JOB TITLE: Deckhand/Operator

Location: Bethel, AK

UIC, Bowhead Transport seeks a seasonal, river-based, Deckhand/Operator. Under the direction of Terminal Manager & Captain/Master, the Deckhand/Operator will be stationed in Bethel, AK and responsible for safe & efficient loading and unloading of all cargo as well as assisting the Captain/Master in conducing the safe & efficient operations of a small tug & barge set that transports cargo to various villages along the Kuskokwim River System from May through October.

Deckhand/Operator Essential Functions Include:

• Attend daily safety and communications meetings.
• Perform pre-use inspection of all equipment operated and perform preventative maintenance as required.
• Report damaged and unsafe equipment to supervisor and/or maintenance mechanic for repairs.
• Proven safety consciousness including the ability to recognize and report hazards, and to apply safe working methods.
• Operate various equipment including forklifts, dozers and other cargo equipment as required.
• Lash rolling stock and equipment, as necessary.
• Create a barge load that is balanced and stable, as well as to the captain’s wishes.
• Perform routine engine room checks.
• Occasionally operate the vessel to give captain time to rest, during easier parts of the river to navigate.
• Drive our skiff with outboard motor, to sound the river, as needed.
• During larger beach operations, that involve our large line-haul barge: Assist the operator and crew of the barge with any operating work, hand-signaling and radio comm direction for other equipment operators, lashing/unlashing, as directed by project supervisor.
• Keep yard clean.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisor, work effectively and cooperatively with other people, focus attention on detail and follow established work rules.
• Ability to maintain regular, dependable attendance.
• Ability to operate moving equipment safely and efficiently in tight spaces around and above other workers.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of Universal Hand Signals for rigging and lifting.
• Ability to plan and organize work.
• Ability to interpret written and oral instructions.
• Ability to perform strenuous, physical work.
• Ability to work flexible hours or shifts.
• Ability to work cooperatively with employees and the public.

Licenses, Credentials, Requirements and Experience:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Two (1) years of experience operating boats of various sizes (river boats preferred)
• One (1) years of experience operating cargo delivering equipment (e.g., loaders, dozers, excavators & various sized forklifts)
• Two (1) years of experience operating equipment on and off barge or other marine equipment
• Forklift Operator Certification preferred.
• Knowledge of the Kuskokwim River from the mouth to McGrath is preferred.

Physical Demands:

The work environment varies and includes, but is not limited to dock, port, bay, beaches, waterways, office space, equipment rooms, warehouse space, construction zones, and outdoor environments. Work hours may fluctuate outside of normal duty hours. While performing the duties of this job, the individual is:

• Repetitive movements of the neck, shoulder, wrist, low back.
• Static postures of the neck, shoulders, wrist, and low back.
• Walking, sitting, standing, and climbing.
• Lift 50 lbs.
• Handling of cables, chains, or hooks.
• Particular attention is paid to other workers who may give hand signals to guide the movement of the object through the workspace.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Required to work all shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed and required.
• Perform work in a dusty environment and all types of temperature/weather conditions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and vibration.

About Bowhead Transport and the UIC Corporation:

UIC is one of Alaska’s largest companies with 4,000 employees and fifty-four subsidiaries, UIC is proud of our expanding operations which currently span over twenty-five different industries and business lines throughout most of the United States and in many foreign countries. UIC and its subsidiaries are committed to and strive for safety, quality, business ethics, and shareholder values.  Bowhead Transport is the Northwest marine division of the UIC organization.  We have a diverse fleet of vessels that provide our customers with comprehensive marine solutions in challenging environments throughout Alaska. 

Headquartered in Anchorage, AK, Bowhead Transport Company offers competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short/long-term disability, and 401(k) retirement plans as well as paid time off programs for eligible full-time employees.

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