Small Craft Operator

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Aberdeen (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeks a skilled Small Craft Operator to support reconnaissance and hydrographic surveys for coastal harbors, estuaries, and river navigation channels. The role requires operating boats and performing routine maintenance under supervision.

The candidate must hold USCG MMC with Radar Observer Endorsement for all-weather small boat operations and demonstrate the ability to work with minimal supervision in challenging water environments.

Qualifications

• Ability to operate a variety of boats up to 26 feet (XF-08) and up to 104 feet (XF-09) under supervision.
• Possess US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with Radar Observer Endorsement for all-weather small boat operations.
• Must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Operate a Survey Boat engaged in reconnaissance and hydrographic surveys.
• Perform maintenance and minor repairs on boats and navigation equipment.
• Assist in navigation and line handling during operations.

Skills

Small Craft Operation

Boat Handling

Electronic Navigation Systems

Radar Observer Endorsement

USCG MMC Documentation

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position:

Operates a Survey Boat engaged in reconnaissance and hydrographic surveys pertinent to the maintenance and improvement of coastal harbors, bars, estuaries, and river navigation channels.

Who May Apply:

US Citizens 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. There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element):

Ability to do the work of a(n) Small Craft Operator ~ without more than normal supervision. For the XF-08: Must have the ability to perform common tasks of a Small Craft Operator. Ability to operate a variety of boats, work boats, or towboats, ranging in size up to 26 feet in length, line handling, operating boats in traffic, performing maintenance and making minor repairs using common tools and materials and perform tasks with electronic navigation systems. Ability to work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. For the XF-09 level: Must possess all of the following United States Coast Guard (USCG) Documentation and you must upload a copy of each credential: (1) A current United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with Radar Observer Endorsement for all weather small boat operations. In addition to the required licensing above, you must have the ability to perform common tasks of a Small Craft Operator. Under normal supervision. Have some experience performing Small Craft Operator skills to include: operating a variety of boats, work boats, or towboats, ranging in size up to 104 feet in length, line handling and electronic navigation systems. Ability to work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed.

Working Conditions:

Work is normally performed inside pilothouse but some time is spent on deck where there is exposure to all types of weather and water conditions with the danger of drowning by falling into a river or the ocean. Much of the time will be spent operating in unprotected coastal waters, the Puget Sound and adjacent waters as well as estuaries and rivers which increases dangers to operator and craft, and is subject to the hazards of sudden storms, rough water, tides, wind, and abnormal currents. Incumbent is exposed to noise in excess of 80 decibels, and the effects of acids, solvents, and paints on a regular and recurring basis. Employee is required to observe established safe working procedures. Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment is provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory. Incumbent is required to operate a motor vehicle in order to get to and from the vessel or transfer vessel from worksite to worksite.

Physical Demands:

Incumbent is required to exert moderate to heavy physical effort in maintaining equipment on boat, and to handle survey equipment. Incumbent must possess depth and color perception and be able to see in low visibility conditions in order to operate a boat. Employee may be required to stand for prolonged periods and climb narrow, steep stairways and ladders. Incumbent is required to operate a motor vehicle in order to get to and from the vessel.