Unlicensed Vessel Assistant Engineer 2026

Excellence. Innovation. Integrity. Passion.

Assistant Engineers work under the direction, guidance, and training of the Chief Engineer to assist in operation, maintenance and repair the vessel’s operating systems: diesel engines, generators, refrigeration, electrical and hydraulic equipment, water making and sanitary equipment, deck machinery, factory equipment, pumps, cooling, and conveyor systems during the portion of their shift scheduled in the engine room. Assistant engineers, under the direction of the Chief Engineer, may maintain the engine room and other logs as required by the company or other agencies. Assistant Engineers also assist in fueling the vessel and transferring fuel onboard.

Essential Duties

Assistant Engineers must be able to:

• Work under the direction, guidance, and training of the chief engineer.
• Assist in operation, maintenance, and repair of the vessel’s operating systems: diesel engines, generators, refrigeration, electrical and hydraulic equipment, water making and sanitary equipment, deck machinery and fish hauling equipment, factory equipment, pumps, cooling, and conveyor systems.
• Perform work assignments under the direction of the chief engineer.
• Assist in transfer bulk petroleum products.
• Maintain an inventory control system.
• Under oversight of the chief engineer, prepare department records and reports as required by the company, USCG, OSHA and other agencies.
• Oversee a safety program.
• Ensure all engineering crew are trained and fully cognizant of the job hazards.
• Ensure LOCK OUT-TAGS PLUS procedures are communicated, followed, and enforced.
• Resolve technical problems as they occur.
• Give specific directions in the case of an emergency.
• Work up to eight (8) hours of each shift in the factory assisting in fish processing operations, as directed by the Factory Foreman.

Work Schedule

• Assistant engineers work at least 16 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Work hours may be extended as necessary which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.
• Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant.  Unplanned, unscheduled breaks are prohibited except in health or safety related incidents. 

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, employees and the vessel will be operating in extremely remote and austere locations; often days away from land or dock facilities.
• While performing the duties of this job, employees are expected to wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain gear (pants and sleeves), gloves, rubber boots, noise suppression devices, and use as required: hardhat, safety goggles, fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit.
• Employees will be exposed to various species of fish; wet, humid and freezing conditions; fish processing equipment such as headers, movable and stationary conveyor systems, knives, hoists, pressure washers, cleaning chemicals, shovels, buckets, baskets and aluminum pans.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory.
• While performing the duties of this job, Engineers are regularly exposed to moving machinery, vibration, and risk of electrical shock.

Education, Experience

• Engine room experience on a catcher processor vessel.
• Earned High School Diploma or GED. Education verification will be required prior to hire.
• 24 months or more of relevant verifiable work experience in the last 4 years. Work history must be provided during the application process. No Exceptions.

Physical Demands

All employees must be able to:

• Board and exit the vessel by gangplank or Jacob’s ladder without assistance.
• Board or exit a skiff without assistance in all weather conditions.
• Ascend and descend steep stairways and ladders in all temperatures.
• Work at least 16 ½ hours per day, 7 days per week for the duration of the contract.
• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
• Stand and walk; lift weights up to and over 50 pounds for full range from floor to above their head repeatedly.
• Use fingers, hands and arms to push, pull and reach.
• Bend and twist.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Work long hours in all kinds of weather.
• Work in a cold and wet environment.
• Don life jacket, life vest and/or survival suit without assistance.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug tests per USCG regulations. This job is designated by O’Hara Corporation to be Safety Sensitive, and a pre-employment drug screen is part of the hiring process.

Mental Activities

All employees must be able to:

• Ability to understand and have the ability to communicate in English for emergency, safety, and training purposes is required.
• Use interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Live and work with others in close quarters.
• Be away from medical care and supervision for 3+ months at a time.
• Share crew quarters, bathroom facilities, and common dining areas with other crew members.
• Discern between various shades of color for identifying and sorting various fish species as well as for safety signs, alarms, and warnings.

• Medical, vision and dental insurance is offered to employees and qualified dependents, if elected.
• 401(k) with employer match after one year of employment, if elected.

• Meals, snacks, and beverages provided including diverse cuisine options while at sea. (Additional at-sea store available for specialty items to purchase and have deducted from paycheck)

• O’Hara will book and pre-pay flight and lodging from Point of Hire- Seattle, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK.

Compensation

• Crew-share compensation
• $425 - $575 average daily rate DOE

O’Hara Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.