AMHS – Port Captain

Job Description

ATTENTION ALASKA RESIDENTS!

The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Alaska Marine Highway System is looking for a Port Captain to help us

Keep Alaska Moving!

Pay is based on the

location

of the selected applicant; salaries will be discussed at the time of the interview.

Ketchikan:

$4,133.60 / bi-weekly (

Overtime Ineligible

)

Juneau:

$4,340.00 / bi-weekly (

Overtime Ineligible

)

What you will be doing:

We are seeking a Port Captain to join our team at AMHS to help keep Alaska’s fleet—and the communities it serves—moving. Lead deck operations across Southeast, Southcentral, and Southwest Alaska, guiding vessel crews and ensuring every voyage meets the highest standards for safety, security, compliance, and operational readiness. From coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard and leading incident investigations to supporting major dry-dock projects, vessel training, and terminal operations, you’ll tackle complex challenges that directly impact the AMHS fleet. Your leadership will help ensure every vessel is properly staffed, maintained, certified, and ready to serve Alaska.

Our organization, mission, and culture:

The State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities’ mission is to

Keep Alaska Moving

.  We are working towards a modern, adaptable, flexible transportation system that will be resilient as we tackle our challenges. We believe collaboration, communication, and coordination increase our ability to succeed. Creating teams focused on results, working together, and leveraging resources across our department, with community and private sector partnerships, increases our ability to accomplish our mission and serve Alaskans.

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 DOT&PF core values are integrity, excellence, and respect.  We support an environment focused on teamwork and collaboration to achieve results.  We find success in achieving our transportation mission through building credibility with our customers, stakeholders, and the public.

The working environment you can expect:

This position can be located in either

Ketchikan or Juneau, Alaska (Southeast Alaska)

.

Southeast Alaska is a land of snow-capped mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the largest national forest in the United States (Tongass). Old-growth trees in a temperate rainforest create clean air, clean water, and many adventure opportunities. The local trails offer endless choices for getting into the woods or climbing mountains.

Local waters provide some of the best seafood in the world: salmon, halibut, shrimp, and crab. Water lovers enjoy ocean boating, diving, paddle boarding, and even surfing. There are rivers for white-water rafting and lakes, ocean, and rivers for fishing. Locals and visitors avail themselves of the many cabins and camping options.

Southeast Alaska has an amazing array of cultural opportunities. Folk Festivals, Jazz and Classics, and Symphonies bring world-class music annually. There are museums, professional theaters, and many art galleries. All of these things contribute to a quality of life that is highly prized by those who live in Southeast Alaska.

Who we are looking for:

To be successful in this position, the selected applicant will possess the following core competencies:

Leadership:

Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations.

Compliance:

Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.

Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving:

uses a logical, systematic, sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.

To view the general description and example of duties for positions please go to the following link:

Class Specifications | Port Captain | Class Spec Details

Minimum Qualifications

Five years of experience in the operation of vessels employed and managed for commerce and/or transportation.

AND

Possession of either of the following U.S. Coast Guard Licenses: 3rd Mate, Oceans, Any Gross Tons (unlimited) or Mate, Near Coastal (Inland), Any Gross Tons (unlimited)

OR

Graduation from an four year accredited U.S. Maritime Academy

AND

one year of experience in the operation of vessels employed and managed for commerce and/or transportation.

AND

Possession of either of the following U.S. Coast Guard Licenses: 3rd Mate, Oceans, Any Gross Tons (unlimited) or Mate, Near Coastal (Inland), Any Gross Tons (unlimited)

OR

Graduation from an four year accredited U.S. Maritime Academy

AND

one year of experience assisting in the operation, general maintenance (excluding engine room and machinery) and annual dry-docking, repair and modification of state operated ferries. The required work experience is met by service as an Assistant Port Captain with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

AND

Possession of either of the following U.S. Coast Guard Licenses: 3rd Mate, Oceans, Any Gross Tons (unlimited) or Mate, Near Coastal (Inland), Any Gross Tons (unlimited)

Or

six years of experience in the operation of vessels employed and managed for commerce and/or transportation.

AND

2 years of experience assisting in the operation, general maintenance (excluding the engine room and machinery) and annual dry-docking, repair and modification of state-operated ferries. The required experience is met by service as an Assistant Port Captain with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

AND

A US Coast Guard 1,600 Tons Master License

Or

eight years of experience in the operation of vessels employed and managed for commerce and/or transportation.

AND

A US Coast Guard 1,600 Tons Master License

Additional Required Information

**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**

This position requires the following:

US Coast Guard License: 3rd Mate, Oceans, Any Gross Tons, (Unlimited) ; Or Mate, Near Coastal (Inland), Any Gross Tons (Unlimited); or a U.S. Coast Guard 1,600 Tons Master License.

A valid driver's license.

At time of application, applicants are requested to submit:

Cover letter - instructions below

At time of interview, applicants are requested to submit (if not already attached to your application):

Three (3) professional references, including name, job title, and current phone numbers.

Please attach transcripts, licenses, or supporting documentation that supports how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY

Please be sure to check our

residency definition

to determine if you qualify.

COVER LETTER

A cover letter is required as part of your application.  In your cover letter, please describe how you possess the position specific competencies listed in the “Who We Are Looking For” section and how your skills will be of particular benefit to the position.  We request your cover letter be no more than two to three paragraphs and limited to one page.

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 universiti