Merchant Marine Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $3,649.00 - $6,566.00 Monthly
Location : Plaquemine, LA
Job Type: Classified
Job Number: 42/Sec-42/FBO1-3/06.16.26-AS
Department: DOTD-Engineering & Operations
Division: Section 42
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
About this Job
Section 42 - Maintenance Systems Management
**Applicants possessing a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) endorsement for motor vessels of less than 1,000 HP or higher are encouraged to apply.**
At DOTD, our mission is to empower communities and improve lives by delivering responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking public services. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity.
About This Position:
The incumbent operates an engine room and machinery on board or operates and pilots an "inspected" state owned ferry vessel as defined by the U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Specific duties assigned will be based on the license(s) held by the incumbent.
While in official capacity, DOTD employees must comply with applicable Louisiana and Civil Services laws, rules and regulations, as well as DOTD policies, procedures, manuals, and directives.
Please visit our DOTD Career Center for more information about our agency:
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of experience in marine operations plus one of the following U.S. Coast Guard credentials:
1. Able-Bodied Seaman (AB)
2. Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED)
NOTE:
Possession of a current Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) will be required at the time of appointment.
Job Specification
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.
Job Duties and Other Information
Job Duties:

• Assumes responsibility, on an assigned shift, for the operation and routine maintenance of engine room and machinery aboard an "inspected" marine vessel (such as main propulsion diesel engines, main electrical generating plants, hydraulic systems, sanitation systems, pumping systems, electrical and lighting systems.) Maintains vigilant watch of engine room machinery while underway at engineer control station. Pilot ferries carrying vehicles and passengers on the Mississippi River and Calcasieu Ship Channel.
• Performs daily test of all engine shut downs, engine alarms, steering alarms and high bilge alarms. Checks all emergency lighting operational condition daily (checks battery chargers, battery condition and relays.) Checks all watertight door and hatches daily; maintains closed while underway. Serves as Vessel Security officers in accordance with Vessel Security Plan. Conducts fire, collision and security drills on a regular basis. Communicates with the U.S. Coast Guard Inspectors and Safety Officers on inspections and accidents.
• Maintains required engineering logs and records, and makes reports. Maintains and schedules all lubrication changes of machinery and equipment, ensures availability of necessary supplies and equipment for changes. Maintains dry bilge compartments at all times; performs daily test of bilge pumps.

Position Specific Details:Appointment Type: Probational, Promotional, or Job Appointment
Career Progression: May be filled as a as Ferryboat Operator 1, 2, or 3 depending on the level of experience of the selected applicant(s).
Compensation: Below is the starting hourly rate and premium pay amount for each level.

• Ferryboat Operator 1 - 43,784.00 - 78,790.00 (Annually)
• Ferryboat Operator 2 - 50,128.00 - 90,210.0 (Annually)
• Ferryboat Operator 3 - 57,408.00 - 103,293.00 (Annually)

You may be eligible to receive a 6.5g pay adjustment depending on qualifications.
All 3 above levels have:

• Premium Pay for Hours Actually Worked of $2.00/Hour
• Shift Differential Pay of $1.75/Hour

Please refer to the "Job Specifications" tab located at the top of the LA Careers "Current Job Opportunities" page of the Civil Service website for specific information on salary ranges, minimum qualification and job concepts for each level.
This announcement will be used to fill multiple vacancies.
How To Apply:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.
To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.
* Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.
Contact Information:
For further information about this vacancy contact:
Steven Sibley
Engineer 7
225-379-1820
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities. DOTD does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or pregnancy, and prohibits harassment of any type.
Information on the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available:
Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.
Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.
As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:
Insurance Coverage More information can be found at
Parental Leave - Up to six weeks paid parental leave
More information can be found at
Holidays and Leave - State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

***** Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor
State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.
Retirement- State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):

• Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
• Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (),
• Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (), among others

01
Are you a permanent LA DOTD employee?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you a probational LA-DOTD employee?

• Yes
• No

03
Are you a current or former employee of the State of Louisiana?

• Yes
• No

04
If so, for which state agency(ies) do you/did you work and during what time period(s)? If not, indicate "NA".
05
To ensure compliance with PPM #9, DOTD Nepotism Policy, please list the name and relationship with any immediate family members that are currently employed by the LA-DOTD. Please type "N/A" if there are no immediate family members?
06
Are you an Able-Bodied Seaman (AB) certified by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)?

• Yes
• No

07
Are you a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) certified by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)?

• Yes
• No

08
Do you possess a current USCG MMC for Designated Duty Engineer of at least 1000 HP or higher?

• Yes
• No

09
Please include listing of all Merchant Mariner Credentials received from USCG.
Required Question