Able Bodied Seaman - Alaska Marine Highway System

ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY!

***NOW OFFERING $5,000 HIRING BONUS***

POSITION SUMMARY
As an able-bodied seaman with the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), your primary responsibilities include standing wheel and lookout watches under the supervision of the Deck Watch Officer. During wheel watches, you’ll read the compass to steer the specified course, while during lookout watches, remaining vigilant for navigation hazards. Assist the Boatswain in operational, maintenance, and sanitation duties on the vessel, ensuring security by monitoring the car deck ramp and reporting any suspicious activity. Operate deck machinery, participate in tying up and letting go of the vessel, and assist in loading and unloading cargo. Additionally, you’ll stand day watches, operate a baggage cart and forklift, splice rope, maintain rigging, wash down the deck, perform routine maintenance, remove trash from the vessel, and serve as a member of the Emergency Squad as required, following the Muster List (Station Bill).

POSITION DETAILS

 The purpose of this position is to stand wheel watch and lookout. Load and unload car deck. Tie up and let go vessel. Launch and command lifeboat. Operate capstans, windlass, davit, winches. Splice line. Wash car deck. Operational maintenance to vessel. Lash and unlash cargo.

Please note: Working onboard the ships is a physically and mentally demanding career. The nature of the shipboard positions requires able-bodied personnel who can endure working long hours and being away from shore for extended periods of time. Employees must have the ability to perform required duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

ROUTES AND CHANGE PORTS
AMHS operates in two distinctive routes. The Southeast (SE) route serves the communities between Bellingham, WA and Skagway, AK. The majority of AMHS vessels operate on this route. The other, more remote route is the Southwest (SW), which includes the communities between Cordova and the Aleutian Chain. The Change Ports (crew change locations) for each route is listed below;

Southeast (SE): Ketchikan, Juneau
Southwest (SW): Homer, Valdez

Please note: This position requires employees report to designated change ports in Alaska for their work assignments. Employees are responsible for their own travel expenses between their physical residence and their designated change port. Commuting between home in Lower 48 and change ports in Alaska is not a financially viable option for most crew.

SCHEDULE & ASSIGNMENTS
AMHS vessels operate in a 24/7 work environment with variable crewing schedule. In general, periodic crew assignments are based on a 2 Weeks-On and 2 Weeks-Off rotation with some exceptions.  On vessels operating in Southwest route, your assignment duration will depend on the lengths of the absence of the crew member you relieve. Once onboard, the daily schedule during each assignment may vary from 8 hours to 12 hours depending on the route/vessel. Vessel supervisor set work the schedule upon signing on to the vessel that may include split shifts. Crew members may be asked to fill in a higher paying position after the crew change if a vacancy occurs (temporary upgrades). Crew lists are posted periodically by AMHS dispatch office which handles all crew scheduling related matters. Please note: Work assignments are scheduled by the Dispatch desk, based on the fluctuating operational needs and in accordance with the for more information). AMHS will not pursue a candidate if deemed unfeasible.

BACKGROUND CHECKS
Candidates interested in applying for this position should be aware that they will be subject to separate background checks by multiple agencies during the recruitment and documentation process. This is a safety sensitive position with the State of Alaska which has direct contact of the public. Successful candidates will serve as a public agent and be required to perform duties in a safe, reliable, and highly ethical manner. Applicants are required to provide true and complete information during the recruitment process. If you intentionally or unintentionally conceal or otherwise provide a false statement of material fact in your application, it will result in permanent loss of eligibility for employment with the State of Alaska. Employer may require additional information (i.e. judgment papers) before rendering a hiring decision.

DOCUMENTATION
Legible copies of the required documents must be received and verified by our recruitment desk before a prospective hire can attend the new hire orientation.

NEW HIRE ORIENTATION (NHO)
Successful candidates must attend the New Hire Orientation to complete the hiring process. Once the final hiring paperwork is done and the NHO is completed a new hire will be eligible for dispatch.

APPLICATION NOTICE
Applicants are required to submit a complete application using the below link. In order to be considered, please ensure your contract information is correct and all required documents are attached.

If you need assistance or have questions, please contact:

Alexia de Hoyos

(907) 228 6810

alexia.dehoyos@alaska.gov