Mate - Civil & Marine Division - Kotzebue, AK

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and safety-focused Tugboat Mate to support tug and barge operations in Western Alaska. This position works directly under the Captain and is responsible for assisting with vessel navigation, towing operations, cargo handling, and crew leadership during the open water season.

The Mate serves as a key operational role onboard, often acting as the lead on deck operations and standing navigational watch. This position requires strong seamanship, decision-making ability, and the ability to operate safely in remote and challenging marine environments.

The ideal candidate is dependable, experienced in tug and barge operations, and capable of leading deck crews while maintaining a high standard of safety and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Stand navigational watch as directed by the Captain
• Assist in vessel handling, towing operations, and barge positioning
• Lead deck operations including line handling, towing gear setup, and barge landings
• Supervise and direct Deckhands during cargo operations and vessel activities
• Support loading and unloading of cargo, equipment, and materials from barges
• Monitor vessel, barge condition, drafts, and cargo security throughout operations
• Ensure safe handling of mooring lines, rigging, and towing equipment
• Assist with voyage planning, route awareness, and hazard identification
• Perform and oversee routine vessel maintenance including chipping, painting, cleaning, and minor repairs
• Maintain a clean and organized deck and work environment
• Enforce company safety policies and U.S. Coast Guard regulations
• Participate in and help lead vessel safety drills and emergency response procedures
• Maintain situational awareness of crew, equipment, and environmental conditions at all times
• Immediately report all Incidents/Accidents, no matter how small, to their Supervisor
• Other duties that are pertinent to the department or unit’s success also may be assigned

Qualifications

• Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
• Mate endorsement of at least 100 Ton Near Coastal
• Towing endorsement (Mate of Towing or equivalent)
• Valid TWIC
• Current USCG Medical Certificate
• Ability to work outdoors in harsh weather and marine conditions
• Ability to live on the tug, in tight quarters
• Physically capable of lifting 50 lbs, handling heavy lines, and performing manual labor
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
• Ability to work long hours in a team environment aboard vessels and barges
• Strong situational awareness around heavy equipment and moving vessels
• Must be able to pass pre-employment drug testing and participate in the company’s USCG/DOT drug testing program
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record for the past three (3) years to be eligible under company vehicle insurance policy

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a Mate or senior deckhand on tug and barge units
• Experience with coastal and/or river towing operations
• Experience working in Alaska or remote locations
• Familiarity with shallow water navigation and seasonal operating constraints
• Experience supervising crew and leading deck operations

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions; work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; extreme cold and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must regularly lift, move and /or carry up to 50 pounds, occasionally lift up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. Steel toed boots required on the job.

Travel may require an employee or contractor to pass a TSA security checkpoint. If the employee or contractor does not have valid identification, they will not be able to travel until valid identification is obtained and verified.  For this reason all employees and contractors must have valid identification when traveling to and from the site, for a list of TSA approved valid identification visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification . 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Works well in group problem solving situations.

Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.