Job Opportunities in United States

What you will be doing:
Primary responsibilities for this position are as assistant engineer, deckhand, safety officer and navigation watch-stander aboard the Research Vessel Medeia. This position provides support to the Boat Officer 4 in budgeting, shipyard planning, contract management and purchasing. In the absence of the Boat Officer 4, this position would serve as Second-in-Command to the Boat Officer 3. The Boat Officer 2 also functions as the relief cook in the absence of a Boat Officer 1.

Our organization, mission and culture:
The Division of Commercial Fisheries strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and well-being are paramount and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.

The mission of the Commercial Fisheries division of ADF&G is to manage subsistence, commercial, and personal use fisheries in the interest of the economy and the general well-being of the citizens of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle, and subject to allocations through public regulatory processes.

This position contributes to the success of the ADF&G Commercial Fisheries Division by assisting in the operation of the “R/V Medeia” which is a research survey and management platform that supports multiple commercial marine species/fisheries in Southeast Alaska.

The benefits of joining our team:
The dynamics of the work on the R/V Medeia changes with each scientific project conducted. There will be numerous voyages at sea over the course of a field season to study species such as red king crab, Tanner crab, sablefish, shrimp, and salmon. Working on the vessel at sea provides additional pay benefits. Other benefits include health insurance, retirement matching, and paid leave. The four-member crew is a dedicated and cohesive team working together to provide the researchers with a reliable, safe platform in which to gather fisheries data. The position combines duties of being an assistant engineer, mate, deckhand, commercial fisherman, and a citizen scientist throughout the field season. With experience and proper certification, an incumbent of this position may be eligible to advance to higher positions on the vessel as vacancies arise.

The working environment you can expect:
The position is based in Juneau, Alaska with duties conducted primarily on the R/V Medeia, while at sea or in port, and in the vessel, shop located at the subport facility and NOAA dock in downtown Juneau. Work is performed indoors and outdoors during fair and inclement weather. The position requires working outside of normal business hours and on weekends and includes extensive sea time, which is compensated for with premium pay. The Medeia spends between 90 and 140 days at sea annually between April and November, with trips ranging from 3 days to 24 days at sea and most between 7-10 days. The incumbent will be required to travel and work on a vessel at sea frequently from spring through fall, for trip durations of up to three weeks (but typically about 7-10 days), sometimes during inclement weather.

Who we are looking for:

• Strong technical skills for assisting with operating, managing, and maintaining all systems aboard a large marine research vessel.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively in a collaborative environment with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Proven work ability as a self-starter.
• Effective leadership skills and ability to function as 2nd in command of a 110-ft vessel and crew.
• Experience performing arduous work during extended times at sea, sometimes during inclement weather and ability to perform heavy lifting.

Special Note:
A valid driver’s license is required.

Minimum Qualifications

One year of work experience as a crewmember on a marine vessel, which includes 360 documentable days underway or sea time, handling gear and other equipment, performing wheel watch, handling lines, performing basic maintenance or preparing food.

Special Note:
Must have a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master's license

Must have the physical capacity for arduous work and extended time at sea.

Desirable Qualifications:

A U.S. Coast Guard or Engineer license is highly desirable.

TERMINOLOGY AND LICENSES:

DOCUMENTABLE DAYS: Days at sea for which proof of service can be produced. As per U.S. Coast Guard definition, a day is defined as 8 hours of work. Because much maritime service is based on a 12-hour day, a 12-hour day may be counted as 1-1/2 days.

FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Permit: A permit to operate marine radios, SSB or VHF.

LICENSES:

U.S. Coast Guard Engineer's License: A Merchant Marine Engineering Officer license.

U.S. Coast Guard Master's License: A Merchant Marine Deck Officer license issued with restrictions on gross tonnage of the vessel (e.g. 50 tons, 100 tons, 1600 tons), as well as route restrictions (e.g. inland, near coastal, upon ocean). It is recognition by the U.S. Coast Guard of experience and qualification for carrying passengers or freight.

U.S. Coast Guard Operator's License: A license formally called "Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels", more commonly referred to as a 'six pack" license, because limitation is to 100 gross tons/6 passengers.

Merchant Mariner's Documents

Ordinary Seaman: this is an entry level Merchant Mariner document, requiring no experience and no examination. It does require a drug test and proof of citizenship

Able Seaman grade: An able seaman is a rating issued based upon experience and an examination, but is not an officer.

SECOND-IN-COMMAND: The person recognized by the master as second-in-command. Authority on the vessel devolves to the second-in-command through, and at the discretion of, the master.

RELIEF CAPTAIN: The person recognized by the master as second-in-command. Authority on the vessel devolves to the second-in-command through, and at the discretion of, the master.

VESSEL: In the Boat Officer series specifications, the term "vessel" refers to a vessel larger than 28 feet in overall length.

Vessels are categorized as follows:

Small Vessel 28 feet to 45 feet
Medium Vessel 46 feet to 69 feet
Large Vessel 70 feet and larger

Additional Required Information

• A U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master's license.
• Three professional work references with current contact information.

Contact Information

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under Alaska Care Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
    • AVTEC
    • Confidential
    • Correctional Officers
    • Marine Engineers
    • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
    • Supervisory
    • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
    • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
  • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
    • General Government
    • Labor, Trades and Crafts
    • Public Safety Employees Association
    • Masters, Mates & Pilots
• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year