AMHS - Oiler

Holland America-Princess (Holland America Dawson City Inn); Alaska; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime Eligible

2 weeks on / 2 weeks off schedule

Job summary

The Alaska Marine Highway System is seeking an Oiler to support safe and efficient operation of vessel machinery. You will assist with maintenance, repair, and daily operation of mechanical and electrical systems onboard, under the guidance of senior engineers.

This hands-on, fast-paced role includes standing watch, aiding cargo operations, supporting vessel security, and responding to emergencies as part of the Emergency Squad. OT eligibility applies and schedules span Alaska routes.

Qualifications

• Valid USCG MMC endorsed with engine department qualifications.
• QMED Engine Department endorsement and security awareness required.
• TWIC card and current DOT drug test must be provided.
• STCW Basic Safety Training and PSC endorsements preferred.
• Formal education transcripts may be required for foreign credentials.

Responsibilities

• Support safe operation of vessel machinery and electrical systems onboard.
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot equipment issues, and operate tools.
• Stand watch and assist with cargo operations and vessel security as part of the Emergency Squad.
• Adapt to a fast-paced, 24/7 shift environment across Alaska routes.

Skills

QMED Oiler endorsement

STCW Basic Safety Training

PSC (Proficiency in Survival Craft)

Engine Room Watch experience

Security Awareness

Tools

TWIC

USCG MMC

DOT Drug Test

USCG Medical Certificate

Driver's license

Job description

Job Description

ATTENTION! ALL APPLICANTS!

Set sail on a career where your office is on the Alaska coastline and every day brings new scenery and new people. As an Oiler with the Alaska Marine Highway System, you’ll play a critical role in keeping our vessels running safely and efficiently, supporting the engine room team in maintaining essential mechanical systems.

Salary Schedules for Oiler’s are as follows:

Southwest (SW) Route:

Resident: $36.82 / hourly (OT Eligible)

Non-Resident: $32.24 / hourly (OT Eligible)

Southeast (SE) Route:

Resident: $40.25 / hourly (OT Eligible)

Non-Resident: $34.80 / hourly (OT Eligible)

What you will be doing:

As an Oiler with the Alaska Marine Highway System, you will support the safe and efficient operation of vessel machinery by assisting with the maintenance, repair, and daily operation of mechanical and electrical systems onboard. Working under the direction of senior engineers, you will perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot equipment issues, and operate power and hand tools to keep systems running smoothly. You will also play a key role in vessel operations by standing watch, assisting with cargo operations, supporting vessel security, and responding to emergencies as part of the Emergency Squad, all while contributing to a safe, reliable, and team-oriented shipboard environment. This is a hands-on, fast-paced position where your work directly contributes to the reliability of Alaska’s marine transportation network.

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 onboard.

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 opportunities 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:

Working aboard 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.

The Alaska Marine Highway System 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:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications for Application

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit copies of the following valid credentials with their application:

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

National Endorsements:

Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) Oiler

Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) (color copy)

Current DOT Drug Test (within the last 6 months)

Current USCG Medical Certificate (STCW 2yr date)

Conditional Qualifications

Applicants are not required to possess the qualification listed below at the time of hire; however, it must be obtained within 12 months of the hire date as a condition of continued employment:

National Endorsements:

Lifeboat Operator

Preferred Qualifications

A

pplicants 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 Endorsements:

Basic (Safety) Training (VI/1)

Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC)

Ratings Forming Part of an Engine Room Watch (III/4)

Security Awareness

Valid driver’s license

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 appli