SMALL CRAFT OPERATOR.

US Army Corps of Engineers; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

US Army Corps of Engineers seeks a Small Craft Operator to operate survey vessels in diverse conditions, coordinating signals and navigation rules to ensure safe passages. You will dock and maneuver support craft and perform routine maintenance on marine systems as part of a field team.

Qualifications emphasize ability to operate small craft with minimal supervision, demonstrate knowledge of safety regulations, and contribute to a mission-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to operate vessels on water and land with precision.
• Understanding of navigation rules and marine safety standards.
• Ability to perform basic vessel maintenance and inspections.

Responsibilities

• Operates survey vessels in varied weather and water conditions.
• Gives passing signals to vessels and follows navigation rules.
• Oversees docking, undocking, and maneuvering to assist work platforms.
• Maintains and troubleshoots vessel systems and equipment.

Skills

Vessel operation

Navigation rules

Safety compliance

Job description

Duties

• Operates in wide ranging weather conditions to include reduced visibility from heavy rain, fog, and snow as well as on water ways with minor ice cover.
• Safely and properly operates all survey ancillary motorized and non-motorized equipment in tight areas, currents, rough offroad terrain, various weather conditions, on land and in open water.
• Gives passing signals to approaching vessels and follows navigation rules and regulations.
• Steers boat alongside of moving plant or craft, steers vessel by operating controls in pilot house requiring ability to maneuver the boat in all kinds of weather and at times.
• Interprets pertinent safety and vessel regulations and requirements so as not to jeopardize the safety and wellbeing of crew and passengers while still being able to accomplish the missions.
• Oversees vessel crew docking and undocking, tying up to and maneuvering small barges and other work platforms as an assist vessel.
• Applies knowledge of navigation rules and regulations of the Coast Guard governing motorboats and collision regulations.
• Maintains, troubleshoots, and performs minor repairs on vessel systems.

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination to ensure the required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
• The duties of this position meet the criteria for compliance with Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs.
• This position requires alcohol testing per ER 690-1-1218.
• Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 11.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of up to 25% of the time.
• This position requires possession of a current, valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential for Master of Motor Vessels of at Least 100 Gross Tons Near Coastal.
• This position requires possession of a current, valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential.
• Subject to recall 24 hours a day, 7 days a week due to an emergency situation such as plane crashes, hurricanes etc.

Who May Apply

Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See

• Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
• Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
• Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
• Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
• Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
• Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element)

Ability to do the work of a(n) SMALL CRAFT OPERATOR without more than normal supervision which includes; the operation, navigation, maintenance, and surveying of vessels on and offshore; engine repair; and towing of small crafts and performing inspections and surveys. Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Required Conditions of Employment

The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess: 1) a valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential for Master of Motor Vessels of at Least 100 Gross Tons Near Coastal license (MMC); AND 2) a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). (Note: You must attach a copy of your credentials to your application package and include the serial number, date issued and expiration date.) Please note the requirements for both a current MMC and TWIC must be in hand for consideration for an interview and a Tentative Job Offer; therefore, you must attach a copy to your application package.

• Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision.
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Related to Mobile Equipment Operation)
• Ability to Operate Safely (Non-motor Vehicles)
• Ability to Work with Others
• Knowledge of Specific Equipment, Machinery, Structure, or Components That Are Involved
• Physical Effort: Moderately heavy physical effort is required in lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds; work in stretched and cramped positions.
• Working Conditions: Works both inside and outside during a variety of weather conditions and climates, including extremes of heat and cold and heavy rainfall. There is a danger of slipping from a vessel into water with possibility of physical injury or drowning. On-shore work may involve working in mud, snow, or ice in dirty or cramped situations.

If You Are Interested In Pursuing And Learning How To Acquire The MMC And TWIC Credentials, Please See The Following Sites For Additional Information

MMC - https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_mariner_credential/

TWIC - https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

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 one 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.
• Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• This is a(n) Transportation Management Career Field position.
• 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
• 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.

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.