diploma/GED and at least three months’ experience as a deckhand on a commercial vessel.
Preferred: A United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with a minimum rating of Ordinary Seaman and a United States Coast Guard Medical Certificate.
Licenses/Certifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : Following are some highlights of what is needed to be successful in this position.
Salary Range : This is a non-exempt position and the salary range for this position is $41.56 - $55.91 per hour. Deckhand positions are currently guaranteed 30 hours per week.
Benefits : As a full-time employee, you will receive a generous benefits package including subsidized medical insurance and fully paid dental insurance for employee and dependents, as well as disability insurance and life insurance. This position participates in the Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement Plan with the option of participating in a state administered deferred compensation plan. You will receive a general leave accrual of 6.7693 hours per pay period and 11 holidays. We also provide you and certain dependents with a free transportation pass on Kitsap Transit.
Hours of Work: Hours of operation for the Marine Services division are currently:
Monday thru Friday - 4:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. (Sunday)
Sunday - 08:30 a.m. - 08:00 p.m.
These hours of operation may change depending on the business needs of the agency. As the business needs of the agency change, applicants must be available to work any hours of operation including Saturdays, Sundays and all holidays. The schedule for this position may vary from week to week and may include Saturday work on a permanent basis.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements Position in this class typically require: dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other equipment, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, oils, poor ventilation, chemicals, blood and other body fluids, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restricting movements, intense noise, and environmental conditions such as disruptive people, imminent danger and/or a threatening environment. This position requires substantial time outdoors, in all weather conditions in a maritime environment. Travel to and from various ferry terminals will be required. Primary workstations will be at outdoor marine locations. Must be able to lift and carry 75 pounds. Must be qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition to perform deckhand duties. Must be physically able to perform all duties associated with the protection and evacuation of passengers during emergency situations including man overboard rescue and retrieval, fire, abandon ship, foul weather, medical emergency, collision, and suspicious package management. Must be able to work long shifts. Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather and extreme temperatures. Must be available to work late night and early morning hours, weekends, and holidays. Must be able to handle all seamanship duties including fueling, line handling, watch standing, inspection of machinery spaces, emergency drills, deploying gangways and boarding ramps, and transferring black and grey water.
Comply with United States Coast Guard mobility and physical standards for deckhand aboard small passenger vessels, per eCFR:46 CFR Part 10 Subpart C -- Medical Certification
Selection Process: After evaluating the completed application packets, we will invite the most qualified applicants to interview for the position. We will not make any hiring decisions until all steps in the selection process are completed including references, background checks and a pre-employment drug screen.
To Apply: If you decide to apply for this position, please visit our employment link at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kitsaptransit. Please contact Janel Silver in the Human Resources Department at (360) 473-1138 if you have any questions.
Closing Date: This posting is open until April 21, 2026. You may include a resume; however, it may not be used in lieu of a completed application.
KITSAP TRANSIT IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER