As a small operation, we employ less than 40 employees who focus on providing customers with safe and quality transportation between our Hollis Port and Ketchikan Port. Our crew consists of Vessel and Shoreside Employees who manage the everyday operation of our vessels, the M/V Stikine and the M/V Prince of Wales.
As leaders in the marine transportation industry, IFA employees are responsible for instilling an atmosphere that riding the ferry is a pleasure, not just a need. To that end, every IFA employee is responsible for overall passenger safety and satisfaction. All necessary steps must be taken to correct or to report conditions that could endanger passenger safety or satisfaction on and off the vessel, including IFA vehicles, access ramps, offices, terminals, and terminal grounds.
The IFA’s success is built on recognition of the skills and efforts made by each employee. Every employee and every job is essential to fulfilling our mission to the people who trust and rely on us. It is the primary goal of the IFA and yours to live up to our mission statement and continue as a leader in the marine transportation industry in SE Alaska. This goal is achieved as a team through dedicated hard work and commitment from every employee. Our policy is to work with all members of the IFA team in a fair and courteous manner and treat each team member with dignity and respect.
IFA is an equal-opportunity employer.
CURRENT JOB OPENINGS
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Job Title:On-Call Relief Crew Member
Location: Hollis/POW
Pay Range:$18.38
Immediate Supervisors: Master, Operations Manager
Combination of Shoreside and Vessel
Must be available to work all days of the week on short notice.
Relief Deckhand shifts are 6:30 AM – 6:15 PM & Relief Night Watch shifts are 6:15 PM to 6:30 AM
Summary: This position covers two different job positions.
On-Call Relief Deckhand will be responsible for: the primary enforcement of security in port and while the vessel is underway, the safety and satisfaction of passengers onboard IFA vessels while in port and while underway, maintaining cabin and main deck area safely and cleanly, emergency response as directed by Mate or Master, and standard line handling and watch duties.
On-Call Relief Nightwatch will provide security watch over the entire vessel, maintain the IFA vessel security plan, tend lines, clean the vessel, and maintain safe conditions in all passenger and other IFA-related traffic, including access ramps and all areas surrounding the terminal.
As leaders in the Marine Transportation Industry, IFA employees are responsible for instilling an atmosphere in passengers that riding the ferry is a pleasure and not just a need. To that end, every IFA employee is responsible for overall passenger safety and satisfaction. All necessary steps must be taken to correct conditions or to report conditions that could endanger passenger safety or satisfaction in any manner on and off the vessels. This includes IFA vessels, vehicles, access ramps, offices, terminals, and terminal grounds.
Pre-employment drug screens as well as random drug testing are a requirement for all DOT personnel with safety-sensitive security duties.
Specific Duties
Deckhand
- Enforcement of Vessel Security Plan (VSP) including security screening for passengers vehicles, conducting security screening for passengers and vehicles, conducting security patrols, and detecting, deterring, and reporting any security threats, breaches, and incidents to Master or Mate
- A front-line crew member for customer service including: assisting passengers with boarding and disembarking the vessel, answering questions, gaining access to the medical room, minor dispute resolution, and assisting with luggage as requested
- Participate in all drills and trainings
- Perform tasks necessary to keep the vessel clean, safe, and in good order including but not limited to washing vessel windows (inside and outside), cleaning and supplying restrooms, cleaning dayrooms, storage areas, gear lockers, car deck, and passenger cabins, empty trash receptacles, and replace liners
- Assist with vessel line handling during arrival and departure from the dock, which includes lifting/pulling up to 70 pounds of weight in various weather conditions without assistance or supervision
- assist with maintenance of safety and other related deck equipment as assigned by Mate, including line repair and splicing
- Fulfills other duties as assigned by the Master or the Mate
- Removing snow and other debris from walkways surrounding terminals
- Salting walkways and all IFA-related foot traffic areas
Night Watch
- Maintain no visitor policy during night watch, unless they are IFA employees or contracted staff
- Make sure all aprons, gangways, hatches, and doors are secure from non-employee entry. Making frequent rounds to all spaces of the vessel to maintain security checks, machinery checks, bilge level checks, or anything out of the ordinary
- Keep watch on all mooring lines for chaffing, tension, slack, and wraps on bollards and cleats
- Clean vessel as directed, including, but not limited to: decks, windows, restrooms, tables, settees, chairs, store rooms, lockers, counters, desks, walls, and stairwells. Make sure all floors are clean and dry before passengers board to prevent slip and fall hazards. The vessel must be clean before the morning run
- Removing snow and other debris from walkways surrounding the terminal
- Salt walkways and all IFA-related foot traffic areas
- Clean grounds keeping equipment after use and storing properly. Maintain storage areas
- Notify the Terminal Manager when supplies are running low
- Call the Operations Manager if a serious problem exists or may arise and assistance is needed
- Assist the Operations Manager with any maintenance duties during night watch, including, but not limited to: stocking, inventory, maintenance and/or repairs to machinery and auxiliary equipment
- Other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager
Knowledge & Abilities
Deckhand
- Knowledge of vessel security procedures as they apply to this position
- Knowledge of maintenance procedures for vehicle/passenger deck and passenger cabin
- Knowledge of IFA firefighting, MOB and abandon ship procedures
- Knowledge of the location, function, and operation of all normal and emergency equipment in the deck department
- Knowledge of appropriate use of personal protection and safety equipment (ear plugs, safety glasses, etc.)
- General knowledge of nautical terms, commands, and signals; principal knots, splices, and hitches
- Ability to interact with customers, and fellow employees in a professional and courteous manner
- Ability to use hand and power tools for cleaning and general maintenance;
- Ability to clear away, lower, and handle life rafts, MEC, and rescue boats under oars or motor
- Ability to communicate effectively, in English, both written and oral;
- Ability to climb and work on rigging and masts for such repairs as replacing navigation bulbs
- Ability to lift and feed lines weighing up to 70lbs
- Ability to comprehend instructions and perform job duties under time constraints and in emergencies
- Ability to work long hours, frequently in harsh weather conditions
Night Watch
- Thorough knowledge of all cleaning procedures, supplies, and tools (both electrical and hand), know all cleaning agents being used, and protective clothing required
- Must understand mooring and line handling, knots, rigging, winches, capstans, and related deck gear; ability to move quickly and understand nautical terms related to mooring and lines
- Knowledge of vessel security procedures and emergency contact procedures
- General knowledge of machinery spaces and ability to recognize a problem if one exists; knowledge of problem escalation procedures
- Knowledge of lighting and electrical outlets throughout the vessel
- Ability to recognize unsafe ground conditions and determine the best method to correct
- Must be able to understand, speak, and write in English
- Must be self-motivated and can work efficiently and effectively with minimum supervision
Required Certificates & Credentials
- Transportation Workers Identification Credentials (TWIC) within 30 days of Hire
- Current First Aid/CPR Certificate
- Valid Alaska Drivers License
Uniform Requirements
All IFA Vessel Crew Members must be well groomed and are required to wear IFA uniform at all times during the loading and unloading of the vessel and while the vessel is underway. IFA Uniform consists of black pants and an IFA shirt, vest or jacket, and hat (optional). Uniforms must be neat and clean, and worn in a professional manner that clearly indicates IFA Crew Member.
Compensation & Benefits
As an On-Call position benefits are limited. Once the eligibility requirements have been met, On-Call Crew may receive IFA Travel Benefits.
Deckhand Shifts are overtime-exempt positions for 12 hours at a base rate of pay.
Night Watch Shifts are 8 hours of regular pay and 4 hours of overtime.
APPLY HERE
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Now Hiring: Port Engineer
📍 Location: Ketchikan / Southeast Alaska
🕑 Full-TimeThe Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) is seeking a skilled and motivated Port Engineer to join our team. This role is essential in keeping our vessels, facilities, and equipment operating safely, efficiently, and reliably for the communities we serve.
About the Role
Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Port Engineer oversees and coordinates the maintenance, repair, and modification of IFA vessels, vehicles, and facilities. This position ensures safety, minimizes loss of revenue, and maintains records in compliance with state and federal regulations.
As a leader in the marine transportation industry, every IFA employee plays a role in ensuring that riding the ferry is a pleasure, not just a need. The Port Engineer helps uphold this standard by supporting safe, reliable operations across our vessels and terminals.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage preventative maintenance plans for all vessels, including dry-dockings and Coast Guard inspections.
- Perform and oversee repairs and maintenance on propulsion systems, generators, hydraulics, HVAC, electrical, and auxiliary equipment.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
- Assist with repair specifications, cost estimates, and project planning for upgrades or modifications.
- Oversee contractors and coordinate with vendors for repair and supply needs.
- Ensure vessel safety systems and lifesaving equipment are maintained and compliant.
- Provide storm and security watch over vessels in lay-up.
Qualifications & Skills
- Knowledge of state and federal requirements for inspected vessels.
- Strong technical knowledge of vessel systems, equipment, and repair procedures.
- Familiarity with Safety Management System (SMS) policies.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and problem-solve under pressure.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to coordinate effectively with management, vessel crew, and outside contractors.
Required Credentials:
- Valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
- Valid Alaska Driver’s License.
Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time position with a competitive compensation package, including:
- Paid holidays and generous leave benefits.
- Paid medical, dental, vision, and audio insurance (dependent coverage available at 50% employer-paid premium).
- PERS retirement program.
- Optional voluntary benefits (short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance).
- IFA travel benefits for employees and eligible dependents.
Pre-Employment drug screening required.
Ready to Apply?
BENEFITS:
As a Political Subdivision of the State of Alaska, the Inter-Island Ferry Authority offers benefits similar to any other department of the State. And we want to help our employees get the most out of the benefits that we offer. Benefits may differ for On-Call and Part-Time Positions. Some of our benefits include:
- Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employer)
- Optional Group Long/Short-Term Disability, Supplemental & Select Life (Employee)
- Health Insurance, with Vision, Dental, and Audio (Employer) with optional Dependent & Spouse Coverage (Employee)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health care or dependent care expenses (Employee)
- Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Contributions (Employer/Employee) After Probationary Period
- Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in Lieu of Contributions to Social Security (Employer/Employee)
- Optional Enrollment in Alaska Deferred Compensation Program (Employee)
- Vacation and Sick Leave
- Space Available Pass Travel for You and Qualifying Family Members, and Qualifying Vehicles
- Plus-One Pass Travel
