Ferry Chief Engineer

Department of Labor

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Hyde County, NC Cedar Island Operations Carteret Until 8/22/2026 First posted March 18, 2026 Last posted March 18, 2026
Job description

Agency

Dept of Transportation

Division

Job Classification Title

Ferry Chief Engineer (S)

Position Number

Grade

NC10

About Us

It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date.

This is an extended posting for Ferry Chief Engineer positions within the Ferry Division. Multiple Ferry Chief Engineer positions will be filled from this posting. We will be filling positions for the following locations: Cedar Island, Cherry Branch, Currituck, Hatteras, Ocracoke, Pamlico River, Southport, Swan Quarter. If there currently is not a vacancy at one of these locations, your application will be considered if a vacancy becomes available.

Work in this class involves full responsibility for supervising and coordinating activities of vessel personnel engaged in operating and maintaining propulsion and other engines, generators, deck, machinery, electrical, refrigeration and sanitation equipment and other related systems on board ferry vessels. Employees operate the engineering systems in accordance with rules and regulations established by the U.S. Coast Guard, North Carolina Department of Transportation and policies and procedures of the Ferry Division. Employees are responsible for following all safety and Homeland Security rules and regulations. Work is reviewed by superiors through written reports and by inspections performed by United States Coast Guard personnel. Employees may perform other duties as required.

Shift work – 7 days on and 7 days off (Tuesday – Monday)

NOTE: A COPY OF BOTH TWIC AND MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL ENDORSED AS CHIEF ENGINEER; OR LIMITED ASSISTANT ENGINEER OR POSSESS ENDORSEMENT STATING, “CHIEF ENGINEER OF MOTORPROPELLED VESSEL OF LESS THAN 4,000 HP RESTRICTED TO NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OFTRANPORTATION PASSENGER FERRIES” MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF THE INTERVIEW PROCESS.

Duties include, but not limited to:
Checks, operates, and maintains marine equipment such as engines, generators, steering gears, pumps, and other auxiliary equipment; performs minor emergency repairs while underway.
Executes orders received from the Ferry Master pertaining to starting, stopping, speed of vessel, and other operations while vessel is underway.
Maintains and operates all below-deck firefighting equipment.
Prepares and maintains records of all tools and parts; keeps daily logs of all machinery operations such as engine RPMs, time, temperature, pressures, oil changes, quantity of fuel and water aboard, and all repairs made to engines auxiliary equipment.
Participates in minor repairs on motors, auxiliary equipment, and the hull.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade and Salary Range:  NC10 - $43,267 - $75,718

Management prefers applicants with the following:

  • Knowledge of the operations, maintenance and repairs of marine diesel and gas engines, pumps, generators and other auxiliary equipment.

  • Knowledge of State, Federal, and U.S. Coast Guard laws and regulations regarding occupational hazards and safety precautions for engine room work aboard vessels.

  • Demonstrated ability supervising personnel in all areas of engine room operations.

  • Demonstrated ability to overhaul and maintain complex engineering equipment up to including large internal combustion diesel engines.

  • Skill in repairing and performing required periodic maintenance of the vessel’s equipment in accordance with manufactures instructions, Coast Guard regulations and Ferry Division Policy.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer or Designated Duty Engineer with the appropriate horsepower for the vessel operated.

Necessary Special Qualification Possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Sylvia Rene Basnight

Email:

DOT-WorkdayJobRecruitment@ncdot.gov

About this role

Summary

Oversee ferry vessel engine operations, maintenance, safety, and repairs.

Job title

Ferry Chief Engineer

Experience level

professional level

Industry

transportation

Location requirements

Multiple North Carolina ferry locations, remote not allowed.

Salary

NC10 - $43,267 - $75,718

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

coast guard licensemarine diesel enginesmaintenancesafety regulationssupervision

Preferred skills

engine overhaulcrew supervisionlarge enginesrepair skills

Specializations

marine enginesmaintenancesafety regulationscoast guardmarine equipment
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Hyde County, NC, USA

On-site Place

Cedar Island, NC 28520, USA

On-site City

Unknown location

On-site

Unknown location

On-site

Unknown location

On-site

Unknown location

On-site

Cherry Branch, NC 28532, USA

On-site City

Swanquarter, NC 27885, USA

On-site City