Marine Assistant Engineer - Seasonal

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary:

Southeast Alaska is a wild, rich, and dynamic region of Alaska. Standing on a beach in Frederick Sound, it is possible to see rainforest behind you, high mountain peaks with glaciers in front of you, and Humpback Whales feeding in the rich water surrounding you. No wonder this area is a destination for many tourists each summer. However, many visitors never get a chance to have an intimate experience here as most of their time is spent aboard large cruise ships or in port.

The Boat Companys (TBC) aim is to provide a more intimate experience in this incredible place. The hope is that this intimate experience combined with a knowledgeable crew will foster a sense of stewardship in our passengers. This is extremely important because Southeast Alaska is home to the 17 million-acre Tongass Forest. This is the largest Forest in the United States and, as such, each of us has a say in managing this forest. TBC believes that to know Southeast Alaska is to love Southeast Alaska and by educating our passengers about this area and the issues that face it, they will be more likely to take an active role in deciding what the future holds for this treasure.

** This is a seasonal position that generally runs from March to September. However, if interested and if necessary, may result in a backfill or "fill-in" for the current operating season.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As an Assistant Engineer, you will work closely with the Chief Engineer, Captain and other crew members to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. The Engineer is responsible for proper installation and maintenance according to design specifications of all ships systems and machinery, including without limitation:

• Main propulsion engines and generators;
• All deck equipment such as anchor winches, skiff cranes, etc.;
• Skiff systems such as outboard engines and propellers, steering cables, radios, pumps, lights, etc.;
• Deck and below-deck lighting, navigation lighting, public address systems, radios, radars, intercoms, televisions, appliances, etc.;
• Ships steering system, electrical system, fresh and salt water systems, desalinating system, sewage treatment system, ventilation systems, heating systems, etc.
• Troubleshoot and repair any equipment malfunctions in a timely manner.
• Monitor fuel and oil levels, and ensure proper storage and handling procedures are followed.
• Perform preventative maintenance on diesel engines and other machinery found on passenger vessels. This includes but may not be limited to diesel main engines, diesel auxiliary generators, marine reduction gears, hydraulic systems for steering, and thrusters. This may also include the rigging of engine and reduction gear components for removal as necessary.
• Perform vessel and dockside plumbing repairs to pipes, valves, tanks, and pumps.
• Perform vessel electrical troubleshooting and repair of generators, motors, control systems, sensors, and related wiring. Also, low voltage and battery powered starting, control, electronic control, and monitoring systems.
• S/he must keep an accurate log of all engine room operations including a daily log of all repairs and normal maintenance performed. A weekly summary of repairs and maintenance will be required for ships records.

• The Engineer should participate in guest activities whenever his/her schedule allows. At times, when needed, the Engineer will assist the deck crew in the transport of guests to and from activities as well as in the launching and retrieving of skiffs.
• S/he will be responsible for keeping the engine room and associated spaces clean, and will also give a guided tour of the engine room to all interested guests during the trip.
• At the end of the season, the Engineer will inventory all spare parts and will prepare a written list with budget detailing all repairs needed before the following season.
• The Engineer must consider the requirements of a particular job prior to undertaking the task so he can be assured that all necessary equipment or assistance is readily available, scheduled and budgeted for.
• The Engineer understands that TIME IS ALWAYS OF THE ESSENCE.

The Engineer reports to the Chief Engineer for core job accountabilities and to the Captain regarding vessel safety while onboard.

GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• The Engineer must be capable of lifting and moving equipment that may weigh in excess of 75 pounds. It will frequently be necessary to move equipment that is heavy, large, and awkward, sometimes from one level to another, even when ship is underway. Mechanical lifting devices are provided and should be used as necessary. Assistance should be obtained from other members of the crew when appropriate
• The Engineer must be capable of boarding and exiting a vessel without physical assistance by climbing up on down gangplank, Jacobs ladder, dock ladder, or vessel ladder.
• Must be capable of boarding and entering a skiff from a dock or a vessel without assistance.
• Must be able to climb or descend one or more sets of steep stairs or vertical ladders both inside and outside the vessel in all weather conditions. The above may have to be accomplished while transporting tools or objects.
• Must be able to use portable ladders or stools to allow work on systems that are located in the overhead section of machinery spaces.
• Repairs may require that the Engineer to:

• reach into small, poorly accessible areas of machinery;
• work on equipment that has pressurized or hot components; secure or segregate systems to provide an adequate safety margin;
• troubleshoot equipment that is difficult to reach;
• work in areas that have high noise levels;
• work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness in unusual situations;
• work in confined and restricted spaces.

• The Engineer must have vision that allows him or her to safely work on electrical systems that have coded wires; distinguish between warning, alarm, and normal operating lights; discern system components that are identifiable by code; and observe basic safety precautions that may be related to identification.
• The Engineers hearing must be adequate to ensure his or her personal safety while working in a machinery space with a high level of background noise and detect changes in operating sounds of machinery.
• Must be capable of communicating with the Captain or other personnel via portable or fixed VHF radio as well as by intercom systems or voice communication.
• The Engineer must possess sufficient physical dexterity to enable him to manipulate small items in restricted spaces or large objects when using mechanical lifting devices.
• The Engineer must be capable of reading well enough to comprehend the various manufacturers instruction manuals which describe preventative and corrective maintenance procedures for the equipment aboard his or her vessel. S/he must also be capable or reading and understanding written directives which may affect his job or emergency assignment.
• The Engineer must be capable of performing assigned emergency duties without undue danger to self or his or her Vessel.
• Must be capable of performing the actions listed in the vessel Station Bill (copy provided upon request).
• Must be able to don a life vest or jacket and/or survival suit without assistance, and, having done so, must further be able to walk without assistance to any assigned life vessel station or life craft for boarding.
• Must be capable of working and living on board a vessel for entire four to five month operating season and without having access to hospital services, prescription medications or medical treatment except for first aid assistance and/or treatment at local area clinics, if available.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma or GED required
• Bachelors degree in relevant field of study
• QMED or ABYC Certifications
• Minimum 3 years experience aboard a marine vessel
• Ability to commit for the entire operational season (March to September)
• Ability to live and work in confined quarters for extended hours and periods of time.
• Sufficient physical condition to complete tasks and conditions listed in the above job description.