Dredge Deck Hand

Build Your Future with the City of Boca Raton!

At the City of Boca Raton, a career in public service is more than a job — it’s your chance to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and sustainable coastal community. Driven by our core values of Fairness, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Trust, we are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel appreciated, inspired, and supported.

Why Boca Raton?

As the second largest city in Palm Beach County, the City of Boca Raton offers robust benefits to their employees:

• Health Insurance Benefits: No-cost employee Medical, Dental & Vision plans
• Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays + vacation and sick
• Continuous Service Benefit: Paid out annually after 5 years of service
• Retirement Plans: Two pension/retirement options to choose from

Whether you're starting out or looking to take your public service career to the next level, the City of Boca Raton offers the tools, resources, and culture to help you succeed. 

Apply now and join the city that’s building careers and shaping a stronger tomorrow!

General Statement of Job:

This position performs responsible semi-skilled work performing a variety of tasks in connection with the City's inlet dredging operation. Under supervision of the Dredge Operator, responsibilities include the preparation, repair, and maintenance of all dredge equipment and vessels. Work involves considerable exposure to the natural elements and includes manual work.

• Checks and prepares tugboat, barge, and dredge for dredging operations
• Communicates with Dredge Captain, and Dredge Operator(s) to coordinate dredge movements
• Completes mandatory daily boat maintenance Log/Checklist, to meet State permit requirements
• Comply with standard operating procedures, safety practices, rules, and regulations while performing job duties
• Washes and maintains vessels and equipment in proper working order
• Keep work areas clean and organized
• Loads and unloads materials from vessels/barges and docks/trucks
• Performs maintenance on equipment including de-rusting and painting
• Performs repairs and makes additions to pipes and lines
• Maintains the overall appearance of the vessel ensuring that proper storage and housekeeping are observed
• Cleans deck of the vessel regularly and maintains equipment exposed to outside elements that cause deterioration
• Keeps deck clear of obstructions of any type that may cause slips, falls, or that otherwise may be a safety hazard
• Serves in the capacity of lookout or watch during operations, or maneuvering
• Participates in safety and environmental initiatives that will contribute to compliance with State/Federal regulations and improve existing City programs
• Enters water to perform regular maintenance and repairs on pipes, vessels, and equipment
• Assists Street Maintenance and Stormwater divisions when required

Knowledge of:

• The maintenance, repair, and manual tasks involved with dredging and/or marine vessels
• The use of common and specialized tools required in the work
• The safe use and operation and preventive maintenance of dredging and/or marine equipment
• The occupational hazards involved and the safety precautions necessary to the proper operation of dredging equipment
• Boater safety and boat navigation rules
• Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as other safety related precautions
• Proper handling for mooring lines, anchors, cables, and rigging

Skilled in:

• Semi-skilled Maritime trade work and Vessel Deck Operations

• Reading comprehension – both of routine communications as well as instructional manuals, diagrams, or other work-related documents

Ability to:

• Work comfortably and safely in the water, snorkeling or swimming as needed
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing, maintain good working relationships, and exercise initiative and sound judgment
• Understand and follow oral and written directions
• Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time under adverse work conditions
• Work around moving machinery
• Perform under stress, under pressure, and/or in emergency situations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Scuba Diver

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Abstained from the use of cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products for at least one (1) year prior to date of hire and shall abstain from the use of tobacco products at all times during the period of their employment with the City while both on and off duty.

• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class “E” driver's license.

POST OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) Check
• Certification/License Verification
• Physical Examination
• Drug and Alcohol Screening