CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Texas Department of Transportation held a hiring fair on Wednesday as it recruited ferryboat deckhands at its Port Aransas Ferry Operations.
The hiring fair kicked off at 10:00 a.m. and lasted until 2:00 p.m. at 619 W Cotter Ave. in Port Aransas.
The Texas Department of Transportation Public Information Officer Rickey Dailey said more than 30 people attended the event. Of that group, around eight of them received a letter asking them to complete a couple more steps before they're hired.
If you weren't able to attend Wednesday's hiring fair, Dailey said you can still apply.
"Being a deckhand is a rough job," Dailey said. "You're out in the weather, you're in the sun, you're in the rain. You're always having to have your head on a swivel looking for cars and directing traffic. So, we have a little bit of turnover like in a lot of jobs so we're always looking for qualified people."
Dailey also said customer service is a big part of TxDOT's operation. He said deckhands have to handle themselves very capably because people have to wait or have been out in the sun or even had a number of adult beverages. Deckhands have to keep their cool and be able to take complaints.
The ferry runs 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week.
"Come over to Port Aransas and enjoy the ferry and be kind to our deckhands because they'll be kind to you," said Dailey.
More information on requirements and benefits include:
- No education required
- Entry-level up to 3 years experience
- Valid Driver's License required
Benefits:
- Paid leave (including vacation, sick, holiday, performance, wellness, and voting)
- Employer-paid Health Insurance, with $5,000 basic life and $5,000 accidental death and dismemberment
- Retirement benefits
- Tuition assistance program
- Discount purchase programs
- Longevity pay
If you are interested in applying go to TxDot.gov or use the Statewide Job Hotline at 1-800-893-6848.
