Port Captain - R/V Sikuliaq

The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is seeking a Port Captain to support the R/V Sikuliaq, a 261-foot, global-class, ice-capable research vessel operated by the University of Alaska.

In this vital role, you will help ensure the vessel is ready to support its research schedule by coordinating crew rotations, hiring relief crew, managing port call logistics, and maintaining compliance with maritime regulations and certification requirements. This position works closely with vessel leadership, project personnel, and port facilities to keep operations running safely and efficiently.

The ideal candidate will be skilled at solving complex logistical challenges, coordinating multiple priorities, and navigating the regulatory requirements that govern maritime operations. Successful candidates will have strong attention to detail, demonstrated leadership abilities, and a proven track record of fostering a positive, safe, and productive work environment. They will also possess a strong understanding of maritime laws and regulations and the ability to interpret and apply them in a practical operational environment.

Experience with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and inspected vessels under 46 CFR Subchapter U is required. Knowledge of American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) classification standards, Hazardous Materials regulations, SOLAS, STCW, ISM, and OSHA requirements is highly desirable.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in related field and seven years relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Equivalent military sea service experience is acceptable.

• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria is required.

Working Conditions:

This position is primarily office-based but will occasionally involve work aboard the vessel and at marine facilities. Field work may include exposure to varying weather conditions, high noise levels, and hot or cold environments.

Because vessel operations continue around the clock, candidates should anticipate occasional extended work hours and availability to respond to operational needs outside normal business hours. Some travel may be required. The position also requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Position Details:

This full-time, exempt staff position is located at the Seward Marine Center campus in Seward, Alaska with a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 82, based on education and experience.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and the names with contact information of three (3) professional references.

Application review will begin on July 6, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration; however, the recruitment will remain open until filled. 

*While in-person work is strongly preferred, hybrid and/or remote work may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) requires employees to work on-site based on operational and business needs. Hybrid and remote work arrangements may be considered only for positions specifically designated and advertised as eligible for hybrid or remote work. Any approved arrangement will be based on the position’s duties, operational needs, and the employee’s ability to effectively perform the work remotely.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Laura Frisone, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences HR Coordinator, at uaf-cfos-hr@alaska.edu or (907) 474-7383.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.