CHIEF MATE DREDGING CONTROL OFFICER HOPPER DREDGE (Dual Rate).

US Army Corps of Engineers; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

US Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a Chief Mate for a seagoing, automated hopper dredge engaged in harbor and channel maintenance. The role requires directing deck operations, overseeing dredge control watches, and ensuring safe, compliant navigation and toolset usage.

You will train crew, supervise safety protocols, and maintain project documents while operating in potentially harsh marine conditions. This federal position emphasizes reliability, leadership, and technical mastery of dredging

Qualifications

• Must possess a current USCG License for Chief Mate, Unlimited Tonnage, Oceans or higher.
• Must hold a TWIC card for credentialing and access requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Chief Mate of a self-propelled, seagoing hopper dredge for harbor and channel work.
• Direct deck crew in safe work methods and proper equipment operation.
• Stand dredge control watches and perform dredging according to plans and instructions.
• Observe gauges and adjust controls for optimal lead dumping.
• Maintain quality control documents, surveys, channel lines and disposal areas.
• Train new mates in watch standing, piloting, navigation equipment, communications and bridge software.

Skills

Watch standing

Ship handling

Navigation equipment

Safety compliance

Tools

USCG MMC Chief Mate Unlimited Ocean endorsement

TWIC

Job description

Duties

• Serve as Chief Mate of a self-propelled, seagoing, automated hopper dredge, engaged in the maintenance and improvement of harbors and channels.
• Direct personnel in safe work methods and in the proper functioning of all deck operated equipment.
• Stand dredge control watches performing dredging operation in accordance with plans, specifications, and instructions.
• Observe gages and adjust controls to ensure optimum lead dumping function.
• Maintain all quality control documents for each dredging project, loads required surveys, channel lines and disposal areas for each project.
• Train new mates in watch standing, ship handling, piloting, navigation equipment, communications, event logging and all assorted bridge software programs.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter.
• This position has a heavy lifting requirement up to 45lbs.
• You MUST possess a current United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariners Credentials (MMC) with a Chief Mate Unlimited Ocean endorsement AND a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)
• May be required to complete a one-year probationary period.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the license and certification requirements described below.Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): You must possess a current U.S. Coast Guard License for Chief Mate, Unlimited Tonnage, Oceans, or higher and a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC). Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is

• WORKING CONDITIONS: Spends most of the time on the bridge or in the office. Occasionally is exposed to extremes of weather conditions, heat, and noise when making inspection tours. There is danger from traffic hazards, particularly in foggy weather and at night. There is danger of slippery decks and drowning. Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment as required. Must wear appropriate safety gear and protective clothing as required, and comply with sound safety practices. May be exposed to hot pipes, escaping steam and the effects of acids, solvents, and paint.
• PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work requires moderate physical effort. Lifts and carries equipment and supplies normally up to 45 lbs. and occasionally over 45 lbs. Work requires prolonged standing, walking and climbing, all of which can cause exertion of the lower back. The employee must maintain good lower back physical condition. Incumbent must possess color and depth perception and be able to see by low visibility conditions in order to perform duties.

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the
• This is a(n) Transportation and Distribution Management Career Program position aligned under the Career Management Directorate.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
• The following incentives may be authorized to a highly qualified candidate: Recruitment, Relocation, Advance in Hire, Student Loan Repayment, and/or Advanced Leave Accrual.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.