ASSISTANT PORT ENGINEER Location: Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Cape May, NJ Starting salary up to $128,100 for a well-qualified candidate Opening Date: February 17, 2026 Closing Date: Until Filled I. POSITION SUMMARY This position is an independent leader of the Marine Engineers and Maintenance staff for the Cape May- Lewes Ferry (CMLF). This position is responsible for assisting the Port Engineer in determining the priorities for the department and setting a clear action plan to deliver on those priorities to ensure the CMLF fleet is operated, repaired, and maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements, best practice, company standards, and customer expectations. This position manages several key positions, including highly skilled technicians to ensure that quality and timely maintenance and repair activities are completed, and that performance is measured and feedback is provided. This position utilizes resources in order to deliver on key operational priorities. This position is responsible for project planning and management. In the absence of the Port Engineer, the Assistant Port Engineer acts on his/her behalf. This position reports to the Port Engineer. II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Ensures maximum vessel fleet availability and reliability * Participates in development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives, short- and long-range planning; develops and implements projects and programs to assist in accomplishment of established goals * Assists in the development of the CMLF maintenance plan, and sets overall priorities and performance standards for preventive and predictive maintenance for assigned areas and assigned personnel * Assists in overseeing and execution of the annual and monthly preventative maintenance plans; directs seasonal support activities, including off-season servicing of equipment, systems, and infrastructure; uses computerized maintenance program to monitor maintenance trends, progress of maintenance, and to manage work orders * Uses systems to maintain records on equipment, inventories, and preventative maintenance activities and analyzes these records to implement or recommend improvements * Manages and oversees the supervision of personnel in assigned area, including work allocation, training, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance * Effectively communicates with assigned personnel to set priorities, and to understand and handle employee issues; meets regularly with and involves assigned personnel to determine best vessel upgrades, and improvements, and best practices for vessel maintenance and repairs * Primary manager of night watch operations, to include: watering, pumping of sewage and bilges, and various maintenance activities to ensure uninterrupted resumption of service the next day * Assists in the management of the CMLF warehouse inventory to meet anticipated maintenance and repair needs, while also managing costs * Develops training plans (mandated and career development) for all assigned employees and ensures their compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulations * Assists with development of budgets; seeks best value and analyzes expenses for potential operating, repairs and maintenance savings * Seeks to balance quality and cost in all purchases required by the department; follow all Authority guidelines for purchase approvals, as well as scope development and solicitation of bids, and manages vendor relationships according to Authority guidelines * Manages on-site shipyard work during dry-docking and other repair evolutions to ensure contract specifications are being met and best quality is achieved, negotiates change orders, documents project schedule, and handles pay estimates * Interfaces with regulatory and government agencies, vendors, contractors, and customers on matters related to maintenance and operations; specialist on regulatory issues regarding marine maintenance; assists as liaison with the U.S. Coast Guard for inspections * Participates in environmental and safety planning and compliance within policies and regulations to include the execution of mandated inspection processes, acts as a Qualified Individual under the Facility Response Plan; secondary manager of the Fuel Oil Transfer Procedures * Provides the highest level of customer service and professionalism to all internal and external customers * Works as duty officer as needed, dispatching crew and handling other operational needs * On occasion, sails in an underway capacity to fill staffing needs * Other duties as assigned III. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES * Knowledge of management principles and maintenance practices, procedures, and operations; able to manage a diverse work force * 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 IV. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE * Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or appropriate work equivalent experience in roles with increasing levels of responsibility * Three (3) years of experience in supervisory roles in transportation or maintenance, including direct supervision of marine maintenance work forces, five (5) years preferred * Experience in the 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 V. 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 VI. 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 and committed to building the first Diesel Electric Hybrid vessel within its fleet; must be willing and able to learn the regulations and operational practices needed * Must be willing and available for duty at such hours, day or night, as may be required in order to maintain continuous marine operations * Must be willing and able to attend shipyard events and work at remote locations for extended periods of time * 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, or aloft or over the side of the vessel if needed The Delaware River and Bay Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer If you are interested in applying for this position please complete the on-line application at www.drba.net. In addition, please attach a resume to the completed application.
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