Able Bodied Seaman - State of Alaska

*** In order to apply for this position, you must submit a complete application using the following link:

https://amhs.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a243xx531v60?pge=1

ATTENTION ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY!  

***NOW OFFERING $5,000 HIRING BONUS

 To receive an incentive, employees are expected to agree to a nine month term of employment with the Alaska Marine Highway System. Terms and conditions apply***

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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Seniority plays a major role on how work is assigned. 
 
WORKING ONBOARD
This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce. Room & board is provided while on assignment - on select vessels. Crew stays in shared quarters and meals are provided at the crew and/or officers mess. On some vessels the crew returns to home port each night before heading out the next day (Day Boats). Regardless of the various room and board situations, AMHS is a Drug and Alcohol-Free workplace and has a strictly enforced Drug & Alcohol Policy. Please note: All employees stationed onboard the vessels, regardless of their status, including new hires residing onboard through the housing assistance incentive, are subject to all DOT&PF and AMHS policies. There is no tolerance for Drug and Alcohol policy violations.
 
Pay Scale
AMHS offers a competitive pay based on operating route and residency. See table below for starting pay range for Able Bodied Seaman (probationary) hires:

Please note: Whether the new hire qualifies for the resident rate is determined by department Human Resources through the Cost of Living Differential (COLD) application. This is a post-hire application process that takes place after your official appointment. Operations is not involved with this determination. Employees receiving housing assistance incentive do not qualify for the COLD benefits.
Overtime is paid at the rate of time and a half (x 1.5). Refer to Career Path section below for information about upgrading to higher paying positions.
 
HIRING INCENTIVES*
Selected candidates may qualify for the following hiring incentives depending on the crewing needs.

Hiring Bonus: $5000 (less payroll deductions)

Housing Assistance: up to 3 months accommodation onboard the hotel ship in Ketchikan

Relocation Assistance: a one way - single use ferry ticket to an approved change port in Alaska

* Hiring incentives are subject to change at any time. Additional conditions apply. Details provided if a Job Offer is made.
 
BENEFITS
 New hires qualify for the State of Alaska benefits usually within 30 days of official hire. The State of Alaska offers one of the best benefit systems in Alaska and includes medical and dental insurance with optional family coverage, retirement benefits, vacation and personal leave which accrues with years of service. A summary of state benefits can be reviewed at R&B website.
 
CAREER PATH
AMHS provides upward mobility and progressive advancement opportunity to higher paying positions. New hires who successfully complete their probationary period can apply for regularly assigned bid positions if they meet the MQ's (Minimum Qualifications). Union seniority plays a major role in how the work is assigned and how the bid positions are awarded. However, while building up seniority, it is not unusual for the new hires to work higher paying positions before being able to bid, through onboard upgrades, especially during the busy summer season. Current salary schedules for unlicensed vessel positions can be viewed on the following web links:

https://doa.alaska.gov/dof/payroll/sal_sched/ibu_se_07012023.pdf

https://doa.alaska.gov/dof/payroll/sal_sched/ibu_sw_07012023.pdf

*** In order to apply for this position, you must submit a complete application using the following link:

https://amhs.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a243xx531v60?pge=1