Small Craft Operator.

US Army Corps of Engineers; Aberdeen (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

US Army Corps of Engineers in Seattle District seeks a Small Craft Operator to support hydrographic surveys and vessel maintenance. The role includes operating survey boats, maintaining precise navigation, and preparing work scopes for contracted vessel services.

The position requires certification in CPR/First Aid, a valid state driver’s license, and potential travel to various duty sites with possible overnight stays. USCG credentials are required for XF-09 level.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform the work of a Small Craft Operator with normal supervision.
• For XF-08: operate boats up to 26 ft and perform maintenance tasks.
• For XF-09: must possess US Coast Guard MMC with Radar Observer Endorsement for all weather small boat operations.

Responsibilities

• Operates powered survey boats under 65 feet in length during hydrographic survey work.
• Maintain exact speeds and courses and use steering indicators or monitors to follow courses and stay within tolerances.
• Maintains a daily log of events, survey areas, transits, fuel use and equipment hours.
• Coordinates with the Waterway Maintenance Unit for supplies and services; procures equipment for repairs as needed.
• Leads and assists with motorboat operator licensing courses for the district.
• Perform preventive maintenance/repair on all survey boats including diesel engines, generators, air compressors and auxiliary equipment.
• Prepares scopes of work and government estimates for contracted vessel service and maintenance.

Skills

CPR and First Aid certification

Valid state driver’s license

Small Craft Operator tasks

Job description

Duties

• Operates powered survey boats under 65 feet in length during all phases of hydrographic survey work.
• Maintain exact speeds and courses required for the survey and utilize computer aided peripheral devices such as steering indicators or monitors to follow exact courses and keep the vessel within prescribed tolerances.
• Maintains a daily log of events, survey areas, transits, fuel use and equipment hours.
• Coordinates with Chief of Waterway Maintenance Unit for necessary supplies and services, in emergencies, procures equipment for repairs by use of acquisition procedures.
• Leads and assists with motorboat operator licensing courses for the district.
• Perform preventative maintenance/repair on all survey boats including minor repairs, adjustments to diesel engines, generators, air compressors and auxiliary equipment.
• Prepares scopes of work and government estimates for contracted vessel service and maintenance.

Duties

• Operates powered survey boats under 65 feet in length during all phases of hydrographic survey work.
• Maintain exact speeds and courses required for the survey and utilize computer aided peripheral devices such as steering indicators or monitors to follow exact courses and keep the vessel within prescribed tolerances.
• Maintains a daily log of events, survey areas, transits, fuel use and equipment hours.
• Coordinates with Chief of Waterway Maintenance Unit for necessary supplies and services, in emergencies, procures equipment for repairs by use of acquisition procedures.
• Leads and assists with motorboat operator licensing courses for the district.
• Perform preventative maintenance/repair on all survey boats including minor repairs, adjustments to diesel engines, generators, air compressors and auxiliary equipment.
• Prepares scopes of work and government estimates for contracted vessel service and maintenance.

Requirements

• For both the XF-08 and XF-09 grade levels:
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification
• Required to report to other duty stations and work sites throughout the Seattle District, this could also involve overnight stays up to 50%.
• May require travel for business and training including travel outside of the district to assist other districts.
• Must be able obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Position is in a medical surveillance program. Must satisfactorily pass a pre-employment physical for lifting and color/depth perception and is subject to an annual physical thereafter.
• Required to wear/use personal protective equipment and/or clothing.
• This is a mandatory drug Testing Designated Position, in accordance with EP 600-1-300, USACE Drug Testing Procedures for the Army’s Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program, dated 28 Feb 01. Participation in the Mandatory Drug Testing Program is required.
• Please see the Minimum Qualifications section for the License required for the XF-09 grade level. You must upload a copy of each credential when applying.

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:

• 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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) Engineers and Scientists (Resources and Construction) Career Program position aligned under the Construction, Analysis, Science, Infrastructure & Engineers (CASIE) 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.
• Not eligible for telework.
• The following incentives may be authorized: Student Loan Repayment, Advanced In-hire, Relocation Incentive, Recruitment Incentive or Advanced Leave Accrual.
• Management may select at any grade level announced, XF-08 or XF-09
• Noncompetitive promotion potential to the XF-10 and XF-11 grade levels.

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.