Job Details

Overview

UIC Bowhead Transport, LLC seeks an experienced Vessel Captain/Master to command and operate a landing craft in the challenging and dynamic waters of Alaska, including the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, Beaufort Sea, and the Gulf of Alaska. This role requires strong leadership, deep navigational expertise, and a safety-first mindset, with proven ability to operate in remote and harsh marine environments. The Captain/Master is fully responsible for vessel safety, crew management, regulatory compliance, navigation, cargo operations (if applicable), and overall mission execution.

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

Vessel Command & Operations

• Serve as master of the vessel, maintaining full responsibility for safe navigation and operation.

• Plan and execute voyages in Alaska waters, including ice-affected regions and remote routes.

• Maintain readiness for changing sea states, weather extremes, limited port support, and emergency response needs.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with USCG regulations (if applicable) and company safety policies.

• Conduct safety drills, emergency preparedness training, and maintain a strong safety culture onboard.

• Oversee vessel inspections, audits, and required documentation.

Crew Leadership

• Lead, manage, and mentor crew members in a professional and respectful manner.

• Ensure crew competency, proper watch schedules, fatigue management, and adherence to maritime best practices.

• Coordinate with Chief Mate, Chief Engineer, and department heads to ensure smooth vessel operations.

Navigation & Watchkeeping

• Maintain high standards of watchkeeping and navigational accuracy.

• Utilize ECDIS, radar, AIS, GPS, and traditional navigation methods as required.

• Manage route planning, bridge resource management, and risk mitigation.

Maintenance & Reporting

• Coordinate maintenance and operational needs with engineering and shore-side management.

• Maintain accurate logs, voyage reports, safety records, and incident reports.

• Communicate regularly with company leadership on vessel status, schedule, and operational needs.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong leadership and crew management ability.

• Calm, decisive judgment under pressure.

• Excellent communication (ship-to-shore, crew, regulatory agencies).

• High attention to safety, detail, and compliance.

• Strong problem-solving and operational planning skills.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid USCG Master License (appropriate tonnage for vessel size).

• Prefer a master of tow endorsement.

• STCW certification (current and appropriate for role).

• Current TWIC.

• Current USCG medical certificate.

• Proven experience as Master/Captain on large vessels (shipping, cargo, research, offshore support, or similar).

• Strong working knowledge of:

• Cold weather operations.

• Heavy seas and remote operations.

• Emergency response protocols.

• USCG maritime compliance.

• Must be able to pass:

• Pre-employment drug screening

• Background check

• Physical/medical clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior command experience specifically in:

• Bering Sea

• Chukchi Sea

• Beaufort Sea

• Gulf of Alaska

• Ice navigation experience and/or polar operations background.

• Experience with:

• Dynamic weather routing.

• Long-duration remote deployments.

• Cargo handling, towing, or specialized mission operations (as applicable).

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

• Ability to perform prolonged standing, sitting, twisting, kneeling, squatting, and reaching.

• Full range of motion of extremities and spine.

• Good balance and coordination on uneven and slippery surfaces.

• Ability to climb ladders, stairwells, and pushknees.

• Ability to step 2 feet horizontally and vertically when transferring between vessels and docks.

• Ability to lift:

• 65 lbs floor to knuckle (daily)

• 65 lbs floor to waist (daily)

• 30 lbs floor to shoulder (daily)

• 10 lbs floor to crown (daily)

• Ability to carry 30 lbs for 30 feet

• Ability to perform medium-heavy labor in extreme weather conditions while wearing required PPE.

Working Conditions:

• Rotational schedule or extended deployments (depending on contract needs).

• Work performed in harsh and remote Arctic/Alaska conditions.

Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug & alcohol screening and/or random drug screen, and must follow UIC's Non-DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program requirements. If the position requires, an applicant must pass a pre-employment criminal background history check. All post-secondary education listed on the applicant's resume/application may be subject to verification.

Where driving may be required or where a rental car must be obtained for business travel purposes, applicants must have a valid driver license for this position and will be subject to verification. In addition, the applicant must pass an in-house, online, driving course to be authorized to drive for company purposes.

UIC is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics EOE/D/V. In furtherance, pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and federal contractual requirements, UIC and its subsidiaries may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to UIC Shareholders and their Descendants, based on the provisions contained within The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity postershere ( .

All candidates must apply online at www.uicalaska.com , and submit a completed application for all positions they wish to be considered. Once the employment application has been completed and submitted, any changes to the application after submission may not be reviewed. Please contact a UIC HR Recruiter if you have made a significant change to your application. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), persons unable to complete an online application should contact UIC Human Resources for assistance www.uicalaska.com/careers/recruitment/ .

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Ukpeagvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) is the village corporation of Utqiagvik, Alaska and is recognized as one of Alaska's top 10 companies with approximately 4,400 employees nationwide and revenues above $1 Billion annually. UIC is projected to grow substantially in the coming years to become a top 3 company in Alaska by 2030. As a proud Alaska Native Corporation, our success brings growth and benefits to our Iñupiat shareholders. The size and diversity of our operations means we have a broad variety of career opportunities.

UIC and its subsidiaries are committed to and strive for safety, quality, business ethics, and shareholder value. We offer 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. Eligible part-time employees are able to participate in the 401(k) retirement plans and state or contract required paid time off programs.

Join our Talent Community!

Join our Talent Community ( to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.

Requisition ID 2026-24721

Category Mariners/Vessels/Diesel Engineers

Location : Location US-AK-Anchorage

Travel Requirement 75% - 100%

Entity : Name UIC Bowhead Transport LLC