Deck Hand

Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation (PWSAC) is a private, non-profit hatchery association founded in 1974 by a local commercial fishermen’s organization to optimize Alaska’s wild salmon resources. PWSAC produces hatchery-born, ocean-raised wild salmon for the commercial, sport, personal use, and subsistence fisheries in the Prince William Sound and Copper River regions.

The DeckCrew is a temporary position that works on the M/V Alaskan Challenger delivering freight, supplies, and fuel to remote, off-grid hatcheries in the Prince Willaim Sound. The position requires living on the vessel during work rotations. Work rotations are on an anticipated 4 weeks on vessel and 2 weeks off vessel schedule. PWSAC is looking for an enthusiastic individual with high attention to detail that will unite with PWSAC's mission of sustainable fisheries contributing to the culture and economy of the region.

Seaday exempt wage begins at $230/day; dock and boatyard non-exempt wage is $25/hour

Vessel operations will end around mid to late December

The  DeckCrew works on board the M/V Alaskan Challenger and requires living on the vessel during work rotations. Work rotations are on an anticipated 4 weeks on vessel and 2 weeks off vessel schedule. 

Category: Temporary

Location: m/v Alaskan Challenger,  PWS ports and hatchery sites

Supervisor's Title:  Vessel Manager/Captain

Payroll Classification:      

• Seadays and Fuel Operations, daily, exempt
• Shipyard, hourly, non-exempt

Essential Functions: Work performed on the PWSAC vessel while at sea, in port, shipyard or hatchery location as duties require. Must be able to move about freely; work outdoors in all weather conditions; ability to lift and carry 50 pounds; ability to climb stairs and ladders; work around water - on docks and floats; ability to climb aboard and about vessels and small aircraft; dexterity to maneuver through tight spaces and good balance on uneven, wet surfaces and in rough water; use radios, compasses, electronic navigational equipment, telephones and computers unimpaired. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language. Must be able to hear and see to receive verbal and written instructions.

Basic Function: The Deck Crew functions as part of barge operations in the transport of freight, fuel and personnel to and from the hatchery sites and ports located in Prince William Sound.

Primary Responsibilities:  The responsibilities of the position are to provide immediate support to the Captain in the execution of deck duties, vessel maintenance and vessel navigation for safe and efficient freight transport.

Description of duties and tasks:
Duties and tasks may be required at inconvenient times and with short notice, however, must be carried out, unless prior arrangements have been made.

Deck Duties

The Deck Crew duties include, but are not limited, to the following

• handle lines and fenders during docking and undocking
• assist in the loading, securing, stowing and unloading of cargo and fuel transport vehicles
• assist in operation of deck equipment
• following policies and procedures, utilizing preventative measures, to avoid contamination to the environment
• assist passengers as needed for safe embarking and disembarking

Vessel Maintenance
The Deck Crew duties, related to maintenance, include but are not limited to the following

• maintenance and upkeep of the vessel's structures, duties which could include chipping, scraping, cleaning, priming and painting
• machinery and equipment preventative maintenance as assigned, i.e. filter changes, oil changes, etc.
• maintain the vessel in a clean and orderly fashion
• wash salt spray from vessel, freight and tanker vehicles after sailing
• assist with embarking provisions and supplies onboard
• remove garbage and waste
• snow removal

Safety

• know the location of fire extinguishers, flare kits, line throwing devices and any other safety related equipment
• participate in safety drills and Coast Guard inspections as scheduled
• the crew member will report to the vessel in a timely manner, fit and ready for duty.

Disclaimer: Duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list, and additional tasks may be assigned from time to time. The scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coast Guard certificated
• Class B CDL with HazMat and Tanker endorsement

Minimum Qualifications:

• Basic seamanship.
• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
• Must pass pre-employment Coast Guard drug test
• Must possess a valid driver's license.