Job Details

Salary: $3,000.00 Biweekly
Location : Homer, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 50669
Department: Fish & Game
Division: Commercial Fisheries
Opening Date: 06/18/2025
Closing Date: 7/2/2025 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Commercial Fisheries
Position Open To: Alaska Residents Only
Bargaining Unit: Supervisory
Range: 19

Job Description
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 (Captain) located in Homer!
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 organization, mission, 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.
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 conditions 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 looking for an individual with the following competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• 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 (Captain) please go to the following link:

Special Note:

• A valid driver's license is required.
• This position may be in possession of, or have access to, firearms/ammunition.
• 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 licenses include a U.S. Coast Guard operator or Engineer license, 100-ton Master or Merchant Mariner`s Documents: Ordinary Seaman or able seaman.
• A Federal Communications Radiotelephone Operator License is required prior to attaining permanent status.
• 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 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. All items are required:

1. Cover Letter
2. 3 professional references. One reference must be an employee/crew member the applicant has directly supervised. References will be contacted for top candidates after their interview and a transcript of records.
3. Copy of U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master`s License.
4. Copy of Valid driver`s license.
5. Copy of any other applicable merchant mariner's documents and licenses.

COVER LETTER

A cover letter is required for this position and will be used as a writing sample. The cover letter should summarizes past work history and your skills and abilities as they pertain to this position. 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.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be specific in your answers and tell us how you acquired the relevant experience. Please use complete sentences and proof-read your submissions when answering the supplemental questions. Your responses will be considered a writing sample and will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment 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 1-800-###-#### or (907) ###-#### in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-###-#### 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 1-800-###-#### (toll free) or (907) ###-#### if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to ...@alaska.gov.

For applicant password assistance please visit:



Contact Information
For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager:

David Anderson

Phone: 907 ###-####

Fax: (907) ###-####
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

Have you served in the capacity of captain on commercial or government vessels operating on near coastal Alaska waters? Include the size and tonnage of the vessel you were captain of and describe the fisheries or activities you were engaged in.
02

Do you have experience supervising a crew on a vessel? If yes, briefly describe how many crew member you supervised, how you delegated duties and responsibilities.
03

When hiring a crewman for a deck/cook position, list three (3) traits that you would seek in that individual and why?
04

Do you have a solid working knowledge of the marine electronics and charting software typically used onboard commercial fishing or research vessels? If yes, list the systems that you have experience using.
05

Do you have experience repairing and maintaining ship systems including engines, electrical systems, and hydraulics? Which of these would you describe as your strong area?
Required Question