Deckhand II

Ketchikan Gateway Borough; Ketchikan (AK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Ketchikan Gateway Borough is seeking a Deckhand II to support the maintenance and operation of the passenger and vehicle ferry in Alaska. You will direct loading/unloading of vehicles and passengers, enforce safety regulations, participate in drills, and assist with vessel mooring and bridge operations.

The role requires agility, physical strength, teamwork, and the ability to follow complex vessel procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years total experience handling and splicing of sheets, lines, tackle and mooring equipment.
• Valid State of Alaska driver’s license and driving record acceptable to Borough’s insurance carrier.
• Valid first aid card.
• USCG issued 100‑Ton Merchant Mariner Credential.
• FCC marine radio operator’s license.

Responsibilities

• Direct the loading and unloading of motor vehicles and passengers; block wheels of motor vehicles; check for gasoline leakage from motor vehicles; guard lead-line and safety chains to prevent passengers from moving beyond established limits.
• Assist in enforcing regulations including those pertaining to passenger smoking aboard ferryboats and stopping motor vehicle engines.
• Participate in lifeboat and fire drills.
• Acts as lookout and watchperson and report obstacles in the path of the vessel while underway.
• Operate ferry transfer bridges.
• Handle lines and tackle for mooring vessel to slips and wharves.
• Perform routine cleaning, painting, and other vessel maintenance work as assigned, including decks, cabins, and flotation equipment.
• Maintain courteous and cooperative relationships with the traveling public.
• May supervise lower-level deckhands.
• Provide first aid and water rescue as needed.
• Provide instruction to other employees in all aspects of procedure and technique relating to the duties required by this job description unless certification is required.
• Perform and assist in other related duties as directed by the Operations Manager.
• Serve as ferryboat Captain as needed.

Skills

Agility

Physical strength

Safety awareness

First aid

Teamwork

Vessel operation knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Responsible for semi-skilled crew work in connection with the maintenance and operation of a passenger and vehicle ferry under the general supervision of the Airport Operations Manager.

• Direct the loading and unloading of motor vehicles and passengers; block wheels of motor vehicles; check for gasoline leakage from motor vehicles; and guard the lead-line and safety chains to prevent passengers from moving beyond established limits.
• Assist in enforcing regulations including those pertaining to passenger smoking aboard the ferryboats and stopping motor vehicle engines.
• Participate in lifeboat and fire drills.
• Acts as lookout and watchperson and report obstacles in the path of the vessel while underway.
• Operate ferry transfer bridges.
• Handle lines and tackle for mooring vessel to slips and wharves.
• Perform routine cleaning, painting, and other vessel maintenance work as assigned, including but not limited to decks, cabins, and flotation equipment.
• Maintain courteous and cooperative relationships with the traveling public.
• May supervise lower-level deckhands.
• Provide first aid and water rescue as needed.

The Deckhand ll must possess:

• Agility and physical strength, ability to exercise courtesy and tact in contacts with other crew members, the general public, and other agencies.
• Knowledge of procedures, practices and safety regulations pertaining to ferryboat operations and maintenance.
• Ability to administer first aid treatment as required.
• Ability to operate the gears of ferryboats and life‑saving devices.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral commands and written instructions involving terms commonly used in vessel communication.
• Ability to perform skilled and semi-skilled maintenance and repairs on a vessel.
• Ability to swim and carry out life‑saving actions during emergencies.
• Willingness to perform various job‑related tasks as situations require.
• A strong sense of teamwork, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

• Provide instruction to other employees of this or a similar job classification in all aspects of procedure and technique relating to the duties required by this job description unless such instruction requires a specialized certification which the employee doing the training does not have.
• Perform and assist in other related duties as directed by the Operations Manager.
• Serve as ferryboat Captain as needed.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE

Must be able to hear. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; and taste or smell. Each of the listed activities also requires standing, sitting, walking, jumping, pulling, swimming, bending, stooping, climbing on stools and ladders, and routinely lift and carry items and boxes up to fifty (50) pounds.

LICENSES

Valid State of Alaska driver's license with a driving record acceptable to the Borough's insurance carrier. Valid first aid card. Must possess a USCG issued 100‑Ton Merchant Mariner Credential. Must have, or applied for, an FCC marine radio operator's license.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or equivalent. Three years total experience handling and splicing of sheets, lines, tackle and mooring equipment.

Any combination of related education and/or related experience will be considered if the candidate possesses the demonstrated ability.