Ferry Superintendent

Class Concept

Positions in this class perform supervisory work in the operation, repair, and overhaul of U.S. Coast Guard inspected ferry vessels within an assigned geographic district, including multiple terminals, routes, and operational units. Employees plan and assign work, supervise subordinate staff, and establish district priorities to ensure ferry services are delivered safely, efficiently, and consistently across all terminals. Work includes responsibility for operational performance, workforce management, fiscal oversight, and risk management. Employees develop and implement short and long-range operational plans to address service demand, ridership trends, infrastructure needs, and staffing requirements. Positions coordinate with division leadership, other NCDOT units, local governments, and regulatory agencies, and may represent the Ferry Division in public and regional planning meetings. They ensure compliance with State and Federal maritime regulations, implement corrective actions from inspections and audits, and may authorize operational adjustments, route modifications, or service suspensions during emergencies or severe weather. Positions also participate in budget planning and resource allocation and establish priorities for vessel deployment, facility improvements, and capital projects in coordination with maintenance and engineering units.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of ferry operations, maritime safety practices, vessel deployment strategies, and terminal operations
• Comprehensive knowledge of State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations governing ferry operations, maritime transportation, safety and security
• Knowledge of principles and practices of organizational management, workforce planning, and program administration in a transportation or maritime environment
• Ability to direct and evaluate the work of subordinate staff and establish performance expectations
• Knowledge of public sector budget development and fiscal management; with the ability to analyze financial data for trends and risks Ability to coordinate with governmental, regulatory, and community stakeholders
• Ability to communicate effectively, representing the Ferry Division to leadership, partners, and the public

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of progressively responsible management experience in transportation operations, maritime operations, public administration, or a closely related field; or Associate's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and six years of experience in ferry operations, maritime operations, transportation operations, or administrative management, including supervisory experience; or High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and eight years of experience in ferry operations, maritime operations, transportation operations, or administrative management, including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.