Longline Chief Engineer

About the Role

Coastal Villages Longline, a subsidiary of Coastal Villages Region Fund, is seeking a Chief Engineer to work aboard a freezer longliner operating off the western coasts of Washington and Alaska. The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient maintenance and operation of the vessel’s entire engineering systems. Applicants must provide a current USCG license with STCW endorsements, certification to purchase and handle refrigerants, knowledge of oil‑spill response, and current 24‑hour HAZWOPER training.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair all vessel engineering systems, including diesel propulsion, electric generating, deck hydraulic and pneumatic, refrigeration plant, fuel and lubrication, water‑making/desalinization, vacuum sanitation, heating and ventilation, factory hydraulic, product freezer, cargo handling equipment, radar, navigational, Satcom, telecommunications, and electrical/electronic systems.
• Engage in daily vessel operation and ensure compliance with all USCG manning, watch‑standing, and operating regulations.
• Monitor and manage preventive maintenance programs for all onboard engineering systems.
• Coordinate with department heads to ensure safe, efficient vessel operation.
• Provide input for the engineering department budget and cost analysis for system modifications, upgrades, or replacements.
• Communicate with the Port Engineer to obtain vendor and shore support, minimizing downtime during fishing operations.
• Document system failures, major repairs, and modifications for potential claims, lawsuits, or regulatory inquiries.
• Initiate or delegate engineering responses to unsafe or hazardous work areas.
• Maintain ship fuel and discharge logs, spare‑parts inventory, and requisitions through the TeroMarine system.
• Participate in drills, required safety training, and other company‑required courses.
• Maintain vessel and work lists to USCG, Naval Architect, and DNV Classification standards, including compliance with lock‑out/tag‑out and energy control procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned and report directly to the Port Engineer.

Requirements

• Minimum five years experience as a Chief Engineer or First Assistant Engineer on a commercial fishing vessel operating in Alaskan or Russian waters.
• Current USCG license with all required endorsements and merchant‑mariner documentation.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot all marine systems listed under Responsibilities.
• Knowledge of oil‑spill response and recovery regulations.
• Knowledge of proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials and thorough understanding of MARPOL regulations.
• Excellent leadership, management, interpersonal, supervisory, and team‑building skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication abilities.
• Competence in vessel abandon‑ship, firefighting, and man‑overboard drills.
• Ability to machine and fabricate with various metals and materials; proficiency with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) desired.
• Project management and planning skills; ability to work cooperatively with vendors, shipyards, and contractors.
• Punctual, organized, and capable of working under stressful conditions.
• Must pass pre‑employment and random drug tests and meet USCG physical, hearing, and eyesight standards.

Physical Demands

• Ability to board and exit the vessel without assistance, climbing gangways or Jacob’s ladders.
• Climb or descend steep stairs or vertical ladders in all weather conditions, including temperatures as low as –30 °F.
• Work in confined spaces and perform strenuous tasks in hazardous environments (exposure to machinery, fumes, chemicals, pressurized fluids, vibration, extreme cold, rough seas).
• Stand, walk, and maintain balance on a moving vessel; frequent bending, crouching, squatting, kneeling, and forceful grasping.
• Lift 11–20 lb frequently and up to 50 lb occasionally; push, pull, and carry similar loads.
• Maintain peripheral, distance, and depth perception; distinguish shades, colors, and shadows; meet vision requirements for respirator use.
• Perform intermediate math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals) and read, speak, write English in noisy, stressful, and adverse weather conditions.
• Pass medical clearance for use of a tight‑fitting respirator and meet all safety test requirements.

Pay

Starting wage: Crewshare or Daily – Status: Non‑Exempt.

Benefits

• Semi‑annual 401(k) plan.
• Health benefits upon eligibility.
• Zero‑tolerance drug and alcohol policy.
• Participation in the E‑Verify program.
• Post‑offer background check, drug test, and reference verification.