About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges—North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College—and five specialty training centers, which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington. We are leaders in change and innovation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the passionate work of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as we work against systemic racism. Additionally, you will gain the rewarding experience of contributing to the success of an open-access learning institution that prepares students for life and work, fostering a diverse, engaged and dynamic community.

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy a competitive benefits package, professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice including, committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Position Summary

This is a part-time temporary opportunity

Open for continuous recruitment:

Salary range for this position is: $37.00/hr.

Are you passionate about working in maritime? Have you contributed to a team before, and really enjoyed it?

If these questions resonate with you, then we invite you to consider joining our team at Seattle Maritime Academy, an equity-focused open-access college dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and professional goals. As a Training Vessel Engineer at SMA you will be responsible for being a key member of the team that kicks fenders and takes names.

The Training Vessel Engineer will oversee mechanical operations, perform repair and maintenance tasks, stand watches in the engine room and interact with students. They are responsible for the safe operation of the vessel while supervising instructors, students, and passengers onboard. They assist the Vessel Training Captain in operation of the vessel and are the default second-in-command in the event of the Captain’s incapacitation.

The training vessel Maritime Instructor is an 82' ex-USCG Point-Class cutter that is used in our 1-year Marine Deck Technology and Marine Engineering Technology Programs to give students underway experience onboard a commercial vessel. It is powered by twin 800hp Caterpillar diesel propulsion engines and two Detroit diesel generators. The vessel COI requires a Master and a Deckhand for voyages of less than 12hrs.

This position is 24hrs/week maximum (average 12hrs/week) during the Winter and Spring quarters (8am-8pm, Tuesday and Thursday, during the two 11-week quarters). Additional hours may be added for special cruises but is not common.

The Training Vessel Engineer is a part time / hourly employee at Seattle Maritime Academy paying $37 an hour.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will enjoy competitive compensation as well as all the benefits as a Washington State employee. To learn more about our excellent benefits offerings please see our benefits overview here: Seattle Colleges Employment Benefits

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by AFT-SPS

Application Procedures:

• Attach current resume
• Attach cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Notice to Applicants:
Please note that Seattle Colleges is working under hybrid remote and on-site operations, pending public health guidance and business needs. Per CDC and WA Public Health directions, at this time we will be practicing social distancing and holding interviews virtually using video conference or teleconference options. As such, if you are selected for interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

What you will be working on:

• Maintain a working knowledge of safety policies and regulations to ensure safe conduct of self and students while performing up to 12-hour watches.
• Start-up and shut-down Main Engines and Generators.
• Supervise and perform vessel refueling following onboard procedures.
• Maintain clean bilges throughout the vessel.
• Confirm the engine room logs and reporting paperwork are completed at the end of each trip.
• Assist in emergency situations, including launching life rafts, responding to fire or flood, etc.
• Assist students with watch standing and tracing systems.
• Assist with docking and handling of mooring lines.
• Perform duties as assigned by the Captain.
• Complete all pre-underway and shut-down checklists.

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• 2 years of experience operating vessels as a QMED or higher, or equivalent experience in other marine engineering environments
• Valid USCG MMC
• Valid Medical Certificate.
• Valid 1st Aid and CPR Certifications.
• Submit to and pass a background check.
• Submit to and pass alcohol and drug tests as mandated by the USCG including but not limited to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident/incident testing.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; risk of electrical shock and vibration, and noise.

• Ability to bend, rotate and reach frequently.
• Ability to carry, push/pull and/or lift materials weighing upwards of 50 lbs.
• Ability to step over a 24” sill.
• Ascending/descending stairs or ladders safely.
• Ability to manipulate/handle/grip materials required to perform job.
• Ability to maneuver through/in/around small and/or confined areas within the vessel.
• Must be able to maintain both static and dynamic standing balance to complete various duties associated with job.
• Must be capable of performing emergency duties as listed in the vessel’s station bill.

Disability Accommodation

Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants:

• Ability to operate office equipment
• Ability to read and verify data and prepare various materials
• Ability to exchange information on the phone or in person

Notice of Non-discrimination Statement

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of “bullying” behaviors, including “cyber bullying”.

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the college’s Director of Legal Compliance:

1500 Harvard Avenue Seattle, WA 98122-3803

(206) 934-3873

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

Background Check Statement

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will be required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form as required WA HB 2327.