Relief Marine Engineer - QMED Oiler - R/V Sikuliaq (Temporary)

Relief Marine Engineer - QMED Oiler - R/V Sikuliaq (Temporary)

  • 528683
  • Seward, Alaska, United States
  • Marine Worker
  • Temporary
  • Closing on: Jun 30 2025
  • Temporary Staff Grade 77
  • UAF College of Fish & Ocean Science

R/V Sikuliaq, pronounced [see-KOO-lee-auk], is a 261-foot oceanographic research ship capable of bringing scientists to the ice-choked waters of Alaska and the polar regions. Sikuliaq, one of the most advanced university research vessels in the world, is able to break ice up to 2.5 feet thick. Constructed in Marinette, Wisconsin, Sikuliaq is homeported in Seward, Alaska, at UAF's Seward Marine Center.

We are currently accepting applications for temporary relief QMEDs. The temporary QMEDs will fill in while the regular crew are on shore, and applications will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.

Strong mechanical problem solving skills and the ability to be at sea for extended periods of time are required. Operational understanding of fuel oil bunkering procedures and emergency response, safe usage of basic machine and hand tools, basic math and computer skills. Knowledge of basic good seamanship practices (knots, line-handling, general shipboard maintenance and care, preparation/preservation of steel surfaces, operation of deck equipment, winches, etc). Ability to work with a diverse group of people including scientists, ship's crew and technicians.

Candidates should have experience working in the engine room of a ship, experience with a wide range of vessel systems and their proper operation, and experience with and practice of good safety procedures. Strong mechanical and problem solving skills are a must!

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must possess the following: a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Credential endorsed as QMED and Able Seafarer- Engine (STCW). Applicants must have all applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. The following unexpired documents are also required: U.S. Passport, TWIC card, unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG medical certification, and a valid drivers license. Applicants must also be able to pass a pre-employment DOT drug test.

Preferred experience: experience on newer vessel propulsion systems and equipment, and 6 months working in the engine room of a ship with a rating of QMED or higher.

Position Details:

New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 77, based on education and experience.

This position is open on a rolling basis, and will remain open over the entire academic year. Successful applicants may be offered temporary contracts between 1-3 months in duration, depending on scheduling and operational needs.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please include the following documents with your application:

  1. Resume

  2. Cover letter

  3. The names and contact information (email address and phone number) for three (3) professional references

  4. Copy of your MMC (all pages)

  5. Copy of your TWIC card

  6. Copy of your USCG Medical Certificate

  7. Copy of your passport

*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.


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 UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.


UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.


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.


If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Sarah Walters, Sikuliaq HR Coordinator, at skwalters@alaska.edu.

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.

Apply Now

Refer someone to this job

Not You?

Thank you