Maritime Safety Officer-Port Aransas Ferry

Job Overview

Maritime Safety Officer – Port Aransas Ferry (Job Code 2503573). Oversee the Maritime division safety program, ensure vessel safety, and maintain compliance with all applicable maritime laws and regulations.

• Ensure marine vessels are operated safely and in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Maintain liaison with U.S. Coast Guard or other regulatory bodies for current rules, regulations and operations information.
• Monitor compliance with material safety data sheet (MSDS) requirements and recommend updates for spill prevention control and countermeasures (SPCC) plan.
• Administer hazardous substance spill contingency plan, emergency planning program and violence prevention program.
• Answer safety-related inquiries and complaints from the public.
• Coordinate safety meetings and provide literature and audio‑visual material.
• Develop localized policies, procedures, guidelines and rule interpretations to comply with federal, state and local rules and regulations.
• Inspect equipment and work areas.
• Investigate employee accidents, prepare reports and maintain records; identify injury types and accident causes and recommend preventative actions.
• Perform industrial hygiene testing of departmental operations to ensure compliance with safety and hazardous materials regulations.
• Plan, schedule and monitor programs or activities that promote employee safety and accident prevention.
• Provide safety information for bulletin boards and employees.
• Coordinate periodic inspections of vessels and equipment and develop and implement safety policies, procedures and protocols.
• Enforce safety regulations, guidelines and procedures on board vessels and facilities.
• Conduct safety inspections and risk assessments on vessels and/or maritime facilities for potential hazards.
• Develop and conduct emergency response procedures; conduct drills to ensure preparedness for emergencies.
• Maintain records of safety related incidents and responses; procure and maintain safety equipment and materials; provide training on safety procedures and use of safety equipment.
• Coordinate with relevant authorities, regulatory entities and organizations on safety matters.
• Perform other job responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety & Health or related safety discipline; related work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis.
• Three (3) years of experience in Occupational Safety, Industrial hygiene, marine/ship operations and safety or closely related work activities.
• Valid driver’s license; this position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Safety Impact Certificate and Vessel Crew Member Certificate.
• Professional safety designations (ASC, ASP, CSP, OHST, CSHO) or equivalent within one year of employment.
• Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines and specification codes; applicable laws, rules and regulations; maritime safety regulations and practices.

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full‑Time Employees
• On‑the‑Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family‑Friendly Policies and Programs

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise, vibration and narrow aisles or passageways.
• Lift up to 10 lbs at a time; occasionally carry files/small tools.
• Lift up to 20 lbs at a time; frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.
• Standing‑prolonged periods of time; walking and moving on foot to accomplish tasks over long distances.
• Expressing ideas by spoken words; repetitive motion and substantial movements of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Visual acuity for determining work quality and making general observations of facilities/structures.

Must pass a drug test prior to employment. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.