AMHS - Junior Engineer

State of Alaska

Alaska

On-site

USD 47,000 - 59,000

Full time

42 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) seeks a Junior Engineer to support safe, efficient operation of state ferries along Alaska’s coastline. You will assist with maintenance, monitoring, and repair of propulsion, electrical, and auxiliary systems as part of the vessel’s engineering team.

This 24/7 role offers hands-on experience in a dynamic maritime environment, with opportunities to advance within maritime engineering career pathways and contribute to keeping Alaska’s coastal communities

Qualifications

Valid U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with endorsements: National Endorsements/Ratings: QMED - Junior Engineer and Lifeboat Operator.
Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) - color copy.
Current USCG Medical Certificate (STCW 2yr date).
Current DOT Drug Test (within the last 6 months).

Responsibilities

Assist with maintenance, monitoring, and repair of onboard mechanical and electrical systems.
Work with propulsion systems, generators, hydraulics, and auxiliary equipment as part of the vessel's engineering team.
Contribute to compliance with U.S. Coast Guard and maritime safety standards in a 24/7 shipboard environment.

Skills

QMED - Junior Engineer

Lifeboat Operator

TWIC

USCG Medical Certificate

DOT Drug Test

Job description

Salary: $34.01 - $43.24 Hourly

Location: Statewide, AK

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 54783

Department: Transportation and Public Facilities

Division: MHD-Vessel Employees

Opening Date: 08/07/2026

Closing Date: 8/21/2026 5:00 PM Alaska

Division: Alaska Marine Highway System

Position Open To: All Applicants

Bargaining Unit: Inland Boatman's Union

Range: 53

Job Description

ATTENTION! ALL APPLICANTS!

If you're looking for more than just a job, this is your chance to build a career that actually goes somewhere. As a Junior Engineer with the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), you’ll work hands‑on with powerful machinery while traveling Alaska's incredible coastline. Every day is different, and you’ll be part of a tight‑knit crew that keeps communities connected.

Southwest (SW) Route

Salary Schedules for Junior Engineer

Resident: $39.10 / hourly (OT Eligible)
Non-Resident: $34.01 / hourly (OT Eligible)

Southeast (SE) Route

Resident: $43.24 / hourly (OT Eligible)
Non-Resident: $37.66 / hourly (OT Eligible)

What You Will Be Doing

As a Junior Engineer with the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), you will play a vital role in supporting the safe and efficient operation of state ferries by assisting with the maintenance, monitoring, and repair of onboard mechanical and electrical systems. Working as part of the vessel’s engineering team, you will gain hands‑on experience with propulsion systems, generators, hydraulics, and auxiliary equipment while helping ensure compliance with U.S. Coast Guard and maritime safety standards. This is a dynamic, team‑oriented position that operates in a 24/7 shipboard environment, offering the opportunity to build technical skills, advance within maritime engineering career pathways, and contribute to keeping Alaska’s coastal communities connected.

Our Organization, Mission, And Culture

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is a vital part of the State of Alaska’s transportation network, connecting coastal communities that are not accessible by road. As part of the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, AMHS plays a critical role in keeping Alaska moving-supporting residents, businesses, and visitors through safe and reliable marine service.

Our mission is to provide essential transportation services that strengthen Alaska’s communities, promote economic opportunity, and ensure safe, efficient travel across the state’s coastal regions.

At AMHS, our culture is built on teamwork, service, and pride in what we do. Life at sea requires a strong commitment to safety, accountability, and supporting one another in a dynamic, 24/7 environment. We value employees who are adaptable, hardworking, and dedicated to serving the public. Whether working behind the scenes or directly with passengers, every crew member contributes to delivering a positive and professional experience on board.

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:

AMHS provides upward mobility and progressive advancement opportunities to higher‑paying positions. New hires who successfully complete their probationary period can apply for regularly assigned bid positions if they meet the 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

Working aboard the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) means operating in a dynamic, fast‑paced marine environment across Alaska's coastal routes, where schedules, locations, and crew rotations are driven by vessel operations.

AMHS operates across two distinct service regions. The Southeast (SE) route serves communities between Bellingham, Washington and Skagway, Alaska, and is the primary operating area for most vessels. The Southwest (SW) route serves more remote communities between Cordova and the Aleutian Chain and has a smaller relief pool. Current recruitment efforts are primarily focused on the Southeast region.

AMHS vessel operations run 24/7, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Employees are typically assigned to a 2 week‑on / 2 week‑off rotation, working an average of 84 hours per week while onboard. Daily schedules may range from 8 to 12 hours and can include split shifts. Vessel assignments are managed by dispatch, and daily duties are directed by vessel supervisors. Flexibility is essential, as crew members may be reassigned or asked to work in different roles during their hitch.

Crew change locations are as follows:

Southeast (SE): Ketchikan, Juneau

Southwest (SW): Homer, Valdez

To view the general description and example of duties for the position, please go to the following link:

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications for Application

Valid U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)-issued Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with the following endorsements:
- National Endorsements/Ratings:
  - QMED - Junior Engineer
  - Lifeboat Operator
Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) - color copy
Current USCG Medical Certificate (STCW 2yr date)
Current DOT Drug Test (within the last 6 months)

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants may begin work without the qualifications listed below; however, work assignments may be limited to specific vessels, watch assignments, or duties until the required qualifications are obtained:

Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC) endorsements:
- STCW (International) Endorsements/Ratings:
  - Basic (Safety) Training (VI/1)
  - Proficiency in the Use of Survival Craft (VI/2)
  - Ratings Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (III/4)
  - Able Seafarer - Engine (III/5)
  - Security Awareness (VI/6)

Additional Required Information

NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**

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- or in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1- 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.

Contact Information

For specific information about this position, please contact the Recruitment Coordinator at the following:

Name: Makayln Ashbaker, Administrative Officer 2, Recruitment Coordinator

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 (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 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 for additional information

Paid Leave & Other Benefits