Guide Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $4,133.60 - $4,340.00 Biweekly
Location : Juneau or Ketchikan, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 55043
Department: Transportation and Public Facilities
Division: MHD-Operations
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: 9/24/2026 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Alaska Marine Highway System
Position Open To: All Applicants
Bargaining Unit: Supervisory
Range: 23
Job Description
RECRUITMENT EXTENSION NOTICE
The recruitment period for this vacancy has been extended to allow for a larger applicant pool. If you have already applied there is no need to reapply
ATTENTION ALL APPLICANTS!
The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Alaska Marine Highway System is looking for a Port Captain to help us Keep Alaska Moving!
Pay is based on the location of the selected applicant; salaries will be discussed at the time of the interview.
Ketchikan: $4,133.60 / bi-weekly (Overtime Ineligible)Juneau: $4,340.00 / bi-weekly (Overtime Ineligible)
What you will be doing:
We are seeking a Port Captain to join our team at AMHS to help keep Alaska's fleet-and the communities it serves-moving. Lead deck operations across Southeast, Southcentral, and Southwest Alaska, guiding vessel crews and ensuring every voyage meets the highest standards for safety, security, compliance, and operational readiness. From coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard and leading incident investigations to supporting major dry-dock projects, vessel training, and terminal operations, you'll tackle complex challenges that directly impact the AMHS fleet. Your leadership will help ensure every vessel is properly staffed, maintained, certified, and ready to serve Alaska.
Our organization, mission, and culture:
The State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities' mission is to Keep Alaska Moving. We are working towards a modern, adaptable, flexible transportation system that will be resilient as we tackle our challenges. We believe collaboration, communication, and coordination increase our ability to succeed. Creating teams focused on results, working together, and leveraging resources across our department, with community and private sector partnerships, increases our ability to accomplish our mission and serve Alaskans.
The benefits of joining our team:
The State of Alaska has a generous benefits package and an excellent retirement plan. Please see here for more information: https://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/benefits/
The DOT&PF core values are integrity, excellence, and respect. We support an environment focused on teamwork and collaboration to achieve results. We find success in achieving our transportation mission through building credibility with our customers, stakeholders, and the public.
The working environment you can expect:
This position can be located in either Ketchikan or Juneau, Alaska (Southeast Alaska).
Southeast Alaska is a land of snow-capped mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the largest national forest in the United States (Tongass). Old-growth trees in a temperate rainforest create clean air, clean water, and many adventure opportunities. The local trails offer endless choices for getting into the woods or climbing mountains.
Local waters provide some of the best seafood in the world: salmon, halibut, shrimp, and crab. Water lovers enjoy ocean boating, diving, paddle boarding, and even surfing. There are rivers for white-water rafting and lakes, ocean, and rivers for fishing. Locals and visitors avail themselves of the many cabins and camping options.
Southeast Alaska has an amazing array of cultural opportunities. Folk Festivals, Jazz and Classics, and Symphonies bring world-class music annually. There are museums, professional theaters, and many art galleries. All of these things contribute to a quality of life that is highly prized by those who live in Southeast Alaska.
Who we are looking for:
To be successful in this position, the selected applicant will possess the following core competencies:

• Leadership: Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations.
• Compliance: Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: uses a logical, systematic, sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one's knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.

To view the general description and example of duties for positions please go to the following link:
Minimum Qualifications
Five years of experience in the operation of vessels employed and managed for commerce and/or transportation.
AND
Possession of either of the following U.S. Coast Guard Licenses: 3rd Mate, Oceans, Any Gross Tons (unlimited) or Mate, Near Coastal (Inland), Any Gross Tons (unlimited)
OR
Graduation from an four year accredited U.S. Maritime Academy
AND
one year of experience in the operation of vessels employed and managed for commerce and/or transportation.
AND
Possession of either of the following U.S. Coast Guard Licenses: 3rd Mate, Oceans, Any Gross Tons (unlimited) or Mate, Near Coastal (Inland), Any Gross Tons (unlimited)
OR
Graduation from an four year accredited U.S. Maritime Academy
AND
one year of experience assisting in the operation, general maintenance (excluding engine room and machinery) and annual dry-docking, repair and modification of state operated ferries. The required work experience is met by service as an Assistant Port Captain with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
AND
Possession of either of the following U.S. Coast Guard Licenses: 3rd Mate, Oceans, Any Gross Tons (unlimited) or Mate, Near Coastal (Inland), Any Gross Tons (unlimited)
Or
six years of experience in the operation of vessels employed and managed for commerce and/or transportation.
AND
2 years of experience assisting in the operation, general maintenance (excluding the engine room and machinery) and annual dry-docking, repair and modification of state-operated ferries. The required experience is met by service as an Assistant Port Captain with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
AND
A US Coast Guard 1,600 Tons Master License
Or
eight years of experience in the operation of vessels employed and managed for commerce and/or transportation.
AND
A US Coast Guard 1,600 Tons Master License
Additional Required Information
**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**
This position requires the following:

• US Coast Guard License: 3rd Mate, Oceans, Any Gross Tons, (Unlimited) ; Or Mate, Near Coastal (Inland), Any Gross Tons (Unlimited); or a U.S. Coast Guard 1,600 Tons Master License.
• A valid driver's license.

At time of application, applicants are requested to submit:

• Cover letter - instructions below

At time of interview, applicants are requested to submit (if not already attached to your application):

• Three (3) professional references, including name, job title, and current phone numbers.
• Please attach transcripts, licenses, or supporting documentation that supports how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY
Please be sure to check our to determine if you qualify.
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is required as part of your application. In your cover letter, please describe how you possess the position specific competencies listed in the "Who We Are Looking For" section and how your skills will be of particular benefit to the position. We request your cover letter be no more than two to three paragraphs and limited to one page.
EDUCATION
To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competencies, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview; if not, transcripts will be required before employment.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
WORK EXPERIENCE
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer's name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported, and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.
NOTE:Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907)465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
Contact Information
For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring managers at:
Name: Anthony Karvelas, Marine Transportation Services Manager
Phone: 907-228-7252
Email:
OR
Name: Jim Davison, Port Captain
Phone: (907)228-7257
Email:
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.
For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See for additional information.
    • AVTEC
    • Confidential
    • Correctional Officers
    • Marine Engineers
    • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
    • Supervisory
    • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
    • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
  • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
    • General Government
    • Labor, Trades and Crafts
    • Public Safety Employees Association
    • Masters, Mates & Pilots
• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

Optional Insurance Benefits

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

See for additional information
Paid