Senior Deckhand

Come join our Seldovia Bay Ferry team! This position is located in Seldovia, Alaska.

Ferry Season/Work Schedule: This position is contracted for the entire season, including season prep and season close out weeks occurring before and after the passenger season. Only applicants who can work for the entire season will be considered. Exact dates for 2026 will be determined. In general, our season is typically from Memorial Weekend through mid-September. Our ferry runs between Homer and Seldovia, Alaska.

Position Overview : 

The Senior Deckhand will provide an increased level of experience on the M/V Kachemak Voyager. The Senior Deckhand will be responsible for supervising the other deckhands, while the vessel is underway and act as the team leader in the response to any emergency onboard. He or she will be able to assist the Vessel Captain in the operation of the vessel and will be available to operate the vessel in the event the Vessel Captain becomes incapacitated. The Senior Deckhand will also ensure passenger safety, provide customer service, assist in and/or conduct vessel operations and maintenance as directed by Vessel Captain.

Salary Range: TBD, depending on experience

Type of Employment: In-person, not a remote position

What You'll Do:

• Direct and assist deckhands in daily vessel operations


• Advanced seamanship duties including safety equipment, line handling, knots, splices, and boat handling


• Perform individual station bill responsibilities


• Participate in safety drills and training


• Must be familiar with matters relating to emergency conditions including but not limited to Man Overboard, Fire, Abandon Ship, Foul Weather, Medical Emergency and Collision


• Assist with Kachemak Voyager vessel operations


• Safety duties to include crowed control, rigging, line handling, casualty control, first aid, and CPR


• Familiarity with the Bridge’s navigational equipment, engine alarms/indicators, controls, gauges, and communication procedures


• Engineering familiarity to include main and auxiliary machinery, steering systems, refueling techniques, and emergency procedures


• Vessel assistance to include search and rescue techniques, towing, and superior ship handling skills


• Load and unload passengers under direction of the Vessel Captain


• Respond as “ On- Scene Leader” to all vessel emergencies in accordance with safety procedures


• Actively engage passengers to provide outstanding customer service


• Maintain vessel cleanliness and appearance to the highest standards


• Assist in performing vessel maintenance in accordance with phased maintenance schedules, as directed by the Vessel Captain


• Inspect all areas of the vessel for environmental, safety, and health deficiencies on a regular schedule


• Report all deficiencies to Vessel Captain and under the direction of the Vessel Captain carry out corrective actions to the maximum extent possible


• Maintain records of passenger counts and account for all ticket sales and collection of funds.


• On-board passenger ticket sales and collection of money


• Provide assistance with any concession stand sales or set up (i.e. make coffee, refill stock, etc.)


• Must be familiar with the characteristics unique to each dock/port, vessel, and conditions routinely encountered (i.e. fog, fishing areas, driftwood, etc.)


• Complete routine reports as directed


• Must possess working knowledge of all deck equipment
  


• Perform duties associated with the protection and evacuation of passengers during an emergency situation


• Ability to help load and unload freight from vessel for traveling passengers


• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Seldovia Bay Ferry Manager

What You'll Need:

• 100 Ton Master License Preferred


• Must submit to and pass all alcohol and drug tests as mandated by the USCG including but not limited to pre-employment, random, and post-accident/incident testing.


• Must be at least 18+ years of age


• CPR/First Aid- renewals offered at no cost by Seldovia Village Tribe


• General knowledge of COLREGS and Inland Rules of the Road


• A strong understanding of Seldovia Village Tribe’s mission, vision, and core values


• Completion of Position Qualification- Senior Deckhand


• Must be able to conduct crowd control measures and casualty control measures


• Demonstrated leadership ability


• Reliability and trustworthiness


• Must be able to perform basic arithmetic


• Computer literacy


• Working knowledge of deck equipment


• Must be a team player


• Tourism and/or customer service experience a plus
  

What You'll Get:

• Shared housing in Seldovia, AK is provided for the individual.

About Us: Seldovia Bay Ferry is owned and operated by Seldovia Village Tribe (SVT). SVT is a federally recognized Tribe that serves everyone - both Native and non-Native - in the communities of the South Kenai Peninsula, from Seldovia and beyond, including Homer and Anchor Point.