Boatswain’s Mate: Deck Ops & Seamanship Lead

U.S. Navy; Oden (AR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Navy Boatswains Mate is a seamanship and deck operations specialist responsible for helm duties, lookout, and coordinating small boat operations. The role supports flight decks, replenishment at sea, and cargo handling while maintaining deck equipment and ship surfaces.

Personnel work in varied weather and sea conditions, stand regular watches day and night, and advance through on-the-job qualification and formal schools with strong promotion opportunities within the Navy.

Qualifications

• All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, citizenship/work status, a high school diploma or equivalent, meeting age limits, medical and physical standards, character and conduct standards, and security clearance requirements.
• Additional qualifications for this job may include physical strength and stamina for outdoor maritime work, teamwork, adherence to safety procedures, and clear communication in shipboard environments.

Responsibilities

• Stand watch as helmsman, lookout, and Boatswains Mate of the Watch
• Operate small boats and support flight deck and amphibious operations
• Repair and maintain deck equipment and exterior ship surfaces
• Conduct underway replenishment and cargo handling at sea
• Stand security watches in port and underway and participate in naval ceremonies

Skills

Teamwork

Safety procedures

Physical stamina

Watchstanding

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree for officers (as applicable)

Job description

U.S. Navy Boatswains Mate is a seamanship and deck operations specialist responsible for helm duties, lookout, and coordinating small boat operations. The role supports flight decks, replenishment at sea, and cargo handling while maintaining deck equipment and ship surfaces.

Personnel work in varied weather and sea conditions, stand regular watches day and night, and advance through on-the-job qualification and formal schools with strong promotion opportunities within the Navy.