Assistant Shop Foreman

Summary

The Assistant Shipyard Foreman supports the Shipyard Foreman in overseeing daily shipyard operations, coordinating workflow, supporting crew productivity, and promoting a safe and efficient work environment. This position assists with task coordination, materials planning, workforce support, safety compliance, and project tracking to help ensure work is completed safely, on schedule, and in alignment with company standards. This role requires a strong presence on the shop floor and regular interaction with crew members, department leads, project management, and leadership.

Core Competencies & Leadership Expectations

- Professional and respectful communication with employees, vendors, and leadership.

- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced industrial environment.

- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to provide direction, coaching, and accountability when needed.

- Flexibility to adjust priorities based on operational demands.

- Ability to build credibility and maintain positive working relationships with crews and department leads.

- Willingness to learn, develop, and grow within the position.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Operational Support

• Assist the Shipyard Foreman with daily coordination of crews, workflow, and task priorities. 


• Assist with estimating labor hours, materials, and project needs while supporting budget expectations. 


• Support task assignments and coordinate with the Shipyard Foreman and Purchasing Manager to ensure materials, tools, and supplies are available for projects. 


• Observe work progress and communicate delays, operational concerns, hazards, or inefficiencies to leadership. 


• Maintain an active presence on the shop floor to support productivity, quality, and communication with crews. 


• Assist with monitoring project timelines and adjusting priorities as operational needs change. 

Communication & Coordination

• Serve as a liaison between crews, department leads, and the Shipyard Foreman to support clear and effective communication. 


• Relay updates, instructions, operational changes, and safety information to employees as directed. 


• Keep the Shipyard Foreman informed of project updates, staffing issues, and operational changes. 


• Coordinate with other departments as needed to support equipment, materials, operational, and technical needs. 

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and support a safe work environment by identifying hazards, correcting unsafe conditions when appropriate, and reporting concerns to leadership. 


• Assist with safety inspections, briefings, and corrective action follow-up under the direction of the Shipyard Foreman and Safety Officer. 


• Reinforce compliance with PPE requirements, equipment procedures, and company safety policies. 


• Work collaboratively with the Safety Officer and leadership team to support safety initiatives, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement efforts. 

Workforce Assistance & Training

• Support onboarding and training efforts by assisting employees with daily tasks, proper techniques, and safety practices. 


• Work with department leads to develop and improve training resources, procedures, and operational consistency. 


• Provide feedback to the Shipyard Foreman regarding employee performance, development needs, and operational concerns. 


• Provide coaching and guidance to employees when appropriate. 


• Help reinforce accountability, cleanliness, organization, and professionalism throughout the shop environment. 

Planning & Reporting

• Track labor hours, materials usage, and task completion for reporting and project tracking purposes. 


• Assist with maintaining project documentation, schematics, work records, and documentation identifying additional repair or project needs. 


• Coordinate with project management and leadership to support workflow planning and operational efficiency. 


• Identify opportunities for process improvement, workforce development, operational organization, and efficiency improvements. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position may assist with directing daily workflow, coordinating crews, providing training support, and reinforcing company policies and performance expectations, but does not have final disciplinary authority unless specifically delegated by leadership.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Experience in a shipyard, industrial, manufacturing, or construction environment.


• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.


• Working knowledge of shipyard safety practices and industrial operations.


• Basic working knowledge of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and welding processes.


• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing operational priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in a shipyard, industrial, manufacturing, or construction environment.


• Prior leadership, or crew coordination experience preferred.

Traits and Characteristics

To deliver world-class experiences guided by the following Alaska Native cultural values safely and sustainably. 

Embrace Traditional Alaska Native Cultural Values that include Humility and pride, Respect for all people, including oneself, Respect for nature, Humor, Patience, Strength, and Holding each other up.

Follow & Deliver Core Values:

• Safety First: We prioritize our guests and team members' safety and well-being, ensuring secure and enjoyable experiences.


• World-Class Employment: We strive to be a world-class place of employment, valuing hard work, mentorship, a sense of ownership, and opportunities for career growth. 


• World Class Guest Services: We are committed to exceeding guest expectations, delivering world-class experiences that showcase our hospitality and the beauty of Alaska. 


• Collaborative Professionalism: Embracing collaboration within our organization with a professional spirit, understanding that amidst laughter and play, our dedication to excellence and integrity remains unwavering.


• Community Collaboration: Actively choosing to partner with neighbors and the community across Alaska, making a conscious effort to support local businesses and create social and economic opportunities through meaningful cooperation beyond our organization.


• Sustainability at Our Core: We are dedicated to sustainable operations for future generations. 


• Curiosity & Innovation: We encourage a culture of curiosity and innovation, striving to be early adopters in technology and staying ahead in our commitment to continuous improvement.


• Integrity-Driven Decisions: Integrity guides every decision we make, ensuring transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct in all aspects of our operations.


• Cultural Respect & Sharing: We deeply celebrate and honor our Alaska Native heritage, fostering intergenerational connections, embracing family values, and contributing to the cultural richness of our communities.

Environmental Conditions

• Position is located in an active shipyard environment with exposure to outdoor elements, noise, industrial equipment, dust, airborne particles, industrial materials, and chemicals.

Physical Demands

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 


• Ability to walk on uneven deck surfaces crossing from vessel to vessel. 


• Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, lifting, and other physical activity associated with shipyard operations.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered by an employee while performing the essential functions of this job. 

• This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce. 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays during the tour season.


• Must adhere to AM Owner Group, & Affiliated Companies, and the United States Coast Guard Consortium Drug & Alcohol Policies & Procedures.


• May require overtime, weekend work, or extended hours to meet operational and project deadlines.