Relief 1st Assistant Engineer- R/V Sikuliaq (Temporary)

University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences

University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences

Seward, AK, USA
Posted on Jul 1, 2024

R/V Sikuliaq, pronounced [see-KOO-lee-auk], is a 261-foot oceanographic research ship capable of bringing scientists to the ice-choked waters of Alaska and the polar regions. Sikuliaq, one of the most advanced university research vessels in the world, is able to break ice up to 2.5 feet thick. Constructed in Marinette, Wisconsin, Sikuliaq is homeported in Seward, Alaska, at UAF's Seward Marine Center.

We are currently accepting applications for licensed temporary marine engineering positions including 1st Assistant Engineer. The temporary First Assistant Engineer will fill in while the regular 1 A/E is on shore, and applications will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.

Candidates should possess advanced knowledge of basic and routine maintenance of vessels and equipment, the ability to make minor repairs to vessel mechanical equipment and hull, the ability to track and document engineering activities and parts and supplies, the ability to repair or replaces broken parts using precision and hand tools and arc or gas welders., moderate knowledge in troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of vessel equipment to include electrical equipment and controllers, knowledge and experience in operating cranes, winches, and use of various portable and fixed machine and hand tools, expert knowledge and operation of main propulsion and auxiliary mechanical and electrical equipment, advanced knowledge of a variety of electronic, electrical, computers and equipment, knowledge of fuel and other consumables management, as well as current U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations, ISM, American Bureau of Shipping requirements and vessel stability; Maritime Laws; Current with all applicable laws, regulations, treaties, 33 CFR; 46 CFR; OSHA regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must possess the following: a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Credential endorsed as First Assistant Engineer of steam, Motor and Gas Rubine Propelled Vessels. Officer in charge of an engineering watch (OICEW) endorsement is also required. Applicants must have all applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. The following unexpired documents are also required: U.S. Passport, TWIC card, unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG medical certification, and a valid drivers license. Applicants must also be able to pass a pre-employment DOT drug test.

Preferred experience: at least one year as 1st Assistant Engineer with an Unlimited Horsepower Motor Oceans credential, experience with azimuthing propulsion such as z-drives or azipods, a/c diesel electrical experience and/or experience aboard Oceanographic research ships.

Position Details:

New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 82, based on education and experience.

This position is open on a rolling basis, and will remain open over the entire academic year. Successful applicants may be offered temporary contracts between 1-3 months in duration, depending on scheduling and operational needs.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please include the following documents with your application:

  1. Resume

  2. Cover letter

  3. The names and contact information (email address and phone number) for three (3) professional references

  4. Copy of your MMC (all pages)

  5. Copy of your TWIC card

  6. Copy of your USCG Medical Certificate

  7. Copy of your passport

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.


The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.


UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.


The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.


Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.


If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Sarah Walters, Sikuliaq HR Coordinator, at skwalters@alaska.edu.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu.

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.