Assistant Port Engineer - Cape May Lewes Ferry

Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA)Cape May, NJ, US

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Overview

ASSISTANT PORT ENGINEER

Location : Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Cape May, NJ

Salary : $103,100 to $128,900 annualized (Grade 111) (Position and Salary commensurate with experience and skills)

Opening Date : September 25, 2025 Closing Date : Until Filled

Responsibilities

Serve as an independent leader of the Marine Engineers and Maintenance staff for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (CMLF).
Assist the Port Engineer in determining department priorities and setting a clear action plan to ensure the fleet is operated, repaired, and maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements, best practice, company standards, and customer expectations.
Manage key positions, including highly skilled technicians, to ensure quality and timely maintenance and repair activities, and that performance is measured with feedback provided.
Utilize resources to deliver on key operational priorities and manage project planning and management.
Act on behalf of the Port Engineer in their absence.
Report to the Port Engineer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure maximum vessel fleet availability and reliability.

Participate in development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives, and planning; develop and implement projects and programs to achieve established goals.

Assist in developing the CMLF maintenance plan and set overall priorities and performance standards for preventive and predictive maintenance for assigned areas and personnel.

Assist in overseeing and executing annual and monthly preventative maintenance plans; direct seasonal support activities, including off-season servicing of equipment, systems, and infrastructure; use computerized maintenance program to monitor maintenance trends, progress of maintenance, and manage work orders.

Maintain records on equipment, inventories, and preventive maintenance activities; analyze records to implement or recommend improvements.

Manage and oversee supervision of personnel in assigned area, including work allocation, training, problem resolution; evaluate performance and make recommendations for personnel actions; motivate employees to peak productivity and performance.

Communicate effectively with assigned personnel to set priorities and address employee issues; meet regularly to determine vessel upgrades, improvements, and best practices for maintenance and repairs.

Primary manager of night watch operations, including watering, pumping of sewage and bilges, and related maintenance to ensure uninterrupted service resume the next day.

Assist in managing the CMLF warehouse inventory to meet maintenance and repair needs while managing costs.

Develop training plans (mandated and career development) for all assigned employees and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations.

Assist with budget development; seek best value and analyze expenses for operating, repairs and maintenance savings.

Balance quality and cost in all purchases; follow Authority guidelines for purchase approvals, scope development and solicitation of bids, and manage vendor relationships accordingly.

Manage on-site shipyard work during dry-docking and other repair evolutions to ensure contract specifications are met, negotiate change orders, document project schedule, and handle pay estimates.

Interface with regulatory and government agencies, vendors, contractors, and customers on maintenance and operations; serve as specialist on regulatory issues regarding marine maintenance; assist as liaison with the U.S. Coast Guard for inspections.

Participate in environmental and safety planning and compliance, including mandated inspections, and act as a Qualified Individual under the Facility Response Plan; secondary manager of Fuel Oil Transfer Procedures.

Provide the highest level of customer service and professionalism to all internal and external customers.

Work as duty officer as needed, dispatching crew and handling other operational needs.

On occasion, sail in an underway capacity to fill staffing needs.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of management principles and maintenance practices, procedures, and operations; ability to manage a diverse workforce.

Strong knowledge of relevant local, state and federal regulations, and Authority protocols and procedures that impact marine operations, repairs, and maintenance.

Knowledge of business and financial practices related to marine operations and maintenance.

Ability to set clear expectations and performance standards for employees; ability to hold individuals accountable for below-average performance.

Supervise, develop, and motivate staff by organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments in a complex operating environment.

Identify, develop, and implement strategic and tactical plans and solutions.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts.

Ability to write, read, understand, follow and enforce safety procedures.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Familiarity with machine shop tools (including metal lathes, drill presses, brakes, etc.) and their best use.

Ability to provide superior customer service by responding in a courteous, timely, and efficient manner.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience with increasing responsibility.

Three (3) years of supervisory experience in transportation or maintenance, including direct supervision of marine maintenance work forces; five (5) years preferred.

Experience in repair and maintenance of Fairbanks Morse Opposed Piston diesel engines preferred.

Three (3) years of experience with EMD, Caterpillar and / or Detroit Diesel engines and marine propulsion air and electronic control systems preferred.

Three (3) years of experience in the repair and maintenance of commercial vessel propulsion components including line shaft bearings, air compressors, hydraulic systems and other ancillary systems.

Licenses, Registrations, and / or Certificates

USCG Chief Engineer's license for vessel of the size and type used in Cape May-Lewes Ferry Operation and valid MMD within six (6) months of employment.

Valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).

Valid driver's license.

Certifications from a marine diesel engine manufacturer school (Fairbanks Morse, EMD, Caterpillar, and / or Detroit Diesel 71 Series) preferred.

Additional Requirements

Subject to a background investigation and pre-employment physical including drug testing in accordance with applicable Federal Regulation for marine personnel.

Delaware River and Bay Authority requires all employees to have direct deposit with a financial institution.

The DRBA is engaged in building the first Diesel Electric Hybrid vessel; must be willing and able to learn regulations and operational practices needed.

Must be willing and available for duty at such hours, day or night, as may be required to maintain continuous marine operations.

Must be willing and able to attend shipyard events and work at remote locations for extended periods.

Must be willing and able to work in extreme temperatures (heat / cold / humidity).

Must be willing and able to sail on vessel in licensed capacity as needed.

Must be willing and able to work in confined spaces and may be required to use a respirator.

Must be willing to work on high ladders, aloft, or over the side of the vessel if needed.

Applications : If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete the online application at www.drba.net and attach a current resume.

The Delaware River and Bay Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Port Engineer • Cape May, NJ, US