Assistant Engineer

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures; Juneau (AK); On-site; USD 26,014 - 30,442; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Room and board when scheduled

Rotation schedule (6‑8 weeks sailing)

Credential reimbursement

Health care benefits

Job summary

UnCruise Adventures seeks an Assistant Engineer to support the Chief Engineer in maintaining and repairing all vessel systems. You will work in Seattle during winter before Alaska sailing season, reporting to the Chief Engineer.

Required are diesel propulsion knowledge, strong computer skills, and the ability to work in confined spaces, under pressure, and with limited supervision. Rotations include long sailing periods with time off.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of diesel propulsion and electrical generation systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and SharePoint.
• Maintain professional demeanor at all times.
• Must be a self-starter and able to handle multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage crises and act decisively.

Responsibilities

• Assist Chief Engineer in maintenance, operation, and repair of vessel systems.
• Perform routine maintenance checks and keep records of jobs.
• Help with engineering, deck, and hotel preventative maintenance programs.
• Complete tasks as directed by Chief Engineer or Master.
• Participate in yearly shipyards.

Skills

Diesel propulsion systems

Electrical generation

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

SharePoint

Professional demeanor

Self-starter

Crisis management

Job description

Introduction

At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to provide an enriching adventure experience while inspiring an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with manta rays, and share air with whales. Our destinations include Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortes, and Costa Rica.

Join one of our virtual information sessions to learn more about working at UnCruise – register here.

Perks and benefits

• Room and board when scheduled
• Rotation schedule (6‑8 weeks sailing with 2‑3 weeks off)
• Credential reimbursement (qualifications required)
• Health care benefits (once qualifications are met)

JOB SUMMARY

This position begins in shipyard (Seattle, WA) over the winter months prior to the Summer 2026 Alaska Sailing Season.

The Assistant Engineer is responsible for assisting the Chief Engineer in the maintenance, operation, and repair of all vessel systems onboard. The Assistant Engineer reports to the Chief Engineer.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge of diesel propulsion and electrical generation systems. Knowledge of support systems such as fuel centrifuges, air compressors, pumps, hydraulics, water makers, hotel systems, plumbing, refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning.
• Computer experience: Microsoft programs Excel, Word, and SharePoint are required.
• Maintain professional demeanor at all times.
• Must be a self‑starter, able to handle multiple tasks, work with little supervision, and work in confined spaces.
• Crisis management: work well under pressure, act quickly and decisively using sound judgment.

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport
• CPR / First Aid / AED

Repair and Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance checks and keep records of jobs performed; keep the Chief Engineer informed of all maintenance and repairs that have been done.
• Help with engineering, deck, and hotel preventative maintenance programs on daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Complete maintenance and repair tasks as requested by Chief Engineer or Master.
• Perform hotel maintenance tasks as directed by Chief Engineer or Master.
• Participate in yearly shipyards.
• Assist Chief Engineer in all operations and duties as assigned by the Chief Engineer.

Administrative

• Update vessel maintenance records for weekly and monthly work items. Assist the Chief Engineer with inventories.

Safety and Security

• Follow company safety and pollution prevention policies and procedures.
• Assist in the preparation of the vessel for all U.S. Coast Guard annual dry docks and other inspections.
• Participate in shore side training as required by the company.
• Familiar with all duties under the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response Activities.

Communication Skills

The Assistant Engineer will interact with our passengers daily and must be professional and engaging at all times. Must be able to interpret maritime technical literature and governmental regulations. Must be able to verbalize and write technical information clearly and precisely.

WORK SCHEDULE

During shipyard and dockside maintenance periods, work hours are assigned by the vessel Master or Chief Engineer; these are typically Monday to Friday, 0700‑1530. All crew members work 12 hours per day during the sailing season.

ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / EMPLOYMENT COMPLIANCE

• Living Conditions: Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
• Length of Work Shift: Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks.
• Mobility: Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Handling & Strength: Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
• Environmental Conditions: Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28‑inch wide hatch.
• DOT Drug Testing: In compliance with USCG regulations, must pass a pre‑employment drug test and additional in‑season testing per federal guidelines.
• Allergens: This position requires working with and/or being around raw and cooked shellfish, cleaning chemicals and other known allergens.
• Medical Review: A medical review is required. Must be medically fit to work onboard for safety and compliance.

BASE PAY

• $141 – $165 per day based on vessel and experience as determined by the company + $70 tip guarantee.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.