State of Alaska
ATTENTION ALL ALASKA RESIDENTS!
As an Oiler with the Alaska Marine Highway System, you’ll play a critical role in keeping our vessels running safely and efficiently, supporting the engine room team in maintaining essential mechanical systems. This is a hands-on, fast-paced position where your work directly contributes to the reliability of Alaska’s marine transportation network.
Salary Schedules for Oiler’s are as follows:
Southwest (SW) Route:
Resident: $35.07 / hourly (OT Eligible)
Non-Resident: $30.70 / hourly (OT Eligible)
Southeast (SE) Route:
Resident: $38.33 / hourly (OT Eligible)
Non-Resident: $33.14 / hourly (OT Eligible)
What you will be doing:
As an Oiler with the Alaska Marine Highway System, you will support the safe and efficient operation of vessel machinery by assisting with the maintenance, repair, and daily operation of mechanical and electrical systems onboard. Working under the direction of senior engineers, you will perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot equipment issues, and operate power and hand tools to keep systems running smoothly. You will also play a key role in vessel operations by standing watch, assisting with cargo operations, supporting vessel security, and responding to emergencies as part of the Emergency Squad, all while contributing to a safe, reliable, and team-oriented shipboard environment.
Our organization, mission, and culture:
The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is a vital part of the State of Alaska’s transportation network, connecting coastal communities that are not accessible by road. As part of the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, AMHS plays a critical role in keeping Alaska moving—supporting residents, businesses, and visitors through safe and reliable marine service.
Our mission is to provide essential transportation services that strengthen Alaska’s communities, promote economic opportunity, and ensure safe, efficient travel across the state’s coastal regions.
At AMHS, our culture is built on teamwork, service, and pride in what we do. Life at sea requires a strong commitment to safety, accountability, and supporting one another in a dynamic, 24/7 environment. We value employees who are adaptable, hardworking, and dedicated to serving the public. Whether working behind the scenes or directly with passengers, every crew member contributes to delivering a positive and professional experience onboard.
The working environment you can expect:
Working aboard AMHS means operating in a dynamic, fast-paced marine environment across Alaska’s coastal routes, where schedules, locations, and crew rotations are driven by vessel operations.
The Alaska Marine Highway System operates across two distinct service regions. The Southeast (SE) route serves communities between Bellingham, Washington and Skagway, Alaska, and is the primary operating area for most vessels. The Southwest (SW) route serves more remote communities between Cordova and the Aleutian Chain and has a smaller relief pool. Current recruitment efforts are primarily focused on the Southeast region.
AMHS vessel operations run 24/7, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Employees are typically assigned to a week-on/week-off rotation, working an average of 84 hours per week while onboard. Daily schedules may range from 8 to 12 hours and can include split shifts. Vessel assignments are managed by dispatch, and daily duties are directed by vessel supervisors. Flexibility is essential, as crew members may be reassigned or asked to work in different roles during their hitch.
Crew change locations are as follows:
Southeast (SE): Ketchikan, Juneau
Southwest (SW): Homer, Valdez
The benefits of joining our team:
The State of Alaska has a generous benefits package and an excellent retirement plan. Please see here for more information: https://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/benefits/
AMHS provides upward mobility and progressive advancement opportunity to higher paying positions. New hires who successfully complete their probationary period can apply for regularly assigned bid positions if they meet the MQ's (Minimum Qualifications). Union seniority plays a major role in how the work is assigned and how the bid positions are awarded. However, while building up seniority, it is not unusual for the new hires to work higher paying positions before being able to bid, through onboard upgrades, especially during the busy summer season.
To view the general description and example of duties for the position please go to the following link:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, the successful candidate will be required to meet and possess the following:
Valid U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) issued Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC) endorsed with the following:
STCW Endorsements:
National Endorsements:
Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) (color copy)
Current DOT Drug Test (within the last 6 months)
Valid USCG Medical Certificate (see STCW Expire Date – Valid 2 years)
V****alid Driver’s License
Must be at least 18 years of age
**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**
ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY
Please be sure to check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.
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 with each application. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview; if not, transcripts will be required before employment.
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 when applying.
WORK EXPERIENCE
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer’s 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.
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 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 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.
For specific information about this position, please contact the hiring manager at the following:
Name: Jocelyn Swindel
Phone: (907) 388-9540
Email: Jocelyn.Swindel@alaska.gov
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 orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefits
Optional Insurance Benefits
Retirement Benefits
See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits