Questions About Working in Food & Retail
Most Asked Questions About Working in Food & Retail at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry
You think you want to try working in Food & Retail at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, but you still have some questions. Below are the questions we get most often by prospective team members. Glance through them, and if your question still hasn't been answered, contact our HR Tech Wendy Decker either by e-mail or calling: 609-889-7268.
HOW LONG ARE WORK SHIFTS?
We have a selection of 4, 8 or 12 hour shifts.
WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE WORK SHIFTS?
Shifts vary, but the most common shifts are 6:00AM-2:00PM, 1:30PM-9:30PM, 8:30AM-4:00PM and 8:30AM-8:30PM. People say they like our shifts because they offer the flexibility to be home before school gets out, be back in time for dinner with the family, or work after or before their shifts at other jobs.
WHICH WORK SHIFTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PART-TIME WORK, OR FULL-TIME 40 HOURS?
All shifts are available for both part-time and full-time work.
CAN I GET HIRED IF I ONLY WANT TO WORK TWO DAYS A WEEK?
Yes. We try to be flexible with schedules to accommodate our team as much as possible. Many who work two days a week opt for the longer hours so they can make the hours they want in a week. Your desired schedule is something you should discuss with the hiring manager when interviewing as options may also vary depending on the season.
ARE YOU ABLE TO PROVIDE SHIFTS THAT WORK AROUND MY OTHER JOB?
Whenever possible. We have quite a few people who come to the ferry for a second job while holding on to their primary day or night work. These people are hard-working and dedicated so we try to accommodate them as much as possible to make their second job with us feasible. Please talk to the hiring manager during the interview process so they can work with you as much as possible.
CAN I JUST WORK DURING THE SUMMER?
Yes. Many of our seasonal workers have full-time jobs such as teaching that are off for the summer and they want to pick up extra summer work. Others live elsewhere and come to the area just for the summer and want a job to break up their time down the shore. And, finally, others live here year-round, but just want seasonal summer work. Whatever your reason, we're happy to welcome you on our team during the busy summer months.
DO YOU OFFER YEAR-ROUND EMPLOYMENT?
Yes! If the job is listed under full-time employment, it is immediately offered as a full-time position. Many posts at the Ferry start as Casual, or part-time with the opportunity to apply for full-time spots in the same or a different area of the ferry when they become available. For many, the casual posts provide on-the-job training and create familiarity with ferry operations that can help them qualify for the full-time posts when they open up.
IS THERE A REQUIRED UNIFORM?
There are apparel requirements as we want the traveling public to easily identify our team members, and to know who is marine crew versus food and retail, or customer service team members. That said, few would describe our work attire as a uniform. For instance, Food & Retail team members wear khaki pants, an issued polo shirt with our logo, and must wear their own non-slip shoes. Bartenders are issued a Hawaiian shirt. All food workers are required to wear either a hat or hair net.
WHAT IS THE PAY RATE?
The pay rates vary by position. There are three different pay rates for cooks, for instance, depending on the specific cook position. Pay rates are listed at the top of each job description so we encourage you to click on a job you're interested in on DRBA.net under Employment Opportunities. Click on the View button by the job of interest to see the full description and pay rate.
DO YOUR OFFER EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS?
All employees get 15% off food and retail. There is no employee discount for ferry travel, but if you qualify you can get senior, AAA or military discounts for travel.
WHEN ON THE VESSEL, WHERE CAN I PUT MY BELONGINGS?
Personal belongs are held in cabinets in the galley on the boats. There are no lockers, but the cabinets are in the employee area of the galley. We recommend that you keep what you bring on board to a minimum with valuables kept at home or in your car.
WHEN WOULD I GET PAID?
Payday is every other Thursday.
HOW LONG AND WHEN ARE THE BOAT CROSSINGS?
Each crossing is 85 minutes. Schedules change depending on the day or season. The best resource for the schedule is the Schedules and Fares page found on our website or using the button below.