Chief Engineer, Unlicensed

ABOUT UNCRUISE ADVENTURES

We are a small-ship adventure-based travel company dedicated to creating experiences that connect people with nature, wildlife, and local cultures - we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, and share air with whales. Every team member plays a role in bringing the adventure to life. Operating seven vessels carrying 22 to 86 guests, we explore destinations, including Alaska, Hawaii, Baja California, and Costa Rica.

PERKS

• Heath care benefits (medical, dental, vision)

• 401k with employer match (qualifications required)

• Credential reimbursement (qualifications required)

• Travel provided to and from the vessel

• Rotation schedule

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Engineer position begins in shipyard (Seattle, WA) over the winter months prior to the summer 2026 Alaska Sailing Season. The Chief Engineer will work a rotational schedule during the season.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and repair of all vessel systems. On our larger vessels the Chief Engineer manages Assistant Engineer. The Chief Engineer reports to the Master of the vessel and will assist the Master in communicating and enforcing all company policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Maritime Engineering School Graduate in good standing and/or a Designated Duty Engineer License, or equivalent, preferred.

• Two years experience as Engineer onboard similar sized passenger vessels preferred.

• Strong knowledge of diesel propulsion and electrical generating systems, fuel centrifuges, air compressors, pumps, hydraulics, water makers, hotel systems, plumbing, refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning.

• Maintain professional demeanor at all times.

• Strong time management skills: able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines.

• Crisis management: work well under pressure, act quickly and decisively using sound judgment.

• Computer experience: Microsoft programs Excel, Word, and SharePoint are required.

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Government ID (REAL ID Compliant) or Passport 

• CPR / First Aid / AED  

• TWIC

• Drug/Alcohol Test Specimen Collector (Company Provided)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Repair and Maintenance:

• Maintain the ship in a state of readiness at all times.

• Maintain potable water and auto chlorination system.

• Maintain black water/gray water/waste tanks, treatment, and testing program.

• Monitor and ensures completion of all deficiencies noted in Cabin Maintenance Notebook.

• Oversee all fuel, oil and Potable water bunkering operations and ensures safety and environmental compliance.

• Oversee and maintain vessel systems including engineering, deck and hotel department preventative maintenance programs on a daily, weekly and monthly basis with the support of the Assistant Engineer.

• Proactively participates in drydocking, shipyard repair and maintenance periods.

Supervisory:

• Directly supervises the Assistant Engineer (where applicable).  

• Monitors and counsels work performance throughout the year and conducts written performance evaluations.  

• Trains all new and relief Chief Engineers and Assistant Engineers.

 Administrative:

• Keep vessel maintenance records, inventories, and voyage status reports. Make proposals for maintenance and repair projects. 

• Assist in building the annual shipyard budget and manage projects to the established budget.

• Maintain log sheets for all equipment.

• Oversee all accounting reports, inventory and requisitions regarding equipment maintenance.

•  Track all vessel Non-Conformity Reports and Equipment Deficiencies in the company PMP (HELM) program for vessels 

 Safety and Security:

• Follow company safety and pollution prevention policies and procedures and will request supervisory assistance/guidance when necessary.

• Conduct periodic inspections to ensure that crew observes regulations pertaining to safe vessel operation.

• Prepare the vessel for all U.S. Coast Guard annual drydocks and other inspections.

• Participate in shore side and on-board training as required by the company.  

• Maintain familiarity with all duties under the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response Activities.

Communication Skills:

The Chief Engineer will interact with our passengers daily and must be professional and engaging at all times. Must be able to interpret maritime technical literature and governmental regulations. Must be able to verbalize and write technical information clearly and precisely.

ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / EMPLOYMENT COMPLIANCE

• Living Conditions -  Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
• Length of Work Shift - Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks.
• Mobility - Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Handling & Strength - Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
• Environmental Conditions - Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.
• DOT Drug Testing - In compliance with USCG regulations, must pass a pre-employment drug test and additional in-season testing per federal guidelines.
• Allergens - This position requires working with and/or being around raw and cooked shellfish, cleaning chemicals and other known allergens.
• Medical Review - A medical review is required. Must be medically fit to work onboard for safety and compliance.

BASE PAY

$415 - $487/day - Wage is based on Vessel Placement

Pay Range

$415—$487 USD

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT    

This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.