Portage Glacier Cruise Relief Boat Captain

A Hiring Company; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Part time

Job summary

A Native-owned cruise company in Anchorage seeks a Relief Boat Captain. Responsibilities include navigating the M/V Ptarmigan, ensuring safety, managing the crew, and providing excellent customer service on scheduled trips across Portage Lake. The role requires a 100-Ton Inland Masters License, VHF radio communication skills, and the ability to work independently. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and eligible to work in the US. This position offers unique opportunities in a dynamic outdoor work environment.

Qualifications

• Must possess a 100-Ton Inland Masters License or greater.
• Minimum age of 21 required.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service while keeping safety the priority.
• Navigate the M/V Ptarmigan, maintaining a strict schedule.
• Ensure the safety of vessel, passengers, and crew.

Skills

VHF radio communication skills

Experience driving and docking boats

Conflict resolution skills

Ability to work independently

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Education

High school completion or equivalent

100-Ton Inland Masters License or greater

Job description

Portage Glacier Cruise Relief Boat Captain

The relief captain is expected to work 2-3 days a week. They must provide excellent customer service while keeping safety the number one priority. They are required to navigate the M/V Ptarmigan across Portage Lake, staying on schedule for five trips per day. They are responsible for managing the crew and must possess conflict resolution skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Must possess a 100‑Ton Inland Masters License or greater.
• Safety of vessel, passengers and crew: The relief captain is responsible for everything that happens on their watch. They must respond to emergency situations and keep an up‑to‑date ship log noting incidents or other notable events of the day.
• Keeping on Schedule: In charge of maintaining the strict five sailings a day schedule. They must be confident enough to make weather calls in the event it isn’t safe to go out and make up any lost time to get back on track.
• Managing Crew: While on duty, the relief captain must ensure the crew are working at the expected standard and create a positive work environment. Each crew member should feel safe, comfortable and understand the job expectations.
• Tracking Passenger Counts: During boarding, an accurate passenger count must be kept according to USCG regulations. Strict adherence to vessel capacity (no more than 142 passengers) is essential.
• Staying in Contact with Office via radio: Passengers’ counts must be relayed to the office prior to untying from the dock. The office must be informed when the vessel unties and departs from dock, and any impacts on the decision to sail before tickets are sold for the trip.
• Engine room start‑up and shut‑down: All necessary checks for the day are to be done and signed off, confirming that all equipment is running properly and safely. Must be attuned to detail and use common sense as well as acquired knowledge specific to the machinery onboard the M/V Ptarmigan.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 100‑Ton Inland Masters License or greater.
• Experience driving and docking boats.
• VHF radio communication skills.
• Experience running emergency drills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with multiple tasks and external influences.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while achieving daily goals.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• High school completion or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 21 required.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Must be comfortable performing credit card transactions for onboard ticket sales.
• Ability to work independently with supervision while achieving daily goals.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to stand/walk/work on feet for a minimum of 8 hours per day.
• Required to drive an hour along the Seward Hwy to and from work if residing in Anchorage.
• Must be comfortable working outside all day long in the elements; sun, rain or wind.
• Need to be mobile and limber enough to crawl through tight voids, go up and down ladders, walk over uneven surface.
• Need to be available two days a week for 10 hours a day. Extra overtime may be required either prior to regular start time or after, for regulatory maintenance and fueling.
• Successful completion of criminal background check.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Portage Glacier Cruise is a Native‑owned and operated enterprise and offers Native Preference under P.O. 93‑638.