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.