Ferry Operator - Public Works

Marion County Public Works is seeking a Ferry Operator to add to our Road & Bridge Operations Division. The Ferry Operator position will join a collaborative team taking part in the necessary tasks for the operation and maintenance of the Wheatland and Buena Vista ferries. When not scheduled on the ferry, this position will be reassigned to perform duties related to signs/striping/pavement markings & litter control and other roadway features within the Marion County community including pavement/drainage, bridges/guardrails, roadside vegetation, and snow & ice response.

This position requires a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential within six months of hire upon the successful completion of provided training.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Operate a cable-guided, power driven, open deck ferry, transporting passengers and vehicles across the Willamette River year around; perform minor maintenance to ferry. When not functioning as a ferry operator, works for the Public Works Operations Division performing duties related to road maintenance and construction including, but not limited to, flagging, driving pilot vehicle, and other manual labor.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Work under the lead direction of a Crew Leader, and the supervision of the Road Operations Supervisor or designee. Receives general instruction and regular on-site monitoring of operations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Supervision is not a responsibility of positions in this class. May coordinate the work of maintenance worker or toll takers; may occasionally act as lead worker over lower-level employees.

This position is primarily assigned to the Ferry Operations workgroup and may report to other workgroups with alternative work locations and work schedules.

• Operate a power-driven ferry under all pertinent USCG Rules and Regulations. Transporting passengers, trucks, and automobiles; observe prescribed safety precautions in loading and unloading ferry, tying up to or casting off from the dock and in making the river crossing.

• Perform general maintenance, adjustments, and minor repairs to ferry equipment. Advise supervisor or crew leader of major breakdowns, or suspected breakdowns.

• Provide information to the public on ferry operations; notifies dispatch or supervisor of unscheduled closures due to repair or weather conditions so that closed signs may be posted in local areas.

• Collect required tolls from vehicle operators; makes change and sells tickets; accurately prepares and secures bank deposits. Keep monthly records, as needed.

• Assist in training new operators and prepare them for the US Coast Guard licensing process.

• Works in all weather conditions, may be assigned a variety of shifts, and sometimes works long hours; weather and environmental conditions permitting the ferries operate 7 days a week except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

• May operate all equipment listed in the Equipment Operators Classification table.

• Work may include digging ditches; shoveling; installing and maintaining culverts; cutting and chipping brush; litter pick-up / nuisance control removal; clean and maintain shops, grounds, vehicles, and equipment.

• Controls or directs traffic around hazards or crews; sets up, moves, and maintains signs, cones and barricades, portable devices for work or hazard zones; turn high water signs; operates pilot truck.

• Shovel and rake hot mix asphalt or cold mix; apply tack oil; prepare and apply crack sealant.

• Stands for long periods of time; walks long distances; works in inclement weather conditions; performs heavy manual labor; loading/ unloading all types of heavy materials; work with Corrections workers.

• May occasionally exercise lead direction over lower-level workers.

• May transport and work with adult-in-custody crews.

• Adequately communicate and access information via the computer (i.e., effectively uses and responds to e-mails)

• Create and update daily and weekly computerized work reports.

• Maintain records of inventory, work schedules for crews, materials used on projects and inspection reports for assigned projects.

• Participates in meetings, on-going training, and professional development.

• Consider an essential employee; works in inclement weather conditions; aids in storms response and recovery including ice, snow control, flooding, high water, and wind damage.

• May take part in chemical hazard cleanups, according to training given, for incidents on roads and road-related properties.

• May participate in basic incident command training and drills to maintain proficiency in supporting EOC activities, including carrying out field work in connection with EOC operations. May be assigned clerical/support, incident liaison, or other duties at any location within or near the county. Emergency Management duties may require working long hours outside normal business hours, weekend/holiday work, and may occur with little or no advance notice.

• Performs other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

1. High school diploma, or equivalent; AND
2. One year of experience in the operations or maintenance of marine vessels; AND
3. One year of customer service experience, including cash handling; OR
4. Any satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Marion County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at: requires possession of, or obtain with five (5) months of hire, certification of an appropriate Coast Guard inland operator's license. This includes the ability to pass general physical and vision examination requirements for the Coast Guard license;
• The finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
• This is a safety sensitive/special needs position. Final candidates selected for this position will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen, including testing for marijuana. The Marion County Drug and Alcohol Use and Testing Policy can be found at: style="padding: 0; margin: 0">Final candidates selected for this position may be required to pass a physical examination by a county-appointed medical doctor.
• As an employee, will be required to complete the following County paid trainings /certifications:
  • Temporary Traffic Control (flagger)
  • Awareness and Limited Operations' Level Hazardous Material Response
  • Lift Truck
  • Cash Handling
  • FEMA ICS/ NIMS IS-100 / 700 Incident Command
• This assignment is represented by a union
• This is a full-time position, which is eligible for overtime.
• Typical work schedule Sunday through Thursday. (will vary depending on ferry shift coverages): Marion County Ferry schedules are from 5:15 am to 10:00 pm, 7 days a week including holidays. Must be able to work alternative flex work schedules which may change frequently, covering both work locations. Working by yourself, you must be able to open or close the ferries.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of methods and materials used on road construction and repair; state laws pertaining to operation of motor vehicles and equipment on roads and highways; work methods required to perform in specialty as assigned; safety practices and methods to perform efficiently within the specialty area; the construction, repair, and maintenance of mechanical equipment of a power driven ferry; navigation regulations applicable to ferry operations and other assigned areas of operations, inspections methods, and procedures; public and customer service techniques; basic math and bookkeeping techniques.

Skills and abilities to perform strenuous manual work under hazardous conditions and adverse weather conditions; have good mechanical aptitude and dexterity; have good reading comprehension skills; perform specialized construction work; lift up to 50 pounds unassisted; operate the ferry and transport vehicles and passengers over water; respond quickly and appropriately, thinking quickly and clearly in emergencies; follow prescribed safety procedures; complete and maintain accurate records; operate and perform limited maintenance and repair on powered equipment; accurately count, record, and balance monies; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with county employees and the public.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Operates a motor vehicle and maintains an acceptable driving history; sees using depth perception; stands; sits; moves about the work area; bends forward; climbs 1 floor of stairs; reaches overhead; crawls on hands and knees; lifts up to 50 lbs.; pushes/pulls up to 120 lbs.; moves carts on wheels; carries up to 50 lbs.; operates a keyboard; speaks with a clear and audible voice; reads a 12 pt. font; hears a normal speech level; rapid-mental/hand/eye coordination; works in areas exposed to noise; heat, cold, dust, humidity, smoke, vibration, radiation, traverse wet and uneven terrain; climbs ladders and/or scaffolds; works with cleaning and office chemicals; potential risk of exposure to blood/body fluids.