Boat Captain/Master - Bowhead Transport - UIC Alaska

JOB TITLE: Boat Captain/Master

UIC, Bowhead Transport seeks a seasonal, river-based Captain/Master. Under the direction of Bowhead Transport’s leadership group, the Captain/Master will be stationed in Bethel, AK and responsible for conducting safe & efficient operations of a small tug & barge set that transports cargo to various villages along the Kuskokwim River System from May through October.

About Bowhead Transport and the UIC Corporation:

UIC is one of Alaska’s largest companies with 4,000 employees and fifty-four subsidiaries, UIC is proud of our expanding operations which currently span over twenty-five different industries and business lines throughout most of the United States and in many foreign countries. UIC and its subsidiaries are committed to and strive for safety, quality, business ethics, and shareholder values.  Bowhead Transport is the Northwest marine division of the UIC organization.  We have a diverse fleet of vessels that provide our customers with comprehensive marine solutions in challenging environments throughout Alaska. 

Headquartered in Anchorage, AK, Bowhead Transport Company offers competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short/long-term disability, and 401(k) retirement plans as well as paid time off programs for eligible full-time employees.

Boat Captain/Master Essential Functions Include:

• Safely operate and maneuver tugboat and barge, based on current river and weather conditions.
• Attend daily safety and communications meetings.
• Perform pre-use inspection of all equipment operated and perform preventative maintenance as required.
• Report damaged and unsafe equipment to Terminal Manager & Port Engineer for repairs.
• Proven safety consciousness including the ability to recognize and report hazards, and to apply safe working methods.
• Operate heavy equipment, as necessary.
• Lash rolling stock and equipment, as necessary.
• Create a barge load that is balanced and stable, as well as to the captain’s wishes.
• Perform routine engine room checks.
• Drive our skiff with outboard motor, to sound the river, as needed.
• During larger beach operations, that involve our large line-haul barge: Assist the operator and crew of the barge with any operating work, hand-signaling and radio comm direction for other equipment operators, lashing/unlashing, as directed by project supervisor.
• Keep yard clean.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisor, work effectively and cooperatively with other people, focus attention on detail and follow established work rules.
• Ability to maintain regular, dependable attendance.
• Ability to operate moving equipment safely and efficiently in tight spaces around and above other workers.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of Universal Hand Signals for rigging and lifting.
• Ability to plan and organize work.
• Ability to interpret written and oral instructions.
• Ability to perform strenuous, physical work.
• Ability to work flexible hours or shifts.
• Ability to work cooperatively with employees and the public.

Licenses, Credentials, Requirements and Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience operating boats of various sizes (river boats preferred)
• One (1) years of experience operating cargo delivering equipment (e.g., loaders, dozers, excavators & various sized forklifts)
• Two (2) years of experience operating equipment on and off barge or other marine equipment
• Driver’s License
• Forklift Operator Certification preferred.

Knowledge of the Kuskokwim River from the mouth to McGrath is preferred.

Physical Demands:

The work environment varies and includes, but is not limited to dock, port, bay, beaches, waterways, office space, equipment rooms, warehouse space, construction zones, and outdoor environments. Work hours may fluctuate outside of normal duty hours. While performing the duties of this job, the individual is:

• Repetitive movements of the neck, shoulder, wrist, low back.
• Lift 50 lbs.
• Static postures of the neck, shoulders, wrist, and low back.
• Walking, sitting, standing, and climbing.
• Handling of cables, chains, or hooks.
• Effective Radio Communication
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Required to work all shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed and required.
• Perform work in a dusty environment and all types of temperature/weather conditions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and vibration.

Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug & alcohol screening and/or random drug screen and must follow UIC’s Non-DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program requirements. If the position requires, an applicant must pass a pre-employment criminal background history check. All post-secondary education listed on the applicant’s resume/application may be subject to verification.

Where driving may be required or where a rental car must be obtained for business travel purposes, applicants must have a valid driver license for this position and will be subject to verification. In addition, the applicant must pass an in-house, online, driving course to be authorized to drive for company purposes.

UIC is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics EOE/AA/M/F/D/V. In furtherance, pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and federal contractual requirements, UIC and its subsidiaries may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to UIC Shareholders and their Descendants, based on the provisions contained within The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

All candidates must apply online at www.uicalaska.com and submit a completed application for all positions they wish to be considered. Once the employment application has been completed and submitted, any changes to the application after submission may not be reviewed. Please contact a UIC HR Recruiter if you have made a significant change to your application. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), persons unable to complete an online application should contact UIC Human Resources for assistance (https://uicalaska.com/careers/recruitment/).

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

UIC Commercial Services, LLC is a holding company under Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC), an Alaska Native Corporation providing a wide variety of services including a full range of construction services, design and architecture services, environmental consulting, permitting and compliance and remediation, oil and gas support, ocean-going cargo and shipping services and specialized companies.

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