Careers
At Water Taxi you’ll find more than just a job,
you’ll find a career.
If you live in South Florida and love being on and around the water, come work for Water Taxi! Join our amazing team and become a part of this iconic South Florida attraction!
For more than 20 years, Water Taxi has transported and entertained guests on the scenic waters of Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, Florida. Our fleet includes 15 boats, from 26-foot launch-style boats to 64-foot high-speed catamarans. We couldn’t do what we do without the 100’s of dedicated people employed as captains, deckhands, engineers, customer service representatives, and more. They literally keep us afloat.
Every day is different on the water, and you’ll love working on it.
Reports to: President
BASIC FUNCTION:
The Director of Engineering is responsible for planning, and executing daily engineering projects, project planning, supervising activity of other mechanics, shipwrights, and boat cleaners’ parts and contractor procurement, operation, upkeep, and repair of all vessels and shoreside facilities, to a state of readiness at all times.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversee and maintain systems including engine machinery spaces, and deck, following preventive maintenance programs on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis with the support of the Management
- Coordinate resources for flawless execution of projects on time, within budget
- Oversees the operation of the computerized vessel maintenance system
- Schedule Engineering staff for maximum efficiency
- Maintain up-to-date logs and maintenance program for all equipment and
- Oversee Interior / Exterior cleaning and upkeep of vessels to a top-quality
- Diesel maintenance OEM (original equipment manufacturer)/ oil changes /injectors /fuel pumps/transmissions/ assist in engine change-outs
- Maintain tools, filters, and replacement
- Required to follow the company safety and pollution prevention policies and procedures
- Prepare the vessels for all USCG annual inspections and dry docks
- Participate in shoreside training as required by the company
- Direct maintenance of on-shore side facilities including docks, buildings, and grounds
- Familiar with all company policies, procedures, and Emergency Response
- Strong knowledge of diesel propulsion and electricity generation systems, and support systems such as fuel, air compressors, pumps, hydraulics, plumbing, refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning
- Perform other duties as assigned by Management
Requirements:
- Strong organizational skills
- Required to be on call as scheduled
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
- Ability to multitask, set priorities, and meet deadlines
- Valid driver’s license
- MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook)
- Possess or able to obtain a TWIC card
- Professional demeanor may have some passenger contact and have the ability to present information and respond to questions.
- Ability to read, write, and converse in the English language
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule
About Us
Water Taxi of Fort Lauderdale has been an icon in South Florida for over 30 years; serving the Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood area with year-round service, private charters, and special event transportation. Water Taxi is based in the Yachting Capitol of the World, Fort Lauderdale Florida, and boasts the largest passenger fleet in South Florida.
Job Details
As an Engineering Technician Level 1, you will be responsible for performing a wide range of technical tasks related to the maintenance, repair, and installation of marine equipment and systems. This role requires a high level of technical skill, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering quality workmanship.
Responsibilities
- Conduct diagnostics on marine equipment and systems to identify issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Perform coupler, shaft assembly, and disassembly tasks as required.
- Install and remove engines, generators, and transmissions.
- Assemble and disassemble engines, generators, and other major engine parts such as exhaust systems, turbos, circulation pumps, etc.
- Align engines, lift engines, and adjust engine mounts as needed.
- Adjust and fix shaft seals to ensure proper function.
- Install hydraulic helm pumps, hoses, pipes, and rams.
- Bleed hydraulic systems to remove air and ensure proper operation.
- Remove and install Z-drives as necessary.
- Perform major electrical work including battery systems, AC panels, transfer switches, and breaker panels.
- Assist with startups and report any issues, damage, or problems with boats to supervisors.
- Conduct oil changes, filter changes, and zinc changes.
- Handle minor electrical tasks such as replacing light bulbs.
- Perform medium electrical work including bilge pumps, float switches, and dashboard switches.
- Change engine belts and impellers/raw water pumps/alternators under supervision if required.
- Replace engine hoses and check/change sea strainer baskets.
- Install light fixtures and perform medium carpentry work including rough construction and finishing tasks.
- Assist with painting tasks as needed.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Technical certification or relevant experience in marine mechanics, engineering, or a related field.
- Proven experience in marine diagnostics, repairs, and installations.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to quality workmanship.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and techniques.
- Physical ability to lift and move heavy equipment and work in tight spaces as needed.
Your Career Path at Water Taxi
Water Taxi offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to begin your maritime career! You can get paid while learning the skills you’ll need to succeed in the industry. Just received your license but have no previous experience? Come learn about currents, docking, crew management, and vessel handling. Hoping to one day get your captain’s license? Water Taxi is a great place to accrue necessary sea time toward your license and for you to learn the skills to succeed as a captain.
Water Taxi prides itself as a premier destination for those just entering the marine industry with prospects of working on a yacht, tug boat, towboat, or charter boat. Nowhere else in South Florida will you have a better opportunity to learn vessel handling in various current and wind conditions, dock a boat upwards of 50 times a day, and manage a crew overseeing anywhere from 19-199 passengers all while being paid to do so.
Water Taxi is unique in that our employees begin with a wide variety of maritime experience from newcomer to seasoned mariners. Whether you intend to make a career at Water Taxi or move on to another opportunity in the maritime industry we will be sure to provide you the skills necessary to succeed upon completing our Career Path Program.
How it Works:
In order to become a licensed captain, you must complete a USCG Master’s and supplemental courses, pass an exam and have the required sea time (days on the water). For more information regarding the courses and requirements to receive a license, visit Maritime Professional Training at mptusa.com.
Our program is best suited for candidates who:
- Have passed the necessary courses at MPT or another accredited school but lack sea-time.
- Have the necessary sea time but want more experience before taking your class.
- Have neither the necessary sea time or taken any courses towards a license.
- Have your 50 or 100 ton USCG Master’s license and want to gain experience.
- Have your 50 ton USCG Master’s license and want to upgrade to a 100 ton.
