Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $31.56 - $38.92 Hourly
Location : Statewide, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 54879
Department: Transportation and Public Facilities
Division: MHD-Vessel Employees
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Alaska Marine Highway System
Position Open To: All Applicants
Bargaining Unit: Inland Boatman's Union
Range: 37
Job Description
ATTENTION! ALL APPLICANTS!
Set sail on a career where your office is on the Alaska coastline and every day brings new horizon and new people. As an Able Seafarer, you'll be part of a hardworking crew that keeps Alaska's coastal communities connected-working aboard vessels, building real-world skills, and experiencing some of the most incredible scenery in the state.
Salary Schedules for Seafarer's are as follows:
Southwest (SW) Route:
Resident: $35.62 / hourly (OT Eligible)
Non-Resident: $31.56 / hourly (OT Eligible)
Southeast (SE) Route:
Resident: $38.92 / hourly (OT Eligible)
Non-Resident: $33.69 / hourly (OT Eligible)
What you will be doing:
As a Seafarer with AMHS, you will support daily vessel operations by standing wheel and lookout watches, assisting with safe navigation, and working closely with the deck crew to maintain efficient operations. You will help tie up and let go of the vessel, load and unload vehicles and cargo, operate deck equipment, and perform routine maintenance such as washing decks, handling lines, and maintaining rigging. You will also assist with cargo securing, monitor vessel access points for safety and security, operate equipment like forklifts when needed, and participate in emergency response duties, -including lifeboat operations, as part of the vessel's emergency team.
Our organization, mission, and culture:
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 onboard.
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: 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 MQ's (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.
The working environment you can expect:
Working aboard 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.
The Alaska Marine Highway System 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 hours and can include split shifts. Vessel assignments are managed by dispatch, and daily duties are directed by vessel supervisors. Flexibility is essential, as crew members may be reassigned or asked to work in different roles during their hitch.
Crew change locations are as follows:
Southeast (SE): Ketchikan, Juneau
Southwest (SW): Homer, Valdez
To view the general description and example of duties for the position, please go to the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs
Minimum Qualifications
Required Qualifications for Application
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit copies of the following valid credentials with their application:

• Valid U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) issued Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC) endorsed with the following:
  
  • National Endorsements:
    
    • Able Seafarer (AB) Limited/Special or AB Unlimited
    • Lifeboat Operator

• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) (color copy)
• Current DOT Drug Test (within the last 6 months)
• Current USCG Medical Certificate (STCW 2yr date)
• Valid Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications
Applicants may begin work without the qualifications listed below; however, work assignments may be limited to specific vessels, watch assignments, or duties until the required qualifications are obtained:

• Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC) endorsements:
  • STCW Endorsements:
    • Basic (Safety) Training (VI/1)
    • Proficient in the use of Survival Craft (VI/2)
    • Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (II/4)

Additional Required Information
**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**
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 about this position, please contact the Recruitment Coordinator at the following:
Name: Makayln Ashbaker, Administrative Officer 2 / Recruitment Coordinator
Phone: (907) 228-7255
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 Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year