Able Bodied Seaman

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 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: $5,000 (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 within Alaska (must originate 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

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

AMHS operations are governed by State, Federal and Maritime regulations. Employees are required to possess and maintain several maritime and service industry certifications to work aboard the AMHS vessels. Obtaining these certifications can take some time depending on the issuing agency (approx. 3 months). Below is the list of the certifications required for the Able Bodied Seaman position before they can be considered for the job:

• Valid U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) issued Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC) endorsed with the following:
  
  
  
  • National Endorsements:
    
    
    
    • Able-Bodied Seaman
    
    
    • Lifeboatman (PSC)
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • STCW (International) Endorsements:
    
    
    
    • Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (II/4)
    
    
    • Proficiency in the Use of Survival Craft (VI/2)
    
    
    • Basic Training (BT) Formerly Basic Safety Training (BST) (VI/1)
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)


• Valid USCG Medical Certificate (See STCW Expire Date - Valid 2 years)


• Valid Driver's License


• High School diploma or equivalent


• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age


• Must be willing to submit to a physical and drug test


• Ability to perform any required duties, with or without reasonable accommodation

AMHS Specific Training and Orientation

​​​​​​EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

All vessel employees (prospective or official), as Merchant Mariners, are subject to a wide spectrum of State, Federal and International maritime safety policies. Additionally, as a State employee, you will be a "public agent" who is trusted by the State of Alaska to conduct their job with the highest level of ethics while serving the public. It is our policy that all employees conduct themselves in a manner that fosters a professional, respectful, and inclusive work environment. Public employees have a responsibility to maintain the public's trust. AMHS is a Drug & Alcohol-Free workplace with a strictly enforced Drug & Alcohol Policy and the violators will be subject to immediate termination. Federal and State regulations prohibit employing an individual with drug and alcohol abuse as a crew member. Employment will be denied or terminated if an individual fails the drug test(s) and your Merchant Mariner Credentials may be revoked by the US Coast Guard.

SERVICE STANDARDS

Able bodied seaman positions require a certain grooming and uniform standards. Some of the work is performed in plain view of the traveling public. Employees must dress appropriately to reflect a professional image to the public while representing the Alaska Marine Highway System. Good grooming and the utmost personal hygiene must be always maintained while on duty. Hair must be trimmed and well groomed. Jewelry worn inside the mouth, in lips, nose or eyebrows is not permitted while on duty. Tattoos must not be excessively visible while in uniform. Facial tattoos are not permitted. Candidates with tattoos should carefully review if they would be appropriate for a front-line service position before applying. AMHS reserves the right to withdraw a job offer if prospective hire has offensive and/or inappropriate tattoos that is incompatible with our service standards. AMHS provides some of the uniforms (shirts, fleece etc.)

APPLICATION PROCESS

For the Able Bodied Seaman position, we prefer applications submitted through our online applicant tracking system available on our website. However, we will also accept written applications. Upon hiring process, candidates are required to have an email address that is monitored daily and provide a reliable phone number capable of receiving text and voice messages. It is strongly advised that applicants maintain access to a computer or smartphone throughout the entirety of the recruitment process. We will be utilizing the applicant tracking system to keep you updated on any necessary steps or pending requirements on your end. Warning to Overseas Applicants! AMHS does not assist foreign nationals in obtaining employment (visit this link 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