Maine Department of Transportation  

Salary: $66,350.13 to $90,280.74/Annually* (Salary Schedule)

*The salary above includes a 3% stipend*

Office/Bureau: Maine State Ferry Service

Location: Rockland, ME 

Position Number:  02530-0061

Opening Date: April 17, 2024

Closing Date: May 1, 2024

Job Description:  

Serve as a full-time Relief Captain aboard all Maine State Ferry Service vessels on all MSFS runs. This is professional services work of a supervisory nature involving the operation and maintenance of a diverse fleet of large vessels. Responsibilities include overseeing the safe and efficient operation of large passenger and vehicle transportation vessels; ensuring the security and safety of the crew, passengers, and cargo; and overseeing the proper care and maintenance of the vessels, and its equipment. Work is performed under limited supervision. 

Responsible for the care and safe operation, piloting, and navigation of the assigned vessel. Responsible for observing regulations set forth by the MSFS and the US Coast Guard. Responsible for the safety and comfort of the passengers. Must be knowledgeable in all applicable MaineDOT policies as well as State and Federal regulations. 

To be minimally qualified for this position candidates must provide evidence of the following experience:

Experience in handling and commanding large engine powered ocean vessels, including experience in the maintenance and repair of vessels and auxiliary equipment including 2 years of directly related supervisory experience.  Post high school education in navigation, seamanship, and marine engineering is required.

Required to have a current TWIC Card - Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card. Card is provided by TSA -Transportation Security Administration.

Licensing/Registration/Certification Requirements: 

U.S. Coast Guard Masters level license for the tonnage of largest vessel operated by the State which is 500 GRT within inland waters.

Application Instructions: 

Interested applicants need to apply online by clicking the "Apply for this Opening/Apply Now" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and any applicable copies of post-secondary transcripts, licensing, registration and certifications. 

*If you require a paper application or have general questions, please contact MaineDOT Human Resources at 207-624-3050 or via email at jobs.DOT@maine.gov

Why join our team?

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: 

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  

• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value). 

• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% for MSEA positions and 17.96% for Confidential positions, of employee’s pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program. 

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.