Join the AMHS Team!
Welcome aboard! The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) offers rewarding career opportunities in a unique and dynamic environment. As a vital part of Alaska's transportation network, our team plays an essential role in connecting communities, supporting economic development, and showcasing the natural beauty of Alaska to travelers from around the world.
Imagine working against the backdrop of Alaska's stunning coastlines, where every day brings new sights, challenges, and experiences. Whether you're passionate about maritime operations, customer service, engineering, or logistics, AMHS provides opportunities to develop your skills, grow professionally, and contribute to something greater.
With clear career advancement pathways, exceptional training programs, and the chance to work in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, AMHS offers more than just a job—it’s a career with purpose and adventure. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact while exploring the rugged beauty of Alaska, your journey starts here.
Deck Crew
The Deck department leads the fleet with positions of command. AMHS Licensed Deck officers are either graduates of one of several maritime academies or gain their knowledge, skills, and abilities through intensive self-study and on-the-job training.
AMHS currently has approximately 105 deck officers navigating AMHS vessels, but not all deck crew are licensed. Employees in unlicensed positions are able to perform almost any task in relation to deck maintenance, small boat operations, basic navigation and seamanship.
Licensed: Master, Chief Mate, Second Mate and Third Mate
Unlicensed: Bos'n, Able Bodied Seaman, Ordinary Seaman, Porter and Watchmen
Engineering Section
The Engineering department is responsible for maintaining all machinery in the main engine room, auxiliary engine room, marine sanitation device (MSD) room, and the steering gear room, as well as maintaining the ship's structural integrity. Employees in this department have job functions that include maintaining fluid levels, propulsion system and power plants, all equipment and machinery, ordering & storing parts, and maintaining the safety & security of the vessel.
Licensed: Chief Engineer, First Engineer, Second Engineer and Third Engineer
Unlicensed: Junior Engineer, Oiler and Wiper
Passenger Services
The Passenger Services department is the cornerstone of outstanding onboard customer service. This department is responsible for services that include; maintaining all vessel amenities, on-board storage and distribution of provisions and supplies, administering embarkation & disembarkation of passengers and vehicles, handling financial transactions and reporting, food and beverage service, medical assistance, stateroom sales and service, filing and reporting of regulatory paperwork, and providing information services for both crew and passengers.
This department encompasses both Steward & Purser positions.
• Chief Purser, Senior Purser and Junior Purser
• Chief Steward, Second Steward, Storekeeper, Chief Cook, Second Cook
• Head Waiter, Head BR, Assistant Second Cook, Cashier, Mess Steward
• Night Utility, Dishwasher, Steward, Officer's BR, Waiter
Shoreside Support and Administration
Shoreside Support and Administration consists of various departments. Each department provides all of the necessary land-based support that is needed to keep the system running. Aside from Reservations located at the Juneau Central Office (JCO) and the Terminals that are located in port communities, most of these departments operate out of Ketchikan in either the Ketchikan Central Office (KCO) or the Marine Engineering Facility (MEF).
Executive Management: Includes Executive Managment with ISM
Business Development: Computer Services, Finance, Administration, Information Technology, Marketing, Reservations & Sales, Terminals and Terminal Services.
Marine Engineering: Vessel Engineering and Marine Facilities
Marine Operations: Passenger Services, Vessel Operations, Licensed & Unlicensed Dispatching, Training and Vessel Scheduling, Security, Environmental Compliance and Safety.
Becoming an AMHS Steward: Where to Begin
You do not need Coast Guard credentials or maritime documents to apply for an entry-level Steward position with the Alaska Marine Highway System.
The Steward position is designed as an entry point for applicants who are interested in beginning a maritime career, including those who have not yet started the credentialing process.
The Hiring Process
1. Apply for a Steward position
Submit your application when a Steward recruitment is open. No maritime credentials are required at the time of application.
Applicants who already have some or all required credentials may attach them to their application. Having documents completed may help move the onboarding process along more quickly, but it is not required to apply.
2. Application review and interview
The AMHS hiring team will review submitted applications. Applicants selected to continue will be contacted for an interview.
3. Conditional offer of employment
Applicants selected after the interview may receive a conditional offer of employment. The conditional offer explains the position, required documents, onboarding requirements, deadlines, and next steps.
You should not begin obtaining the required maritime credentials solely to submit an application. Applicants selected for conditional hire will receive instructions from AMHS on which documents are required and how to complete the process.
4. Obtain and submit required documents
After accepting the conditional offer, you will begin obtaining the required credentials and pre-employment documents. These generally include:
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential, or TWIC
- Merchant Mariner Credential, or MMC, with the required Steward endorsement and Medical Certificate
- Required drug-test documentation
- Alaska Food Worker Card
- Alaska Alcohol Server Education or TAP Card for applicants age 21 or older
The conditional offer generally provides up to six months to complete and submit the required documents, unless AMHS approves an extension.
Documents should be uploaded to your employee onboarding portal as you receive them. The AMHS hiring team will review each document and update your progress. You do not need to wait until every credential is complete before submitting the documents you have received.
Your onboarding checklist will continue to update as documents are approved until you reach 100% completion.
5. New Hire Orientation and final approval
Once all required documents have been received and approved, AMHS will determine whether you are ready to attend New Hire Orientation and complete final hiring and payroll paperwork.
A conditional offer is not a final appointment. You are not authorized to begin working or receive a vessel assignment until all required documents and onboarding steps are complete.
6. Vessel assignment and dispatch
During orientation, you will work with AMHS Dispatch regarding available vessels, routes, change ports, and initial work assignments. New Stewards generally begin as relief employees and receive assignments based on operational needs, seniority, vessel schedules, and available work.
Important to Know
You may apply first and obtain your credentials after receiving a conditional offer.
Applicants who already possess a TWIC, MMC, Food Worker Card, TAP Card, or other required documents are encouraged to include them with their application. However, applicants should not feel that they must navigate the maritime credentialing process on their own before applying.
The AMHS hiring team will provide selected applicants with instructions and guidance throughout the conditional hire and onboarding process.
How to Apply for AMHS
Ready to Apply? Find your dream job here: www.dot.alaska.gov/Jobs
Don't see the job you are looking for? Please contact Jocelyn Swindel at:
Phone: (907) 228-7255
Email: makayln.ashbaker@alaska.gov