Boat Officer 4 (Captain)

Job Description

Effective July 1, 2026 the wage for this position increased by 2.5%. The wage listed in this job posting reflects the increase.

This position is open to Alaska Residents only.

Please check our

residency definition

to determine if you qualify.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries is recruiting

for a Boat Officer 4 located in Homer, Alaska!

What you will be doing:

This position is responsible for the safe operation, navigation/piloting, and maintenance of the R/V Equinox. This 85 ft vessel is currently in refit status, nearing completion in Newport, Oregon. The Equinox will serve as a working base for at sea biological assessment projects by conducting fisheries surveys and on-site management of commercial fisheries.  The incumbent in this position will be asked to locate and obtain biological samples using a wide variety of commercial gear types including; longlines, bottom and surface trawls, drift gillnets, dredges, pots and ROV transects while adhering to requirements and techniques of scientific procedure. Duties also include supervising a vessel crew of 3 or more in addition to administrative tasks such as: Budget oversight and expense tracking. Preparing detailed “requests for quotations” for major maintenance and repair projects. Implementing and monitoring shipyard work while adhering to procurement procedures.

Our mission, values, and culture:

The mission of ADF&G is to protect, maintain, and improve the fish, game, and aquatic plant resources of the state, and manage their use and development in the best interest of the economy and the well-being of the people of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle. The core services of the Commercial Fisheries Division are to ensure the conservation of natural stocks of fish, shellfish and aquatic plants based on scientifically sound assessments. Through coordination with staff biologist, the Equinox captain will conduct vessel-based surveys to collect assessment data necessary to achieve these goals. The work conducted from this vessel supports the sustainable management of some of the most important fisheries in the state including Bristol Bay salmon, Norton Sound king crab, Yukon River Chinook salmon and southeast Alaska rockfish fishery.

The Benefits of joining our team:

This position will provide opportunity to work in some of the most exciting marine environments in Alaska on a state vessel equipped with modern electronics and fishing equipment. The incumbent will work with a wide variety of highly competent staff while conducting important fisheries surveys across the state. The wide variety of fishery gear types employed creates a challenging opportunity for a team- oriented mariner with a solid working knowledge of multiple gear types. The incumbent is provided with medical benefits, paid leave and sea duty pay. Sea duty is additional compensation for days at sea.

The working environment you can expect:

The Equinox is home ported in Homer and conducts research/assessment work in in Cook Inlet, North Gulf Coast, Prince William Sound, Bristol Bay, Norton Sound and southeast Alaska. Captain and vessel crew will be living aboard the vessel for between 80 and 120 days a year while on surveys. Under normal conditions a 12 hour day is standard and 24-hour operation is often required during long range transits between surveys. While in port between surveys, or in off season the incumbent divides “in town” tasks between administrative duties and vessel maintenance, repairs and upgrades.

Who we are looking for:

We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies:

Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of staff with experience levels ranging from novice to highly experienced researchers with extensive maritime and fisheries experience.

Effective, adaptive, and documentable supervision of crew while at sea. Proven skills in resolving personnel issues in a fair, effective manner.

Extensive “hands-on” operation and maneuvering of a deep draft vessel in heavy currents, wind and seas, often while restricted in ability to maneuver.

Commercial fishing or fisheries experience with a wide variety of gear types including long-line, surface and bottom trawls, gillnets, purse seines, scallop dredges and crab/shrimp pots.

Strong mechanical and electrical skills as they pertain to the repair and maintenance of propulsion, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems typically found on vessels of 58 feet or more in length.

Ability to work independently and make effective decisions under pressure with minimal or no direct supervision.

Safety oriented with training in marine safety procedures and conducting drills.

To view the general description and example of duties for a Boat Officer 4

,

please go to the

following link:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs

Special Note:

A valid Driver's License is required.

Must have a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master`s License. Must have the physical capacity for arduous work and extended time at sea. A valid Alaska Driver`s license is required.

Desirable licenses include a U.S. Coast Guard operator or Engineer license, 100-ton Master or Merchant Mariner`s Documents: Seafarer or able Seafarer.

A Federal Communications Radiotelephone Operator License is required prior to attaining permanent status. Must have physical capacity for arduous work and extended time at sea.

A thorough knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard regulations and rules of the road, seamanship, ship handling, maritime safety procedures, fire training, navigation methods, and techniques. Ability to supervise crew and passengers, operate computers, understand and manage the budget, and perform other administrative functions related to purchasing and vessel repair. Must remain current with First aid and CPR training, advances in shipboard systems and scientific sampling equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of work experience, as

1) captain, second-in-command or relief captain to the vessel captain of vessel(s) of 70 feet in overall length or larger, performing the skilled level of operation and piloting of vessel(s) OR

2) responsible for performing complex repairs to, and maintenance of, marine engines, equipment and systems on vessels of 70 feet in overall length or larger which do not require a full-time engineering position OR

3) captain of vessel(s) of 46 feet or larger in overall length with full responsibility for its operation and piloting. Positions are responsible for the vessel's maintenance, repair and modification, budget proposals and fiscal control, schedule development and similar duties related to the operation of the vessel.

OR

Four years of work experience serving as a relief captain of vessels 46 feet in overall length or larger in the absence of the captain, and in possession of a 100-ton license.

Special Note:

Must have a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master's License.

Must have the physical capacity for arduous work and extended time at sea.

Desirable Qualifications:

A U.S. Coast Guard Operator or Engineer license is highly desirable.

TERMINOLOGY AND LICENSES:

DOCUMENTABLE DAYS: Days at sea for which proof of service can be produced. As per U.S. Coast Guard definition, a day is defined as 8 hours of work. Because much maritime service is based on a 12-hour day, a 12-hour day may be counted as 1-1/2 days.

FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Permit: A permit to operate marine radios, SSB or VHF.

LICENSES:

U.S. Coast Guard Engineer's License: A Merchant Marine Engineering Officer license.

U.S. Coast Guard Master's License: A Merchant Marine Deck Officer license issued with restrictions on gross tonnage of the vessel (e.g. 50 tons, 100 tons, 1600 tons), as well as route restrictions (e.g. inland, near coastal, upon ocean). It is recognition by the U.S. Coast Guard of experience and qualification for carrying passengers or freight.

U.S. Coast Guard Op