Watchfloor Operator (Part-Time), NYC Ferry

Our Vision: To make New York City the global model for inclusive innovation and economic growth, fueled by the City’s diverse people and businesses.   

Our Mission: Creating a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. 

Position Overview: The NYC Ferry Watchfloor is responsible for monitoring the daily movements and operational aspects of the NYC Ferry System.  The Watchfloor staff provides critical oversight of NYC Ferry and is the internal communications hub during emergencies ensuring NYCEDC and City leadership are informed of ongoing urgent or emergent situations. 

This is a part-time role responsible for supporting the NYC Ferry Watchfloor. As part of a team of four individuals, the Watchfloor Operators work independently to cover two daily shifts and field shifts as needed.  Each Watchfloor Operator shift includes checking in, active review and communication of system status, and a close-out report.  

• Morning Shift: 5:30 am – 2:30 pm
• Evening Shift: 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Field Shifts: During field-shifts (also referred to as floating shifts) Watchfloor staff observe, assess, and document conditions on board ferries and ferry landings. Field shifts are scheduled four times per week during Spring/Summer months and twice a week the rest of the year.  Typical field shifts run 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and last eight hours with a one-hour break. 

Shift schedules may vary based on operational needs to ensure adequate Watchfloor and field-shift coverage.

Work Hours:

• Average of 20 hours per week during fall/winter (November–April)
• Average of 28 hours per week during spring/summer (May–October)
• Weekly hours may vary depending on operational needs; no fixed schedule is guaranteed

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Closely monitor NYC Ferry operations throughout the service day.
• Periodically check ferry landings and vessels in the field to ensure compliance with safety, security, and customer service standards.
• Communicate with ferry operator’s dispatch unit and relay issues to NYCEDC team as needed.
• Monitor vessel traffic in the harbor and track on-time performance.
• Record key metrics and incident reports.
• Respond to emergency situations, following protocol.
• Maintain operations records.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred; alternatively, at least two years of experience in dispatching, logistics, emergency services, or related fields.
• High degree of responsibility and ongoing attention to detail.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills combined with critical thinking skills to convey timely operational information to peers and managers.  
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with senior management during real-time emergencies and time-sensitive situations.
• Dependable and available for in field and on-site work between 5:30 am and 11:00 pm, seven days a week.
• New York City residence is required within 180 days of hire.

Salary Range$27.88—$28.84 USD

About Us: New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors, with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city’s future economy. 

NYCEDC is committed to offering competitive benefits to support employee health, happiness, and work-life balance.  We offer comprehensive benefits and unique perks to ensure NYCEDC employees flourish in their professional and personal lives:  

• Generous employer subsidized health insurance 
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans  
• Vision and hearing benefits