Small Craft Operator (Boat Captain)

US National Park Service; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Channel Islands National Park seeks a Small Craft Operator (Boat Captain) to oversee safe operation of park boats and support visitor services.

Travel up to 15 days per month may be required; you must obtain a government charge card for travel. A 1-year probationary period applies, with evaluation of fitness, performance, and alignment with agency goals.

Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain a U.S. Coast Guard 100 ton Marine License.
• Ability to perform Small Craft Operator duties without more than normal supervision.

Skills

U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton License

Job description

You will serve as a Small Craft Operator (Boat Captain) Channel Islands National Park.

You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 15 days per month for site visits. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.

First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Requirements Continued...

Probationary period. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

This period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/14/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

SELECTIVE FACTOR: Must possess and maintain a U.S. Coast Guard 100 ton Marine License AND:

1. Ability to do the work of Small Craft Operator (Boat Captain), WG-5786-12, position without more than normal supervision. (SCREEN OUT)
2. Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
3. Ability To Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle)
4. Operation of Motor Vehicles
5. Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
6. Work Practices (including keeping things neat, clean, and in order)
7. Reliability and Dependability as a Small Craft Operator

If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. Your resume must support your response to the assessment questionnaire, and if it does not, your application will be marked as not eligible. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors.

You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements to be considered qualified for this position.

Volunteer Experience:

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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.