AMHS - Second Assistant Engineer

State of Alaska; Ketchikan (AK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Excellent retirement plan (PERS/TRS)

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Alaska Marine Highway System, part of the State of Alaska, seeks a 2nd Assistant Engineer to oversee the safe operation of engineering machinery aboard AMHS vessels traveling Alaska’s coastline. You will log data, supervise repairs, and participate in lifeboat and emergency response teams along with a strong watchkeeping focus.

You will report to the First Assistant Engineer and may perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Proven knowledge of marine engineering operations and maintenance.
• Ability to lead lifeboat and emergency response activities.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and watchkeeping responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe operation of engineering spaces and machinery and log data.
• Supervise repairs and maintenance with ship crew and shore facilities.
• Lead in lifeboat and emergency response drills and maintain professional watch.

Skills

Maritime engineering

Leadership in emergency response

Safety compliance

Education

USCG MMC with STCW endorsements

TWIC credential

DOT Drug Test & Medical Certificate

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 a 2nd Assistant Engineer with the Alaska Marine Highway System, 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.

What You Will Be Doing

As a 2nd Assistant Engineer, you will oversee the safe and efficient operation of engineering machinery, equipment, and spaces, logging all relevant data. Your responsibilities include conducting routine maintenance and repairs on engine room machinery and auxiliary equipment, as well as supervising repairs performed by ship crew, technicians contracted in shipyards or other shore‑side facilities. In addition to your crucial role in monitoring and ensuring the functionality of the engineering systems, you will actively participate as a leader in lifeboat and emergency response teams. A key aspect of your role involves ensuring a professional watch, well‑informed and execute their duties effectively. Reporting to the First Assistant Engineer, you’ll not only manage the technical aspects of the role but also undertake any other assigned duties to contribute to the overall success of the team.

Job Description

Set sail on a career where your office is on the Alaska coastline and every day brings new scenery and new people. As a 2nd Assistant Engineer with the Alaska Marine Highway System, 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.

What You Will Be Doing

As a 2nd Assistant Engineer, you will oversee the safe and efficient operation of engineering machinery, equipment, and spaces, logging all relevant data. Your responsibilities include conducting routine maintenance and repairs on engine room machinery and auxiliary equipment, as well as supervising repairs performed by ship crew, technicians contracted in shipyards or other shore‑side facilities. In addition to your crucial role in monitoring and ensuring the functionality of the engineering systems, you will actively participate as a leader in lifeboat and emergency response teams. A key aspect of your role involves ensuring a professional watch, well‑informed and execute their duties effectively. Reporting to the First Assistant Engineer, you’ll not only manage the technical aspects of the role but also undertake any other assigned duties to contribute to the overall success of the team.

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: https://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/benefits/

The Alaska Marine Highway System 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

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:
  • STCW Endorsements:
    • Basic (Safety) Training (VI/1)
    • Proficiency in the Use of Survival Craft (VI/2)
    • Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (III/1 or III/2)
    • Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VI/6)
  • National Endorsements:
    • Second Assistant Engineer Motor Propelled Vessels (any HP)
    • Lifeboat Operator
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) (color copy)
• Current DOT Drug Test (within the last 6 months)
• Current USCG Medical Certificate (STCW 2yr date)
• Valid Driver’s License

Additional Required Information

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 [phone] 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.

Contact Information

For specific information about this position, please contact the hiring manager at the following:

Name: Makayln Ashbaker

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

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