Salary: $2,658.75 Biweekly
Location : Douglas, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 55014
Department: Fish & Game
Division: COF-R1 Douglas
Opening Date: 08/25/2026
Closing Date: 9/4/2026 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Commercial Fisheries
Position Open To: Alaska Residents Only
Bargaining Unit: General Government
Range: 17
Job DescriptionThis 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 3 located in Douglas, Alaska!What you will be doing: As Chief Engineer and Second-in-Command of the department's 110' research vessel R/V Medeia, based in Juneau, main duties include:
Operating and maintaining all vessel systems, including:
- Engine room
- Electrical systems
- Hydraulic systems
- Plumbing
- Navigation equipment
Ensuring the vessel remains in a safe and seaworthy condition.
Our mission, values and culture: Mission: We manage Alaska's fisheries to support the state's economy and the well-being of its citizens, guided by the sustained yield principle and public regulatory processes.
Values: Stewardship, scientific integrity, and service to the public.
Culture: We foster a collaborative, safety-focused environment where maintaining vital research platforms like the R/V Medeia ensures effective fisheries management across Southeast Alaska. The Division of Commercial Fisheries strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and well-being are paramount, and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.
The benefits of joining our team: - Dynamic Work Environment: Each voyage aboard the R/V Medeia offers unique challenges and opportunities, supporting diverse scientific research projects focused on key commercial species such as red king crab, Tanner crab, sablefish, shrimp, and salmon.
- Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Crew members receive additional pay for time spent at sea, along with comprehensive health insurance, retirement matching, and paid leave.
- Team Culture & Career Growth: Join a dedicated four-member crew committed to safety, reliability, and scientific excellence. This multifaceted role blends engineering, navigation, deck operations, and citizen science, with opportunities for advancement into higher vessel positions through experience.
The working environment you can expect: Location: Based in Juneau, Alaska
Primary Worksites: - Aboard the R/V Medeia (at sea and in port)
- Vessel shop at the Subport Facility and NOAA Dock in downtown Juneau
Conditions: - Work performed both indoors and outdoors
- Exposure to varying weather conditions, including inclement weather
Schedule: - Requires work outside of standard business hours, including weekends
- Extensive sea time: 90-120 days annually between April and November
- Typical voyages range from 3 to 24 days, with most lasting 7-10 day
Compensation: - Premium pay provided for time spent at sea
Note: Requires frequent travel and work on a vessel at sea from Spring through Fall, for trip durations of up to three weeks (average 7-10 days), sometimes during inclement weather.
Who we are looking for: We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies:
- Demonstrate strong technical abilities in operating, managing, and maintaining all systems aboard a large marine research vessel
- Communicate clearly and work well with a diverse team in a cooperative, respectful environment
- Be proactive and self-motivated, with a knack for taking initiative and solving problems independently
- Exhibit confident leadership and the ability to safely operate and command a 110-ft vessel and crew when needed.
- Be comfortable performing physically demanding work during extended sea voyages, including in challenging weather conditions
- Bring a positive attitude, adaptability, and a commitment to supporting meaningful research that benefits Alaska's communities and fisheries
- Skilled and personable team member who brings both technical expertise and a collaborative spirit to our crew.
To view the general description and example of duties for a Boat Officer 3, please go to the following link: ;/strong>
Special Note:
A valid driver's license is required.
This position may be in possession of, or have access to, firearms/ammunition.
First Aid/CPR. For those not already certified training will be provided by the department at no cost to the employee.
U. S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master's license.
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of work experience:
1) as second-in-command or relief captain of a vessel of 46 feet in overall length or larger, OR
2) as captain of a vessel of 28 feet in overall length or larger, OR
3) performing complex repair and maintenance of marine engines, equipment and systems on vessels of 46 feet in overall length or larger.
The required experience is met by service as a Boat Officer II with the State of Alaska or the equivalent elsewhere.
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 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 Operator's License: A license formally called "Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels", more commonly referred to as a 'six pack" license, because limitation is to 100 gross tons/6 passengers.
Merchant Mariner's Documents
Ordinary Seaman: this is an entry level Merchant Mariner document, requiring no experience and no examination. It does require a drug test and proof of citizenship
Able Seaman grade: An able seaman is a rating issued based upon experience and an examination, but is not an officer.
SECOND-IN-COMMAND: The person recognized by the master as second-in-command. Authority on the vessel devolves to the second-in-command through, and at the discretion of, the master.
RELIEF CAPTAIN: The person recognized by the master as second-in-command. Authority on the vessel devolves to the second-in-command through, and at the discretion of, the master.
VESSEL: In the Boat Officer series specifications, the term "vessel" refers to a vessel larger than 28 feet in overall length.
Vessels are categorized as follows:
Small Vessel 28 feet to 45 feet
Medium Vessel 46 feet to 69 feet
Large Vessel 70 feet and larger
Additional Required Information
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Please provide at time of application submission:
If selected, please provide the following at the time of the interview:
- Three professional references with current contact information.
- USCG 100-ton Master's license and/or any other marine endorsements
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is required for this position. include a cover letter describing how your experience and qualifications demonstrate the position-specific competencies that would make you an asset to this role. Please limit it to 2-3 paragraphs (1-page limit). Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online or, if unable to attach to your application, fax or email it to the contact provided in the job posting. Your cover letter will be used to help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
FIREARMS
This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position.
A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law; and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.
If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.
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. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts).
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence.
WORK EXPERIENCE
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.
NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
MULTIPLE VACANCIES
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1- or in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1- or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
NOTICE
If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1- (toll free) or if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed
For applicant password assistance please visit:
Contact Information
For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:Cedar Stark, Boat Officer 4 - Captain
Phone:
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.
For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefits - Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See for additional information.
- AVTEC
- Confidential
- Correctional Officers
- Marine Engineers
- Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
- Supervisory
- Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
- Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
- The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
- General Government
- Labor, Trades and Crafts
- Public Safety Employees Association
- Masters, Mates & Pilots
- Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Optional Insurance Benefits
- Group-based insurance premiums for
- Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
- Long-term and short-term disability
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
- Supplemental Survivor Benefits
- Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses
Retirement Benefits - Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
- Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
- Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
- Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
- Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
- Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options
See for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits - Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
- Twelve (12) paid holidays a year
01
How many years of experience do you have working aboard marine vessels? - 1-2 years
- 2-4 years
- 4-6 years
- 6+ years
02
Which option best describes the scope of your experience operating or supporting marine vessel activities? - I have led vessel operations in both engineering and navigation capacities, including oversight of crew and mission-critical systems.
- I have served in a primary role aboard vessels, such as engineer, mate, or captain, with responsibility for specific operational areas.
- I have supported vessel operations in technical or deck roles, contributing to safe and efficient voyages
- My vessel experience has primarily involved training or limited operational duties, with interest in expanding into broader responsibilities.
Required Question 
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