Position: AB/Deckhand – Oceanographic Research Vessel (Poseidon)
Location: Homer, Alaska | Remote Field Operations
Pay: $250 - $400 DOE
Schedule: Project-based (non-rotational)
About the Vessel & Work
Support Vessels of Alaska operates dedicated research vessels supporting hydrographic, geophysical, environmental, and offshore marine projects throughout Alaska and the Pacific.
Poseidonis a purpose-built research vessel equipped with:
- Stern A-frame
- Oceanographic and trawl winches
- Scientific lab space
- 24-hour operations capability
Projects include:
- Hydrographic and geophysical surveys
- Mooring deployment and recovery
- Environmental and oceanographic research
- Dive and ROV support
Position Summary
The AB/Deckhand is responsible for assisting with safe operation, maintenance, and daily activities aboard SVA vessels. This position works closely with the Captain, Mate, Engineer, and fellow crew members to ensure safe vessel operations while supporting a wide range of scientific and marine projects.
This is a hands-on position requiring adaptability, teamwork, professionalism, and a strong commitment to safety.
Primary Responsibilities
- Ensure passenger safety while boarding and disembarking, all while displaying a positive attitude.
- Have a complete understanding of all vessel safety procedures and always convey them to passengers.
- Ensure that all orders and instructions from Captain, Engineer, Mate, and Senior Deckhand/AB, are carried out.
- Assist all crew members with duties when requested.
- Assist in training new members of the deck crew.
- Perform constant deck patrol for passenger safety, fire watch, water intrusions, and any other safety issues.
- Report any passenger situations, including unruly passengers, to the Captain.
- Maintain cleanliness of vessel heads and decks, inside and out. Sweep, mop, wash and scrub decks, bulkheads and overheads. Pick up trash and dispose of trash per procedure.
- Perform maintenance duties i.e. painting, oiling, greasing, etc. as required and instructed.
- Participate in all required drills and ensure that all safety equipment is in operating order.
- Assist with vessel departure and arrival: including the handling and storing of all dock lines, shore power cords, water hose, cables, safety lines, ramps, ladders, fenders, etc.
- Maintain full water tanks while docked and assist with fueling operations.
- Assist with all deck duties and operations, for example, skiff launching, loading/securing stores and equipment, deployment and retrieval of scientific gear, etc.
- Perform scheduled vessel maintenance, care for tools and equipment, and perform general housekeeping duties as assigned.
- Perform anchor and steering lookout watches as instructed by officer or SVA admin personnel. This can be while the vessel is underway at sea or at the dock.
- Comply with all internal controls and company, departmental, and safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Maintain and comply with company policy relating to dress, personal appearance, and cleanliness.
- Other duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is:
- Safety-minded with excellent situational awareness
- Strong work ethic and positive attitude
- Reliable and dependable
- Able to work effectively as part of a crew
- Comfortable working long hours in remote marine environments
- Physically capable of performing demanding deck work in varying weather conditions
- Committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and vessel appearance
Qualifications
- Valid Driver License
- TWIC (preferred)
- Passport (preferred)
- Able Bodied Seaman (AB) endorsement (preferred)
- STCW Basic Training (preferred)
- Previous commercial vessel or research vessel experience (preferred)
- Experience with line handling, deck maintenance, and scientific operations is a plus
Why Work for Support Vessels of Alaska?
- Join an experienced, professional crew
- Exposure to a wide range of marine operations
- Leadership that understands field realities
- Opportunity for seasonal and recurring employment
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
Pay: $250.00 - $400.00 per day
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
