Careers

TITLE	Administrative Assistant
DEPARTMENT	Facilities Maintenance
CLASSIFICATION	Clerical Technical Employee – CT2
WAGE/SALARY	$16.20 / hour
CLOSING DATE

Job Summary

This position provides comprehensive administrative support to the Director of Facilities Maintenance. This role requires a detail-oriented professional with strong organizational, communication, and technical skills. The Administrative Assistant is responsible for coordinating schedules, preparing reports, maintaining departmental records, assisting with budget processes, supporting maintenance and construction project documentation, and serving as a liaison between the department, contractors, and internal stakeholders. Professionalism, discretion, and the ability to interact effectively with employees, vendors, and the public are essential.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage calendars, appointments, correspondence, reports, and departmental documentation.
• Support the Director of Facilities Maintenance with administrative tasks and special projects.
• Coordinate departmental meetings, training sessions, and safety briefings, including scheduling, logistics, and material preparation.
• Maintain and track documentation for all maintenance and construction projects, including work orders, contracts, purchase orders, and related records.
• Assist with the preparation, monitoring, and reconciliation of the department’s annual budget, requisitions, and expense reports.
• Prepare bid packets, coordinate vendor communications, and assist with procurement documentation.
• Respond to incoming calls, emails, and inquiries professionally and promptly.
• Compile and prepare reports, spreadsheets, and presentations related to maintenance operations and capital projects.
• Maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive personnel, budgetary, and contract information.
• Track inventory and order supplies to support departmental operations.
• Serve as a liaison between the Facilities Maintenance Department and other internal departments, contractors, and external partners.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental efficiency and effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Two to three years of administrative or clerical experience, preferably in maintenance, construction, or public works environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in business administration, construction management, or a related field.
• Experience providing administrative support to management or technical departments.
• Familiarity with maintenance management systems, project tracking tools, or procurement software.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Work Conditions & Physical Demands

• Frequent use of a computer and office equipment for extended periods.
• Light physical activity, including bending, stooping, and lifting objects up to 25 pounds.
• Prolonged sitting (up to 8 hours per day) with occasional walking or standing in outdoor environments.
• Potential exposure to dusty areas, maintenance shops, and heavy equipment operations.
• May require occasional visits to job sites and coordination with field staff.
• May require extended work hours during peak maintenance periods or emergencies.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Texas Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation to be hired for this position.

The above duties may not be performed in every position with this job title and the above functions may not include all related duties that might be performed. The Port of Brownsville is an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization.  The Port of Brownsville prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

 

TITLE	Administrative Services Clerk
DEPARTMENT	Administrative Services Department
CLASSIFICATION	Clerical Technical Employee – CT2
WAGE/SALARY	$ 16.20 per hour

 

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Administrative Services, this employee is responsible for implementing and enhancing the Brownsville Navigation District’s (BND) (d/b/a the Port of Brownsville) departmental document management programs, both to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and to provide staff with effective, easy-to-use processes for maintaining and retrieving information vital to BND objectives and operations. The incumbent also provides assistance to the Director of Administrative Services in their duties, which include risk and asset management, election administration,  public information responses, salvage disposition and policy development and maintenance. The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by this incumbent.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.  

Job Responsibilities

Records Management

• • • Participates in developing and implementing BND document management and records retention programs, systems and procedures.
    • Plans, organizes, implements, and maintains departmental document management and control programs, methods, practices and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and sound professional guidelines of practice.
    • Promotes standardized BND-wide naming methodologies, numbering systems and filing protocols.
    • Participates in developing procedures for managing electronic records including the overseeing the implementation of BND’s electronic document management system and the scanning of all BND records.
    • Creates and generates document control forms and reports.
    • Supervises the maintenance of centralized BND files.
    • Administers the BND-wide destruction of records in accordance with the records retention schedule including the preparation of Certificates of Destruction, working with all departments in the purging of files and coordination of the timely destruction of records.

Risk and Asset Management

• • • Assist department director with property and liability insurance documentation, including maintenance of documents and tickler systems for certificate of insurances.
    • Assist the Maintenance department with the process of Port vehicle titles, registrations and vehicle recall notifications.

Election Administration

• • • Assist the department director with the administration of BND elections, to include providing assistance to candidates in the filing of their required forms.

Public Information

• • • Assist with internal record requests, interfacing and coordinating as required with the Public Information Officer and the Executive Management Team.
    • Assist the Public Information Officer with requests for public information documents.
    • Research of complex and unusual inquiries for District staff or as requested by outside agencies.

Salvage Disposition

• • • Assist the department director with the preparation and cataloging of surplus, salvage, and unclaimed property in preparation for its disposition.

Policy Development and Maintenance

• • • Assist the department director in policy development and maintenance, including performing research and preparation for policy presentations.

General Clerical Duties

• • Notarize District documents as required.
  • Maintain the inventory of supplies for the department and oversee the ordering of supplies as needed.
  • Perform related work as required.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish); oral and written proficiency in the Spanish language.
• Three to five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in a position of office administration with experience in the development and maintenance of comprehensive document and records management programs and systems.
• Intermediate PC skills.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written direction.
• Excellent and effective oral and written communication skills.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Business Technology, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience in records management in a public agency setting

 

Work Conditions & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work involves continuous use of a PC.
• Work requires light physical effort such as stooping and bending, and occasional lifting of lightweight objects (up to 25 pounds).
• Work requires long periods of sitting (up to 2 continuous hours and up to 8 hours in a day).
• Work occasionally requires periods of walking out-of-doors, in dusty locations and in the presence of heavy equipment for periods of up to 6 hours per day.
• Work occasionally requires driving in an environment that contains heavy equipment in operation.
• Work may require long periods of standing (up to 2 continuous hours and up to 6 hours in a day).
• Occasional work outside of normal working hours may be required.

 

Additional Requirements

• Valid Texas Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation to be hired for this position.

The above duties may not be performed in every position with this job title and the above functions may not include all related duties that might be performed.

The Port of Brownsville is an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization. The Port of Brownsville prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

 

TITLE	Mobile Harbor Crane Operator
DEPARTMENT	Harbor Master’s Office
CLASSIFICATION	Manual Technical Employee – MT4
WAGE/SALARY	$24.49 / hour
CLOSING DATE

  Job Summary
The Mobile Harbor Crane Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating the Port’s mobile harbor cranes for the movement, loading, and unloading of cargo, including containers, bulk materials, and general cargo. This crane includes a telescopic spreader bar for handling containers, a dual scoop motor grab, and a polyp-grab with a hydraulic unit. This position also performs routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting to ensure safe crane operation and compliance with all applicable safety standards. Work is performed primarily on the public docks of the Port of Brownsville and requires strict adherence to operational, safety, and environmental procedures.

Job Responsibilities

• Operate mobile harbor cranes for the handling of cargo, including containers, bulk commodities, and general cargo, using attachments such as a telescopic spreader bar, dual scoop motor grab, and polyp-grab with hydraulic unit.
• Conduct daily pre-operation and post-operation inspections, checking safety devices, mechanical functions, and fluid levels.
• Perform and document routine preventative maintenance tasks, including lubrication, cleaning, and minor adjustments, and report defects or required repairs.
• Ensure crane operations comply with OSHA, ANSI, Coast Guard, and Port safety regulations.
• Communicate effectively with signalers, stevedores, vessel crews, and other Port personnel during crane operations.
• Maintain accurate logs of crane usage, inspections, and maintenance.
• Assist in securing and preparing the crane for adverse weather conditions.
• Support cargo handling operations by following load charts, lift plans, and safety protocols to prevent overloading.
• Work variable schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays, with overtime as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support port operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience operating a 30+ ton crane in port, construction, or industrial settings.
• Hands-on experience with computerized crane controls and/or computerized diagnostics for heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of crane load charts, rigging practices, and safe lifting operations.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions, including hand signals.
• Ability to work cooperatively and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and the general public.
• Physical ability to perform manual tasks requiring strength, endurance, climbing, and working outdoors under variable weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) or equivalent certification.
• Previous port or maritime cargo-handling experience.

Work Conditions & Physical Demands

• Frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, dust, noise, and exhaust.
• Medium physical effort, including prolonged sitting in crane cabin (up to 8 continuous hours), standing, walking, and lifting objects up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and access crane cabins at elevated heights.
• Tolerance for working in confined spaces, at heights, and around heavy equipment.
• Frequent interaction with the public, vessel crews, and port users.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Texas Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening, physical examination, and background investigation.
• Subject to random drug and alcohol testing under federal regulations for safety-sensitive positions.

The above duties may not be performed in every position with the title and the above functions may not include all related duties that might be performed.

TITLE	Police Officer
DEPARTMENT	Security/Police Department
CLASSIFICATION	Manual Technical Employee – MT3
WAGE/SALARY	$ 21.67 per hour

 

Job Summary

The Police Officer position performs routine and skilled law enforcement and security duties to ensure the protection of life and property within the jurisdiction of the Brownsville Navigation District. This position enforces laws, assists security personnel, responds to emergencies, and coordinates with various law enforcement agencies. The role requires operating a district vehicle and other specialized equipment as needed. The position operates on a 24-hour schedule, with rotating day and night shifts, including weekends and holidays and is subject to call-outs and working extra hours.

Job Responsibilities

The following statements describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

• Enforces all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to the Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Port Ordinances/Tariffs.
• Conducts routine and targeted patrols of District property by vehicle, boat, or foot to prevent and detect criminal activity.
• Responds promptly to crimes in progress, dispatched calls, and emergencies; detains, arrests, and processes individuals as required.
• Investigates crimes and incidents, gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, prepares reports, and testifies in court when necessary.
• Provides assistance and guidance to Port security personnel on access control and security operations.
• Coordinates and collaborates with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies as needed.
• Conducts security inspections, including vehicle and vessel searches, sometimes in conjunction with federal authorities.
• Ensures safe and responsible operation of department vehicles, equipment, and firearms.
• Engages in community-oriented policing to foster positive relationships with the public, tenants, vendors, and employees.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism, ethical standards, and adherence to department policies both on and off duty.
• Functions as an essential employee in pre- and post-disaster preparedness and response efforts.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Current and valid Texas Class C driver’s license at the time of appointment and maintained thereafter.
• Certification as a Texas Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Working knowledge of the Texas Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Proficiency in English (oral and written); computer literacy and ability to prepare clear, concise reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills, reliability, sound judgment, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proficient use of firearms
• Demonstrated integrity and ethical conduct must have an exemplary driving record.
• If previously employed in law enforcement, must have separated under honorable conditions.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation, including the submission of:
• Personal History Statement
• TCOLE training records
• High school diploma and/or college transcripts
• DD214 (if applicable)
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, medical and psychological examination as required by TCOLE.
• Must meet federal Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) eligibility requirements for unescorted access to Port facilities per 33CFR101.514.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English / Spanish).
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of TCOLE rules and regulations
• Prior experience as a full-time police officer or comparable law enforcement experience

 

Work Conditions & Physical Demands

• Frequent exposure to outdoor conditions, including extreme temperatures, dust, and vehicle exhaust.
• Requires extended periods of standing (up to 3 continuous hours), walking, and occasional lifting of objects up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to remain alert and responsive during long shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Regular interaction with the public, employees, and law enforcement personnel in potentially stressful situations.
• Work involves rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Emergency situations may require extended or flexible work hours, including overtime or double shifts.

This job description outlines the general duties and qualifications required for the position of Police Officer. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list and may be subject to modification as necessary to meet the needs of the district.

The Port of Brownsville is an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization. The Port of Brownsville prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

TITLE	Skilled Craftsman
DEPARTMENT	Facilities Maintenance
CLASSIFICATION	Manual Technical Employee – MT4
WAGE/SALARY	$ 19.35 per hour ($40,248 annually)

  Job Summary

This position is a highly experienced role responsible for performing advanced work across multiple trades, including construction, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, welding, fabrication, plumbing, painting, auto mechanics, and heavy equipment maintenance. The employee must have hands-on experience in building construction, including framing, cement work, roofing, drywall, and mechanical repairs. This position requires the ability to read and interpret technical drawings, wiring diagrams, and construction plans to complete diverse projects with accuracy. The Skilled Craftsman works independently and is expected to maintain Port facilities in safe, functional, and reliable conditions.

Comparable roles in industry may include Mechanic, Electrician, HVAC Technician, Carpenter, or Welder.

Job Responsibilities Maintenance & Repair

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and structural systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and inspections on HVAC, ventilation, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure.
• Repair and maintain motor vehicles, facility machinery, and heavy equipment (e.g., graders, loaders, backhoes, excavators).
• Inspect, maintain, and repair building systems, including doors, windows, floors, roofs, walls, and foundations.

Construction & Fabrication

• Perform construction tasks such as cement work, framing, drywall installation and finishing, roofing, and painting.
• Fabricate and install metal components using welding, cutting, and precision fabrication tools.
• Construct, repair, or remodel facilities, including cabinetry, shelving, and built structures.
• Complete finish work such as plastering, tiling, caulking, and surface preparation.

Technical & Planning

• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, manuals, and specifications.
• Safely operate power tools, hand tools, welding equipment, and heavy machinery.
• Use precision instruments to measure, cut, align, and assemble materials accurately.
• Plan, prioritize, and complete projects independently; may assign and oversee work of helpers.

General

• Maintain records of work performed, parts used, and time spent on assignments.
• Respond to emergency situations during and outside normal hours to restore safe operations.
• Follow Port safety protocols and ensure compliance with workplace safety standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of three (3) years of documented experience across multiple trades (e.g., carpentry, cement work, construction, framing, roofing, plumbing, drywall, or painting).
• Two (2) years of HVAC training or equivalent certification and experience preferred.
• Three (3) years of experience in electrical construction, industrial maintenance, or a related technical field preferred.
• Proficiency in:
• Precision measuring instruments and diagnostic tools
• AC/DC welding equipment
• Power and hand tools for construction and repair work
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, schematics, and blueprints.
• Strong troubleshooting and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to perform complex assignments requiring independent judgment.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, loaders, and graders.
• Effective communication skills with ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Knowledge of safety practices related to manual labor, mechanized equipment, and PPE.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public.

  Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Valid Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Certifications in multiple trades, such as HVAC, electrical systems, welding, carpentry, or plumbing.
• OSHA or other recognized safety certifications.
• Experience working in large-scale industrial or public-sector facilities.

Work Conditions & Physical Demands

• Regular exposure to outdoor environments including heat, cold, dust, wind, and industrial hazards.
• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration.
• Requires physical stamina with frequent standing, walking, climbing, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to climb ladders, work at heights, and enter confined spaces as needed.
• May involve use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, respirators, and fall-protection gear.
• Frequent interaction with coworkers, vendors, contractors, and members of the public.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Texas Motor Vehicle Operator’s
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

The above duties may not be performed in every position with this job title and the above functions may not include all related duties that might be performed.