Casual Assistant Engineer; Marine - Cape Lewes Ferry

CASUAL Assistant Engineer (Marine)

Location:

Cape May, NJ

Hourly Rate:
Varies with qualifications

Opening Date:
February 26, 2026 | Closing Date:
Until Filled

The Assistant Engineer has the responsibility of overseeing vessel equipment operation, making log entries and reporting problems to the Chief Engineer. The Assistant Engineer assists with the primary level of maintenance and repair of the vessels while underway. The Assistant Engineer is responsible to the Chief Engineer for engine room duties, to the Captain for emergency duties underway and to the delegated Yard Supervisor when working ashore.

This is a safety sensitive position both underway and ashore. This individual is responsible for following established safety practices while performing assigned duties to protect self, co-workers and the public from personal injury and to prevent damage to Authority property and the environment. This casual position is part-time with no guaranteed minimum number of hours, nor are there any guaranteed assignments.

• Responsible for the safe operation of all engines, auxiliary machinery and related systems in the motor vessels and related facilities
• Complies with Federal Regulations 46 CFR subpart C, 15.401, 15.405, subpart D 15.501 and 15.825
• Contributes to the safe operation of vessels and equipment
• Responds decisively and effectively to emergency situations
• Maintains familiarity with individual vessel characteristics
• Assists in the engine room during vessel operation
• Responsible for maintaining records including official machinery logs and reporting data to the Chief for maintenance logs and repair requests
• Has effective knowledge of the Engine Room Standard Operating Procedures plan and the DRBA Facilities Operations Manual and can follow the instructions of the plans
• Monitors machinery and auxiliary systems and equipment throughout the vessel with an eye toward early identification of problems
• When assigned ashore, responsible for assisting the Chief Engineer in the safe fueling of vessels in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations
• Responsible for assisting with the maintenance of vessel engines, auxiliary machinery and related systems while underway and ashore
• Performs routine maintenance of machinery and systems
• Helps diagnose malfunctions and provides recommendations for course of action to the Chief Engineer
• Ensures cleanliness of vessel engine room and other machinery spaces
• Performs maintenance and repair of vessels and related machinery while scheduled ashore under the direction of the Port Engineer's designee

• Leadership ability
• The ability to diagnose machinery malfunctions and recommend a course of corrective action
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and machinery systems' technical manuals

• Vessel engine room, bow thruster space and various void spaces throughout vessel

• Valid driver's license
• Valid TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Card)
• Valid USCG MMC (Merchant Mariners Credential) endorsed as Wiper at a minimum. Oiler, 3rd Engineer, QMED preferred.

• Must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalency or equivalent related experience

• Subject to a background investigation
• Subject to applicable drug testing regulations and a pre-employment physical examination
• Delaware River and Bay Authority requires all employees to have direct deposit with a financial institution or enroll in the payroll card program to receive their bi-weekly pay

If you are interested in applying for this position please complete the on-line application at  In addition, you also have the option of attaching a resume to the completed application.