Steward (Alaska Marine Highway) Job at Alaska Marine Highway System
Alaska Marine Highway System Ketchikan, AK
$16.39 - $22.01 an hour
***NOW OFFERING A $5,000 HIRING BONUS***
POSITION SUMMARY
Stewards provide exceptional customer service and ensure the safety and comfort of our passengers while performing tasks in the galley, dining room, cafeteria, crew mess, staterooms and public areas aboard the Alaska State ferries. Steward is the entry level position with the Passenger Services department. 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. See position details section below for more information about duties and responsibilities of this position.
Pay Range
AMHS offers a competitive pay based on operating region and residency. See table below for starting pay range for new Stewards (probationary) rates:
Southwest (SW) Region
Non-Resident Rate: $16.39
Resident Rate*: $20.05
Southeast (SE) Region
Non-Resident Rate: $18.01
Resident Rate*: $22.01
Hiring Incentives*
Selected candidates may qualify for the following hiring incentives depending on the crewing needs.
Stewards qualify for State of Alaska benefits usually within 30 days of hire. The State of Alaska offers one of the best benefit systems in Alaska that include medical and dental insurance with optional family coverage, retirement benefits, vacation and personal leave which accrues with years of service. A summary of state benefits can be reviewed at R&B website.
Routes and Change Ports
AMHS operates in two distinctive routes. The Southeast (SE) route serves the communities between Bellingham, WA and Skagway, AK. The majority of AMHS vessels operate in this route. The other, more remote route is the Southwest (SW) route, which includes the communities between Cordova and the Aleutian Chain. The Change Ports (crew change locations) for each route is listed below;
Southeast: Ketchikan, Juneau
Southwest: Homer, Valdez
Important! This position will require that employees report to designated change ports in Alaska for their work assignments. Employees are responsible for their own travel expenses between their physical residence and their designated change port. Relocating will be necessary for those candidates who are not residing in Alaska.
Assignments
Assignments vary depending on the route, the vessel, and the season. In general, new hires will be assigned to vessels on a week-on/week-off rotation, especially in Southeast route. On vessels operating in Southwest route, your assignment duration will depend on the lengths of the absence of the crew member you relieve. You may also be assigned to a vessel in shipyard. In that case your assignment may last until the ship goes back to the revenue run or earlier. Assignment schedule posted periodically by AMHS dispatch office which handles all crew scheduling related matters.
Hours/Schedule
When the vessel is on the run, it operates in a 24/7 work environment with variable crew schedule. Your daily schedule during your assignment will vary from 8 hours to 12 hours and you may be asked to work split shifts. Your supervisor will set your daily tasks and work schedule upon signing on to the vessel. You may be asked to switch/upgrade positions during your assignments which may lead to higher pay on that assignment. When assigned to a vessel on the run, crew works 84 hours over a 7-day workweek. Crew assigned to shipyard vessels works 42 hours over a 5-day workweek.
Important! Work assignments are scheduled by Dispatch based on the fluctuating needs and established Union contracts. Seniority plays a major role on who is offered the assignments first. New hires are strongly encouraged to relocate to Ketchikan at the beginning of their AMHS career for increased work opportunities.
Career Path
AMHS provides upward mobility and progressive advancement opportunity to higher paying positions. New hires who successfully complete their probationary period apply for regularly assigned bid positions if they meet the MQ's (Minimum Qualifications). Union seniority plays a major role in how the work is assigned and how the bid positions are awarded. However, it is not unusual the new hires to often work higher paying positions before being able to a bid, through onboard upgrades, especially during the busy summer season, while building up seniority. Current salary schedules for unlicensed vessel positions can be viewed on the following links; Southeast Reqion Salary Schedule, Southwest Region Salary Schedule
Life Onboard
This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce. Room & board is provided while on assignment - on select vessels. Crew stays in shared quarters and meals are provided at the crew and officers mess on most vessels. On some vessel the crew returns to home port each night before heading out the next day (Day Boats). Regardless of the various room and board situations, AMHS is a Drug and Alcohol-Free workplace and has a strictly enforced Drug & Alcohol Policy.
Housing/Relocation
Employees are responsible for their own housing...and (if necessary) relocation. A new hire may need to relocate in order to live close to their designated change port for dispatch; especially if the candidate is from out of state or resides far from their designated change port, making it impractical to pay for their own travel between assignments. In order to help with transition AMHS is offering the following assistance for housing and relocation while resources available.
Important! All employees stationed onboard the vessels, regardless of their status, including new hires residing onboard for an extended period, are subject to all DOT&PF and AMHS policies. There is zero tolerance for Drug and Alcohol policy violations. Housing and Relocation assistance is subject to review and approval by the Hiring Manager.
POSITION DETAILS
Definition:
Under supervision of the Chief Steward or designee, performs a variety of housekeeping, cleaning and/or galley duties aboard the vessels of the Alaska Marine Highway System.
Examples of Duties:
Assists with dishing up hot cereals and bussing tables. Cleans and operates various galley equipment. Sweeps, mops, and vacuums all areas, as needed. Cleans and makes up staterooms, restrooms, and all public areas of the vessel. Stows linen—clean and dirty. Stocks rental towels, blankets, and pillows. Stocks restrooms on all decks.
Loads stores/assists in stock handling. Stows trash. May be assigned to work as Officer's Br. Cleans the rooms assigned to Licensed personnel aboard the vessels. Maintains crew heads and showers.
May be assigned to work as Dishwasher. Cleans and sanitizes crockery, glasses, silverware, and trays. Drains and cleans dishwasher. Keeps dishwasher and scullery counter clean and orderly. Sweeps and mops galley.
May be assigned to work as the Night Utility. Working the night shift, sweeps and mops bar, cleans tables and empties trash. Vacuums boat deck. Makes up staterooms in ports at night, as necessary. Makes wake up calls before port arrivals. Cleans heads and showers.
Assists in maintaining security of the vessel. Maintains awareness of vessel and lot security and reports any suspicious activity or threats immediately.
Works with traveling public. Responds to and assists with customer needs. Answers service calls from Purser.
Other duties as assigned by the Chief Steward or designee.
Minimum Qualifications
A strong customer service aptitude is essential for this position. Experience in hospitality and/or restaurant sector is highly desired. This is a public service role in the government sector providing service in marine environment. As such, a strong commitment to safety, public service, and exceptional work ethics are required. The ideal candidate would be willing perform functions related to food service, galley, cashiering, housekeeping, etc. and exhibit the following characteristics;
AMHS operations are governed by State, Federal and International Maritime regulations. Employees are required to possess and maintain several Maritime and Hospitality industry certifications to work onboard AMHS vessels. Obtaining these documents can take some time depending on the issuing agency (approx. 3 months). Some certifications require US Citizenship or Legal Residency and a background check. Cost associated with these documents are candidate's responsibility. Some of these documents may be required at the time of the application. Below is the list of the certifications required for new stewards before they can be dispatched to work:
All vessel employees (prospective or official), as Merchant Mariners, are subject to a wide spectrum of State, Federal and International maritime safety policies. Additionally, as a State employee, you will be a "public agent" who is trusted by the State of Alaska to conduct their job with the highest level of ethics while serving the public. It is our policy that all employees conduct themselves in a manner that fosters a professional, respectful, and inclusive work environment. Public employees have a responsibility to maintain the public's trust. AMHS is a Drug & Alcohol Free workplace with a strictly enforced Drug & Alcohol Policy and the violators will be subject to immediate termination. Federal and State regulations prohibit employing an individual with drug and alcohol abuse as a crew member. Employment will denied or terminated if an individual fails the drug test(s) and your Merchant Mariner Credentials may be revoked by the US Coast Guard.
Grooming and Uniformity
As with any frontline customer service position in direct contact with public, Steward position requires a certain grooming and uniform standards. Most of the work is performed in plain view of the traveling public. Employees must dress appropriately to reflect a professional image to the public while representing the Alaska Marine Highway System. Good grooming and the utmost personal hygiene must be maintained at all times while on duty. Hair must be trimmed and well groomed. Jewelry worn inside the mouth, in lips, nose or eyebrows is not permitted while on duty. Tattoos must not be visible while at work. Facial tattoos are not permitted. Candidates with tattoos should carefully review if they would be appropriate for a frontline service position before applying. AMHS reserves the right to withdraw a job offer if prospective hire has offensive and/or inappropriate tattoos that is incompatible with our service standards. AMHS provides some of the uniforms (shirts, fleece etc.).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications for Steward position are accepted online, through this applicant tracking system only. Candidates must have an email address that is monitored on a daily basis and provide a reliable phone number that can receive text and voice messages. Our recruitment desk does not accept applications by mail or over the phone. It is strongly recommended that you have access to a computer or a smart phone during the entire hiring process. Warning to Overseas Applicants! AMHS does not assist foreign nationals in obtaining employment (visit this link for more information). AMHS will not pursue a candidate if deemed unfeasible.
Background Checks
Candidates interested in applying for this position should be aware that they will be subject to separate background checks by multiple agencies during the recruitment and documentation process. This is a safety sensitive position with the State of Alaska which in direct contact of the public. Successful candidates will serve as a public agent and required to perform duties in a safe, reliable and highly ethical manner. Applicants are required to provide true and complete information during the recruitment process. If you intentionally or unintentionally conceal or otherwise provide a false statement of material fact in your application, it will result in permanent loss of eligibility for employment with the State of Alaska. Employer may require additional information (i.e. judgment papers) before rendering a hiring decision.
Documentation
Each prospective hire will be asked to submit their required documents within 4 months of accepting the Job Offer. Legible copies of the required documents must be received by our recruitment desk within that timeframe to complete the onboarding process. Job Offer may be rescinded if the required documents are not received within the timeline requested.
New Hire Orientation (NHO)
Successful candidates must attend the New Hire Orientation to complete the hiring process. Once the final hiring paperwork is done and the NHO is completed a new hire will be eligible for dispatch.
Please Note :
epokagency.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, epokagency.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, Site.com is the ideal place to find your next job.
POSITION SUMMARY
Stewards provide exceptional customer service and ensure the safety and comfort of our passengers while performing tasks in the galley, dining room, cafeteria, crew mess, staterooms and public areas aboard the Alaska State ferries. Steward is the entry level position with the Passenger Services department. 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. See position details section below for more information about duties and responsibilities of this position.
Pay Range
AMHS offers a competitive pay based on operating region and residency. See table below for starting pay range for new Stewards (probationary) rates:
Southwest (SW) Region
Non-Resident Rate: $16.39
Resident Rate*: $20.05
Southeast (SE) Region
Non-Resident Rate: $18.01
Resident Rate*: $22.01
- Important! Whether the new hire qualifies for the resident rate is determined by department Human Resources through the Cost of Living Differential (COLD) application. This is a post-hire application process that takes place after new hire orientation. Hiring team is not involved with this determination.
Hiring Incentives*
Selected candidates may qualify for the following hiring incentives depending on the crewing needs.
- Hiring Bonus: $5000 (less payroll deductions)
- Housing Assistance: up to 3 months on hotel ship in Ketchikan (refer to housing/relocation section below)
- Relocation Assistance: a single use - one way ferry ticket to Ketchikan (refer to housing/relocation section below)
- Hiring incentives are subject to change at any time. Additional conditions apply. Details provided if a Job Offer is made.
Stewards qualify for State of Alaska benefits usually within 30 days of hire. The State of Alaska offers one of the best benefit systems in Alaska that include medical and dental insurance with optional family coverage, retirement benefits, vacation and personal leave which accrues with years of service. A summary of state benefits can be reviewed at R&B website.
Routes and Change Ports
AMHS operates in two distinctive routes. The Southeast (SE) route serves the communities between Bellingham, WA and Skagway, AK. The majority of AMHS vessels operate in this route. The other, more remote route is the Southwest (SW) route, which includes the communities between Cordova and the Aleutian Chain. The Change Ports (crew change locations) for each route is listed below;
Southeast: Ketchikan, Juneau
Southwest: Homer, Valdez
Important! This position will require that employees report to designated change ports in Alaska for their work assignments. Employees are responsible for their own travel expenses between their physical residence and their designated change port. Relocating will be necessary for those candidates who are not residing in Alaska.
Assignments
Assignments vary depending on the route, the vessel, and the season. In general, new hires will be assigned to vessels on a week-on/week-off rotation, especially in Southeast route. On vessels operating in Southwest route, your assignment duration will depend on the lengths of the absence of the crew member you relieve. You may also be assigned to a vessel in shipyard. In that case your assignment may last until the ship goes back to the revenue run or earlier. Assignment schedule posted periodically by AMHS dispatch office which handles all crew scheduling related matters.
Hours/Schedule
When the vessel is on the run, it operates in a 24/7 work environment with variable crew schedule. Your daily schedule during your assignment will vary from 8 hours to 12 hours and you may be asked to work split shifts. Your supervisor will set your daily tasks and work schedule upon signing on to the vessel. You may be asked to switch/upgrade positions during your assignments which may lead to higher pay on that assignment. When assigned to a vessel on the run, crew works 84 hours over a 7-day workweek. Crew assigned to shipyard vessels works 42 hours over a 5-day workweek.
Important! Work assignments are scheduled by Dispatch based on the fluctuating needs and established Union contracts. Seniority plays a major role on who is offered the assignments first. New hires are strongly encouraged to relocate to Ketchikan at the beginning of their AMHS career for increased work opportunities.
Career Path
AMHS provides upward mobility and progressive advancement opportunity to higher paying positions. New hires who successfully complete their probationary period apply for regularly assigned bid positions if they meet the MQ's (Minimum Qualifications). Union seniority plays a major role in how the work is assigned and how the bid positions are awarded. However, it is not unusual the new hires to often work higher paying positions before being able to a bid, through onboard upgrades, especially during the busy summer season, while building up seniority. Current salary schedules for unlicensed vessel positions can be viewed on the following links; Southeast Reqion Salary Schedule, Southwest Region Salary Schedule
Life Onboard
This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce. Room & board is provided while on assignment - on select vessels. Crew stays in shared quarters and meals are provided at the crew and officers mess on most vessels. On some vessel the crew returns to home port each night before heading out the next day (Day Boats). Regardless of the various room and board situations, AMHS is a Drug and Alcohol-Free workplace and has a strictly enforced Drug & Alcohol Policy.
Housing/Relocation
Employees are responsible for their own housing...and (if necessary) relocation. A new hire may need to relocate in order to live close to their designated change port for dispatch; especially if the candidate is from out of state or resides far from their designated change port, making it impractical to pay for their own travel between assignments. In order to help with transition AMHS is offering the following assistance for housing and relocation while resources available.
- Upon request, a shared cabin onboard an AMHS vessel may be provided to qualified new hires relocating to Ketchikan, for up to 3 months.
- For the purpose of relocating to Ketchikan, a single use - one way trip pass onboard one of our AMHS vessels may be provided to qualified new hires.
Important! All employees stationed onboard the vessels, regardless of their status, including new hires residing onboard for an extended period, are subject to all DOT&PF and AMHS policies. There is zero tolerance for Drug and Alcohol policy violations. Housing and Relocation assistance is subject to review and approval by the Hiring Manager.
POSITION DETAILS
Definition:
Under supervision of the Chief Steward or designee, performs a variety of housekeeping, cleaning and/or galley duties aboard the vessels of the Alaska Marine Highway System.
Examples of Duties:
Assists with dishing up hot cereals and bussing tables. Cleans and operates various galley equipment. Sweeps, mops, and vacuums all areas, as needed. Cleans and makes up staterooms, restrooms, and all public areas of the vessel. Stows linen—clean and dirty. Stocks rental towels, blankets, and pillows. Stocks restrooms on all decks.
Loads stores/assists in stock handling. Stows trash. May be assigned to work as Officer's Br. Cleans the rooms assigned to Licensed personnel aboard the vessels. Maintains crew heads and showers.
May be assigned to work as Dishwasher. Cleans and sanitizes crockery, glasses, silverware, and trays. Drains and cleans dishwasher. Keeps dishwasher and scullery counter clean and orderly. Sweeps and mops galley.
May be assigned to work as the Night Utility. Working the night shift, sweeps and mops bar, cleans tables and empties trash. Vacuums boat deck. Makes up staterooms in ports at night, as necessary. Makes wake up calls before port arrivals. Cleans heads and showers.
Assists in maintaining security of the vessel. Maintains awareness of vessel and lot security and reports any suspicious activity or threats immediately.
Works with traveling public. Responds to and assists with customer needs. Answers service calls from Purser.
Other duties as assigned by the Chief Steward or designee.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
- Must be eligible to obtain the required documents
- Must be willing to submit to a physical and drug test
- Ability to perform any required duties, with or without reasonable accommodation
A strong customer service aptitude is essential for this position. Experience in hospitality and/or restaurant sector is highly desired. This is a public service role in the government sector providing service in marine environment. As such, a strong commitment to safety, public service, and exceptional work ethics are required. The ideal candidate would be willing perform functions related to food service, galley, cashiering, housekeeping, etc. and exhibit the following characteristics;
- Strong commitment to safety
- Excellent communication skills
- A genuine desire to serve the public
- Ability to work within a diverse workforce
- Adaptive to learning new skills and knowledge
- Positive, personable, and professional demeanor
- Important! Working onboard a ship is a physically and mentally demanding job. The nature of the shipboard positions requires able body personnel who can endure working long hours and being away from shore for extended periods of time. Employees must have the ability to perform required duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
AMHS operations are governed by State, Federal and International Maritime regulations. Employees are required to possess and maintain several Maritime and Hospitality industry certifications to work onboard AMHS vessels. Obtaining these documents can take some time depending on the issuing agency (approx. 3 months). Some certifications require US Citizenship or Legal Residency and a background check. Cost associated with these documents are candidate's responsibility. Some of these documents may be required at the time of the application. Below is the list of the certifications required for new stewards before they can be dispatched to work:
- TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential): This credential is issued by Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a division of the Department of Homeland Security. The ability to obtain this credential will require a criminal history/background check. The application process takes several weeks and must be started before applying for the MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential). More information is available at Transportation Security Administration
- MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential): This credential is issued by the National Maritime Center, a division of United States Coast Guard (USCG). Please contact your nearest USCG office for obtaining the MMC or go online to the listed website below. There are different versions of the MMC. Select the Entry Level application option and ensure you have the Steward (FH) endorsement and Medical Certificate on your MMC. You must possess or apply for your TWIC before you can apply for your MMC. More information is available at National Maritime Center
- DOT Drug Test: All prospective employees must submit to a pre-employment chemical test for drugs and must receive a negative test result prior to performing employee functions. The test must have been done within the 6 months prior to your new hire orientation. If an MMC was obtained recently, the test results will be included in your MMC paperwork. You may otherwise get your test done at USCG authorized drug testing facility.
- Alaska Food Worker Card: This card is issued by Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Application is available online at Division of Environmental Health
- Alcohol Server Training (TAP or TIPS): This certification is required for any crew member 21 and older. Information for obtaining this certification is available at Alaska Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
All vessel employees (prospective or official), as Merchant Mariners, are subject to a wide spectrum of State, Federal and International maritime safety policies. Additionally, as a State employee, you will be a "public agent" who is trusted by the State of Alaska to conduct their job with the highest level of ethics while serving the public. It is our policy that all employees conduct themselves in a manner that fosters a professional, respectful, and inclusive work environment. Public employees have a responsibility to maintain the public's trust. AMHS is a Drug & Alcohol Free workplace with a strictly enforced Drug & Alcohol Policy and the violators will be subject to immediate termination. Federal and State regulations prohibit employing an individual with drug and alcohol abuse as a crew member. Employment will denied or terminated if an individual fails the drug test(s) and your Merchant Mariner Credentials may be revoked by the US Coast Guard.
Grooming and Uniformity
As with any frontline customer service position in direct contact with public, Steward position requires a certain grooming and uniform standards. Most of the work is performed in plain view of the traveling public. Employees must dress appropriately to reflect a professional image to the public while representing the Alaska Marine Highway System. Good grooming and the utmost personal hygiene must be maintained at all times while on duty. Hair must be trimmed and well groomed. Jewelry worn inside the mouth, in lips, nose or eyebrows is not permitted while on duty. Tattoos must not be visible while at work. Facial tattoos are not permitted. Candidates with tattoos should carefully review if they would be appropriate for a frontline service position before applying. AMHS reserves the right to withdraw a job offer if prospective hire has offensive and/or inappropriate tattoos that is incompatible with our service standards. AMHS provides some of the uniforms (shirts, fleece etc.).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications for Steward position are accepted online, through this applicant tracking system only. Candidates must have an email address that is monitored on a daily basis and provide a reliable phone number that can receive text and voice messages. Our recruitment desk does not accept applications by mail or over the phone. It is strongly recommended that you have access to a computer or a smart phone during the entire hiring process. Warning to Overseas Applicants! AMHS does not assist foreign nationals in obtaining employment (visit this link for more information). AMHS will not pursue a candidate if deemed unfeasible.
Background Checks
Candidates interested in applying for this position should be aware that they will be subject to separate background checks by multiple agencies during the recruitment and documentation process. This is a safety sensitive position with the State of Alaska which in direct contact of the public. Successful candidates will serve as a public agent and required to perform duties in a safe, reliable and highly ethical manner. Applicants are required to provide true and complete information during the recruitment process. If you intentionally or unintentionally conceal or otherwise provide a false statement of material fact in your application, it will result in permanent loss of eligibility for employment with the State of Alaska. Employer may require additional information (i.e. judgment papers) before rendering a hiring decision.
Documentation
Each prospective hire will be asked to submit their required documents within 4 months of accepting the Job Offer. Legible copies of the required documents must be received by our recruitment desk within that timeframe to complete the onboarding process. Job Offer may be rescinded if the required documents are not received within the timeline requested.
New Hire Orientation (NHO)
Successful candidates must attend the New Hire Orientation to complete the hiring process. Once the final hiring paperwork is done and the NHO is completed a new hire will be eligible for dispatch.
Please Note :
epokagency.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, epokagency.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, Site.com is the ideal place to find your next job.