Job Description

ATTENTION ALL APPLICANTS!

The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Alaska Marine Highway System is looking for a Third Mate to help us

Keep Alaska Moving!

What you will be doing:

As a Third Mate with the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), you will serve as a licensed deck officer, supporting safe and efficient vessel operations across our ferry fleet. In this supervisory role, you'll oversee navigational duties, manage unlicensed deck crew, and assist with communication systems and emergency response protocols. With your solid understanding of navigation, seamanship, and shipboard safety procedures, you will help maintain order on the bridge, ensure proper operation of life-saving and fire-fighting equipment, and promote a safe and professional environment for both crew and passengers. As a member of the Emergency Squad, you'll participate in drills and real-time emergency response while upholding AMHS's commitment to safety, service, and excellence.

The purpose of this position is to support the safe navigation and operation of AMHS vessels as a USCG-licensed officer. Responsibilities include standing bridge watches, navigating according to USCG and international regulations, supervising deck crew, maintaining logs and navigational charts, conducting safety drills, and participating in vessel security operations. The Third Mate plays a key role in upholding vessel readiness and public safety while representing the State of Alaska in a customer-facing, safety-critical role.

Our organization, mission, and culture:

The DOT&PF core values are integrity, excellence, and respect. We support an environment focused on teamwork and collaboration to achieve results. We find success in achieving our transportation mission through building credibility with our customers, stakeholders, and the public.

The benefits of joining our team:

The State of Alaska has a generous benefits package and an excellent retirement plan. Please see here for more information: https://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/benefits/

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.

The working environment you can expect:

This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce. Room and board are provided while on assignment. Crew stays in shared or single quarters depending on the vessel, and meals are provided in the crew and/or officers' mess. AMHS is a Drug and Alcohol-Free workplace and has a strictly enforced Drug & Alcohol Policy. All employees stationed onboard, including new hires utilizing housing assistance, are subject to all DOT&PF and AMHS policies. There is zero tolerance for Drug and Alcohol policy violations.

Schedule & Assignments:

AMHS vessels operate in a 24/7 work environment with variable crewing schedules. In general, periodic crew assignments are based on a 2 Weeks-On and 2 Weeks-Off rotation with some exceptions. On vessels operating in the Southwest route, your assignment duration will depend on the lengths of 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 supervisors set work schedules upon signing on to the vessel that may include split shifts. Crew lists are posted every 2 weeks by the AMHS Dispatch Office, which handles all crew scheduling. Please note: Work assignments are scheduled by Dispatch based on operational needs and in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. Seniority plays a major role in how work is assigned.

Routes & 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: Southeast (SE): Ketchikan, Juneau for New Third Mates

Minimum Qualifications

--------------------------





To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, the successful candidate will be required to possess the following:

Valid U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) issued Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC) endorsed with the following

:

+ STCW Endorsements: (indicated by Roman Numerals)


-

Basic (Safety) Training (VI/1)

-

Officer in Charge of a Watch (II/1)

(Waiver-able based on need)
-

Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VI/6)

+ National Endorsements:


-

3rd Mate Oceans

-

Lifeboat Operator

-

Radar Unlimited

Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)

(color copy)

Current DOT Drug

(within the last 6 months)

C

urrent USCG Medical Certificate

(STCW 2yr date)

V

alid Driver's License

Additional Required Information

-----------------------------------

Please read the following carefully. As a reminder, ensure your application is complete and includes a detailed work history that demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications.

At time of application, applicants are requested to submit:

Cover Letter:

A cover letter is required as part of your application. In your cover letter, please describe how your skills will be of particular benefit to the position. We request your cover letter be no more than one page.

At time of interview, applicants are requested to submit (if not already attached to your application):

Three (3) professional references, including name, job title, and current phone numbers. Please attach transcripts, licenses, or supporting documentation that supports how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

MULTIPLE VACANCIES

This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.

EDUCATION

To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competencies, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview; if not, transcripts will be required before employment.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

WORK EXPERIENCE

If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer's name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported, and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.
NOTE:Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907)465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

SERVICE STANDARDS

Oilers and Jr Engineer 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.)

Contact Information

-----------------------

For specific information in reference to the position please contact the Recruitment Coordinator at:

Name:

Alexia de Hoyos, Recruitment Coordinator

Email:

alexia.dehoyos@alaska.gov

Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits

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 AlaskaCare 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)

Optional Insurance Benefits

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*

See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

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