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Ferry Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Ferry Boat Captain

Georgetown, DE · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Operates the Department's ferry boat for the purpose of transporting vehicles and pedestrians across the river. * Ensures the vessel is supplied and rigged to serve the mission's purpose and to ...

New

Operates the Department's ferry boat for the purpose of transporting vehicles and pedestrians across the river. * Ensures the vessel is supplied and rigged to serve the mission's purpose and to ...

Whether you enjoy kayaking in the bay, browsing local shops on Second Street, or watching the sunset over the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, there is always something to look forward to outside of ...

Whether you enjoy kayaking in the bay, browsing local shops on Second Street, or watching the sunset over the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, there is always something to look forward to outside of ...

Whether you enjoy kayaking in the bay, browsing local shops on Second Street, or watching the sunset over the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, there is always something to look forward to outside of ...

Whether you enjoy kayaking in the bay, browsing local shops on Second Street, or watching the sunset over the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, there is always something to look forward to outside of ...

Ferry information

See Delaware salary details

$16

$37

$76

How much do ferry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for ferry in Delaware is $37.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.10 and $41.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ferry?

A ferry job typically involves working on a boat or ship that transports passengers, vehicles, or goods across bodies of water. Positions can range from deckhands and captains to ticketing agents and engineers. Responsibilities may include ensuring passenger safety, operating and maintaining the vessel, and assisting with loading and unloading. Ferry jobs often require maritime training, licensing, and knowledge of navigation and safety protocols. The work environment can vary depending on the route, vessel size, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the ferry position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ferry Operator or Ferry Crew Member, you need knowledge of maritime safety procedures, vessel operation, and typically a relevant maritime certification such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or state boat operator’s license. Proficiency with navigation tools, communication radios, and basic mechanical systems is usually required to ensure safe passage and vessel functionality. Strong customer service skills, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you succeed in passenger-facing situations. These skills are crucial for maintaining passenger safety, punctual service, and efficient ferry operations.

What are the typical work hours and scheduling expectations for ferry crew positions?

Ferry crew positions often require working in shifts that may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays, as ferry services typically operate outside of standard business hours to meet public or commuter demand. Schedules can vary based on the route and employer, but rotations may include several days on followed by days off, especially for longer routes. Crew members should be prepared for variable weather conditions and periods of downtime while the vessel is docked. Teamwork is essential, as you’ll be collaborating closely with other crew members to manage passenger safety, vessel operations, and customer service. Flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changing schedules are important for success in this dynamic environment.

What job categories do people searching Ferry jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Ferry jobs in Delaware are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Ferry jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Ferry job openings:

Infographic showing various Ferry job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,383 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Ferry Boat Captain

Georgetown, DE • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Introduction

The mission of Maintenance & Operations is to provide excellence in transportation by keeping the state's road transportation network in a state of good repair through the careful and consistent application of personnel, equipment and financial resources.

Summary Statement

An employee serves as Captain of a state-owned and operated ferry boat, responsible for the safe and efficient transport of vehicles and passengers on board. The Captain oversees and commands all aspects of the vessel’s operations including navigation, safety, maintenance, and crew management. Work of this class requires employees to possess a 100 ton United States Coast Guard (USCG) Master Captain’s license. This position must be available to work overtime as needed, and during storm events and other emergency events on short notice and in some cases no advance notice. This position works a rotating shift schedule and when the ferry is not operational, the position reports to the maintenance yard to perform non-ferry related duties as assigned. This position will be located at Area 28, 24450 Lewes-Georgetown Hwy, Georgetown DE 19947.

Essential Functions
  • Maintains a 100-ton United States Coast Guard (USCG) Master Captain’s license.
  • Operates the Department's ferry boat for the purpose of transporting vehicles and pedestrians across the river.
  • Ensures the vessel is supplied and rigged to serve the mission's purpose and to operate effectively and safely.
  • Supervises loading and unloading of vehicles and passengers to ensure proper distribution of weight and passenger safety and uses traffic control techniques to control high/low speed vehicular traffic movements.
  • Develops maintenance schedules and performs preventative maintenance and repairs including correcting problems or performing updates to the electronic systems, and plans and designs retrofits to the hull, machinery, electronic gear, and rigging.
  • Coordinates the acquisition of new equipment and inspection of shipyard overhauls which may include working with purchasing agents, mechanics, marine engineers, and others.
  • Maintains ferry boat logs and records pertaining to the operation of the ferry.
  • Collaborates with Department employees and staff to provide training and information on the operation and maintenance of the vessel and equipment, various projects, or repairs on the boat, and to explain maritime laws, rules, and regulations, shipboard safety, rescue, and survival techniques.
  • Monitors weather, tidal, and related conditions to determine if conditions are suitable for year-round operations.
  • Interacts with the public and provides information regarding ferry operations and the surrounding area.
  • Drives and controls on/off-road equipment such as dump trucks, pickup trucks, and trucks with trailers to haul supplies to and from the work site. This may include public highway systems.
  • Operates mobile equipment and hand tools to dig, ditch, slope, strip, grade, backfill, mow, and clear and excavate for the purpose of ditching work, guardrail installation, and digging for concrete footers.
  • Operates draw and swing bridges to permit both water and roadway traffic to pass safely.
  • Performs preventive maintenance, operational checks, pre and post walk around inspections, and makes minor repairs/adjustments of assigned equipment; reports damage and/or required maintenance.
  • May perform additional work as assigned when not operating the ferry.
Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Ferry Boat Captain Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  • Possession of a United States Coast Guard license to operate and navigate passenger carrying vessels of at least 100 tons for the purpose of carrying vehicles and passengers.
  • One year of experience in marine operations, seamanship practices, and climatic interpretation to navigate vessels safely and efficiently.
  • One year of experience in operating and maintaining electronic gear, rigging, and diesel engines.
  • Six months’ experience in preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment such as lubricating, cleaning, and servicing.
  • Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
Conditions of Hire

As a condition of hire you must possess a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

As a condition of hire you must possess a valid CDL Class A or B drivers license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving) or obtain one during the initial 90-day probationary period.

Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

Pre‑employment Drug Testing: Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre‑employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources. DelDOT does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/.

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov. The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

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