Small Craft Operator (Boat Captain)

National Park Service; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Government travel card

Job summary

National Park Service invites applications for a Small Craft Operator (Boat Captain) at Channel Islands National Park. You will captain Ocean Ranger, Surf Ranger, and Sea Ranger II on ocean-going and near-shore operations, coordinating passenger transfers and live-aboard cruises.

The role requires knowledge of Rules of the Road, supervision of crew, and acting as COTR during vessel haul outs. Travel up to 15 days per month and a government charge card are required.

Qualifications

• There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.

Responsibilities

• Serves as captain on Ocean Ranger, a 98-foot vessel, for weekly trips between the mainland and offshore islands.
• Captains Surf Ranger and Sea Ranger II vessels, including passenger loading/offloading and live-aboard activities.
• Directs the work of 1–3 crew members in docking, undocking, and cargo transfers; oversees crane operations and safety during varying weather.

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.

Key Responsibilities

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Serves as captain on Ocean Ranger a 98-foot Camcraft 1650 horsepower, diesel powered triple screw oceangoing vessel across open ocean of the Santa Barbara Channel from the mainland headquarters to various offshore islands (28-126 miles round trip) on a weekly basis year-round.

Serve as captain on Surf Ranger a 74-foot LCM-8 landing craft, 1200 horsepower diesel powered vessel with a 60-ton gross tonnage carrying capacity. This vessel lands vessels and equipment at various beach locations on the outer islands. Serve as captain on Sea Ranger ll a 58-foot diesel-powered twin-screw oceangoing vessel. Its primary role is live aboard/multiday, scientific monitoring cruises.

Incumbent is required to have knowledge of the "Rules of the Road" pertaining to operating vessels both in protected harbors and open ocean of the Santa Barbara Channel. Operates and maneuvers the above vessels in tight coves, next to docks and piers live boating during passenger loading and offloading and crane operations in various weather and sea conditions at the varies island locations.

Serve as Contracting Officers Technical Representative (COTR) during vessel haul outs, determines the need and extent of necessary repairs, prepares detailed specifications for repairs for the vessels haul out. Applies knowledge for the repair practices and procedures needed and ensures contractors follow all details in the contract and verified quantity and quality of workmanship.

Direct the work of at least 1 and up to 3 employees of Channel Islands National Park as a crew in the operations of docking and undocking, live boating transfer of personnel and cargo at the various islands.

Requirements & Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $37.27 – $43.48/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-14.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.