Chief Engineer - Bowhead Transport Company

Chief Engineer Bowhead Transport Company (BTC) provides marine cargo transportation; lightering; environmental and research support, logistics and oilfield services. We have a diverse fleet of vessels that provide our customers with comprehensive marine service options in multiple regions of Alaska. We are seeking an experienced engineer who can perform preventive and corrective maintenance and repairs aboard our 200 GRT,150ft Landing Craft, MV Unalaq built new in 2014. Bowhead Transport offers all mariners a rotating schedule and an impressive insurance plan with optional 401K benefits. 

Essential Functions:

• The Chief Engineer is responsible for conducting all predictive, preventive and corrective maintenance and repairs of all Engineering; propulsion mechanics, power generator system, electricity, lubrication, fuel system, water distillation, HVAC, fire suppression systems, emergency equipment, and maintenance of deck equipment.
• May be required to supervise employees.
• Assists the Project Manager with collection and compilation of vessel maintenance statistics, training of staff, and ensuring the safety of the workplace

Knowledge and Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Able to complete an annual Merchant Mariners physical exam and perform physically demanding shipboard duties.
• Communication skills require the ability to provide an explanation of very complex or technical matters to people with little or no background in the area under discussion.
• Writing skills require the ability to write by hand, email, or text to clearly communicate technical information.
• Record keeping requires all maintenance and repairs to be included in the ships records
• Strong interpersonal/team skills and the proven ability to often deal in situations where immediate satisfactory resolution of issues must be achieved.

Required Experience:

• USCG Rated as Designated duty Engineer, 4000 HP with STCW-95
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an engineer aboard vessels conducting routine operation, predictive, preventive and corrective maintenance and repairs of outboard and inboard propulsion and auxiliary engine maintenance, vessel electrical, electronic, and pneumatic systems maintenance, motor vehicle and support equipment maintenance, fire suppression systems, and implementation of Quality Management Programs.
• U.S. Citizenship and must hold a current U.S. Passport.
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC -- minimum six (6) months prior to renewal).
• Valid Drivers' License (minimum 6 months prior to renewal).

Physical Demands:

• Physically qualified. Able to complete an annual Merchant Mariners physical exam and rform physically demanding shipboard duties.
• Employee must be able to write in English, read in English, calculate, have estimation skills, possess good verbal presentation and be able to communicate using the radio, speaker, or electronic communication by using the English language.
• Repetitive and prolonged postures involving standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, kneeling, stooping and reaching to full range from above the head to the deck.
• Employee must have the ability to move extremities and spine through full physiological range of motion that will permit the employee to work in a variety of postures involving postures allowing reaching with hands from deck level to overhead level.
• Flexing and twisting of the trunk and other awkward postures are required occasionally when assisting crew while tying up vessels, moving rope or cable and repairing equipment.
• Employee must have good dexterity and frequently use one and two hands throughout the work period for grasping and fingering while using controls of the vessel, hand tools and performing other activities requiring good dexterity.
• Employee must always have good balance and coordination in order to safely walk over catwalks, enter/ exit hatches, and over uneven and/or slippery surfaces.
• Must be able to climb ladders, stairwells, and pushknees.
• Employee must be able to step with a step length of 2-ft. in the horizontal direction and 2-ft. in the vertical direction.
• Different docks have various combinations of barge drafts and river stages which make it necessary to step across, up, down, or over an obstacle in order to gain access to the dock from the barge or from the barge to the boat or from the boat to the dock.
• Must also be able to safely walk and carry tools and line while crossing pipes, ledges, sills, catwalks and/or climbing ladders and pushknees.
• Employee must have sufficient cardiorespiratory fitness to occasionally perform medium-heavy physical labor involving the ability to sit and/or stand for 6 hour shifts, walk for prolonged periods, handle (lift, carry, push and pull) various materials and tools, climb ladders, stairwells, and pushknees while working in inclimate weather with temperatures that may vary from extreme cold to extreme heat.
• Must be able to work in cold/hot weather while wearing required PPE (e.g., life preserver, respirators, goggles, etc).
• Must be able to lift at least 65 lbs. from floor to knuckles level on a daily basis.
• Must be able to lift at least 65 lbs. from floor to waist level on a daily basis.
• Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs. from floor to shoulder level on a daily basis.
• Must be able to lift at least 10 lbs. from floor to crown level on a daily basis.
• Must be able to lift and carry at least 30 lbs. with two hands at waist level for a minimum distance of 30 feet on a level surface.

Environmental Conditions:

• Cramped, confined spaces
• May work in fog, dark, and other visibility limiting conditions
• May be exposed to fuels, solvents, cleaners, dust, fumes, smoke, and gases.
• Will work on vessels in adverse weather conditions.
• Constant and loud engine, blowers, and exhaust noise.
• Irregular working hours.
• Vibrations from vessel engines
• Arctic marine environment including low temperatures, high wind, icing, plenty of moisture and wave action.
• Frequent hazards include hypothermia, pinch points, sprains, strains, slips, falls, concussive impacts, and lifting injuries.
• Hazard awareness and corrective action is a constant function of the job due to the extreme work environment.

#LI-WW1