Amhs Steward

ATTENTION ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY!

NOW OFFERING A $5,000 HIRING BONUS AND MOVING ASSISTANCE

Are you ready to set sail on an extraordinary adventure? Join our crew as a Steward with the Alaska Marine Highway and become a vital part of an unforgettable journey through the pristine wilderness of the Last Frontier.

If you have a passion for providing top-notch hospitality, an eye for detail, and a love for breathtaking scenery, then this job is for you! Our Stewards not only ensure passenger comfort and satisfaction but also have the opportunity to witness some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on the planet. Come aboard and be a part of a team that turns every voyage into an extraordinary experience.

Information on the job posting is listed below. In order to be considered, applications must be submitted using the following link: Steward

• Alaska Marine Highway (applicantstack.com)

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

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 an 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.

Under the supervision of the Chief Steward or designee, performs various housekeeping, cleaning, and/or galley duties aboard the Alaska Marine Highway System vessels.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: 

• Washes dishes, pots, and pans.

• Cleans and operates various galley equipment.

• Busses tables and waits on passengers in the cafeteria/dining room.

• Works with the traveling public. Responds to and assist with customer needs.

• Cleans and makes up staterooms, restrooms, and the vessel's public areas.

• Loads stores/assists in stock handling. Stows trash. Loads and unloads laundry bags.

• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Steward or designee.

Please note: Working onboard a ship is extremely rewarding and opens the door to career growth with AMHS.

While working as a Steward, the position can be physically and mentally demanding. The nature of the work performed onboard the ships requires able-bodied personnel who can endure long hours and being away from shore for extended periods. Employees must be able to perform required duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

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 on this route. The other, more remote route is the Southwest (SW), which includes the communities between Cordova and the Aleutian Chain. The Change Ports (crew change locations) for each route are listed below;

Southeast (SE): Ketchikan, Juneau

Southwest (SW): Homer, Valdez

Please note:

This position requires employees to report to designated change ports in Alaska for their work assignments. Employees are responsible for travel expenses between their physical residence and designated change port.

SCHEDULE & ASSIGNMENTS

AMHS vessels operate in a 24/7 work environment with variable crewing schedules. Generally, periodic crew assignments are based on a 2 Weeks-On and  2 Weeks-Off rotation with some exceptions.

New hires are dispatched as randomly assigned relief stewards until they are awarded a regularly assigned (bid) position. On vessels operating in the Southwest route, your assignment duration will depend on the length of the absence of the crew member you relieve. Once onboard, the daily schedule during each assignment may vary from 8 hours to 12 hours, depending on the route/vessel.

The vessel supervisor sets a work schedule upon signing on to the vessel that may include split shifts. Crew members may be asked to fill in a higher-paying position after the crew change if a vacancy occurs (temporary upgrades). Crew lists are posted periodically by the AMHS dispatch office, which handles all crew scheduling-related matters. Please note:

The Dispatch desk schedules work assignments based on the fluctuating operational needs and in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreements. Seniority plays a major role in how work is assigned.

WORKING ONBOARD:

This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce. Room & board are provided while on assignment - on select vessels.

The crew stays in shared quarters, and meals are provided at the crew and/or officers' mess. On some vessels, 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. Please note:

 All employees stationed onboard the vessels, regardless of their status, including new hires residing onboard through the housing assistance incentive, are subject to all DOT&PF and AMHS policies. There is no tolerance for Drug and Alcohol policy violations.

PAY SCALE:

AMHS offers competitive pay based on operating route and residency. See the table below for the starting pay range for new Steward (probationary) hires:

Route

Probationary Rate

• Non Resident

Probationary Rate -  Resident

Southwest (SW) 

 $17.50

 $21.40

Southeast (SE) 

 $19.23

 $23.50

Please note: Whether the new hire qualifies for the resident rate is determined by the Department of Human Resources through the Cost of Living Differential (COLD) application.

This is a post-hire application process that takes place after your official appointment. Passenger Services is not involved with this determination. Employees receiving housing assistance incentives do not qualify for the COLD benefits.

Overtime is paid at the rate of time and a half (x 1.5). The probationary period is approx. 1092 hours in the Southeast and 1,456 hours in the Southwest. Refer to the Career Path section below for information about upgrading to higher-paying positions.

HIRING INCENTIVES:

Selected candidates may qualify for the following hiring incentives depending on the crewing needs.

• Hiring Bonus: $5,000 (less payroll deductions)

• Housing Assistance: up to 3 months accommodation onboard the hotel ship in Ketchikan

• Relocation Assistance: a one way - single use ferry ticket to an approved change port within Alaska (must originate in Alaska)

•  Hiring incentives are subject to change at any time. Additional conditions may apply. Details are provided if a Job Offer is made.

Visit https://amhs.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a243xx5lw5b4 for details and online application.

Please note: all applications must be submitted through the application hyperlink above.

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

• High School diploma or equivalent

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age

• Must be willing to submit to a physical and drug test

• Ability to perform any required duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Upon your job offer, you must obtain the following documents before you can be scheduled for new hire orientation. Our Passenger Services staff will send guidance on how to obtain the following documentation: 

• TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential): This credential is issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a Department of Homeland Security division. 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 United States Coast Guard (USCG) division. Please visit National Maritime Center website for obtaining the MMC.
  
  You must have your TWIC card or have a receipt of your TWIC application before you can start your MMC application process. Once obtained, your MMC Passbook must include the following at the minimum:

• Medical Certificate

• Food Handler Endorsement

• DOT/USCG 5 Panel Drug Screen

• Alaska Food Worker Card: This card is issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Application is available online at the Alaska Division of Environmental Health/Food Safety and Sanitation Program.

• Alcohol Server Training (TAP or TIPS): This certification is required for crew members 21 and older. Information for obtaining this certification is available at the Alaska Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

A strong customer service aptitude is essential for this position. Experience in the hospitality and/or restaurant sector is highly desired.

This is a public service role in the government sector providing service in the marine environment. A strong commitment to safety, public service, and exceptional work ethics are required. The ideal candidate would be willing to 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.

NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

BENEFITS:

New hires qualify for the State of Alaska benefits usually within 30 days of official hire. The State of Alaska offers one of the best benefit systems in Alaska.

It includes 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 the R&B website.

CAREER PATH:

AMHS has several career paths offered to employees and have staff ready to help you reach all your career goals! We provide upward mobility and progressive advancement opportunities to higher-paying positions.

New hires who successfully complete their probationary period apply for regularly assigned bid positions if they meet the MQs (Minimum Qualifications). Union seniority plays a major role in how the work is assigned and 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. Current salary schedules for unlicensed vessel positions can be viewed on the following web links: Southeast Route Salary Schedule / Southwest Route Salary Schedule

EMPLOYEE CONDUCT:

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.

Our policy is 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 and 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 be denied or terminated if an individual fails the drug test(s), and the US Coast Guard may revoke your Merchant Mariner Credentials.

SERVICE STANDARDS:

As with any frontline customer service position in direct contact with the public, Steward position requires 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 always be maintained 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 excessively visible while in uniform. Facial tattoos are not permitted. Candidates with tattoos should carefully review their suitability for a frontline service position before applying. AMHS reserves the right to withdraw a job offer if a prospective hire has offensive and/or inappropriate tattoos that are incompatible with our service standards. AMHS provides some of the uniforms (shirts, fleece, etc.)

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications for Steward positions are accepted online through this applicant tracking system only. Candidates must have an email address that is monitored daily 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 smartphone during the entire recruitment 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 is in direct contact with the public.

Successful candidates will serve as a public agent and be required to perform duties safely, reasonably, and highly ethically. 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. Employers 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 four months of accepting the Job Offer. Our recruitment desk must receive and verify legible copies of the required documents before a prospective hire can attend the new hire orientation.

NEW HIRE ORIENTATION (NHO):

Successful candidates must attend the New Hire Orientation to complete the hiring process. A new hire will be eligible for dispatch once the final hiring paperwork is done and the NHO is completed.

For specific information about this position, please contact the hiring manager at the following:

Passenger Services Recruitment

dot.amhs.psvrecruit@alaska.gov

(907) 416-5858