AMHS - Junior Engineer

Job Description

ATTENTION! ALL APPLICANTS!

If you’re looking for more than just a job, this is your chance to build a career that actually goes somewhere. As a Junior Engineer with the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), you’ll work hands‑on with powerful machinery while traveling Alaska’s incredible coastline. Every day is different, and you’ll be part of a tight‑knit crew that keeps communities connected.

• Resident: $39.10 / hourly (OT Eligible)
• Non-Resident: $34.01 / hourly (OT Eligible)

• Resident: $43.24 / hourly (OT Eligible)
• Non-Resident: $37.66 / hourly (OT Eligible)

What you will be doing:

As a Junior Engineer with the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), you will play a vital role in supporting the safe and efficient operation of state ferries by assisting with the maintenance, monitoring, and repair of onboard mechanical and electrical systems. Working as part of the vessel’s engineering team, you will gain hands‑on experience with propulsion systems, generators, hydraulics, and auxiliary equipment while helping ensure compliance with U.S. Coast Guard and maritime safety standards.

This is a dynamic, team‑oriented position that operates in a 24/7 shipboard environment, offering the opportunity to build technical skills, advance within maritime engineering career pathways, and contribute to keeping Alaska’s coastal communities connected.

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 on board.

The State of Alaska has a generous benefits package and an excellent retirement plan. Please see here for more information:

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

AMHS provides upward mobility and progressive advancement opportunities to higher‑paying positions. New hires who successfully complete their probationary period can apply for regularly assigned bid positions if they meet the 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.

Working aboard t

he Alaska Marine Highway System (

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.

AMHS 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 2 week-on / 2 week-off rotation, working an average of 84 hours per week while onboard. Daily schedules may range from 8 to 12…