Small Craft Operator XF-5786-10 (23630)

US Army Corps of Engineers; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

US Army Corps of Engineers in Savannah, GA is seeking a Small Craft Operator to serve as a USCG licensed boat captain for coastal projects. The role operates a range of survey vessels from 17’ to 35’, under day and night conditions, in inland waters, rivers, harbors, and up to 20 miles offshore.

Candidates must hold a USCG OUPV license (100 tons) and be US citizens. The position is permanent and located in Savannah with potential for DHA-based hiring considerations.

Qualifications

• Citizen of the United States
• Select or be eligible for Selective Service registration (male applicants born after 1959)
• Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation for DoD personnel may apply

Responsibilities

• Serves as a USCG licensed boat captain for the Coastal Projects Office within Navigation Branch.
• Operates hydrographic survey vessels, skiffs, and work boats (17’–35’) in inland waters, harbors, and up to ~20 miles offshore, with day and night operations.

Job description

Locations (City, State)

Savannah, GA

Announcement Type

Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type

Permanent

USACE Organization

South Atlantic Division (SAD) - Savannah District

Locations (City, State)

Savannah, GA

Position Overview/Duties

Position Title: Small Craft Operator

Series/Grade: XF-5786-10

Open Period: 25 September - 8 October, 2026

Duty Location(s): Savannah, GA

Duties & Responsibilities

Serves as a USCG licensed boat captain for the Coastal Projects Office within Navigation Branch.

Operates a variety of hydrographic survey vessels, skiffs, and work boats, ranging in size from 17’ to 35’ feet. Propulsion plants are gasoline and range from 90-400 horsepower outboard vessels. Vessels are single and twin-screw propulsion. Operations are conducted in inland waters, rivers, harbors, the Intracoastal Waterway, and offshore to approximately 20 miles. Capability of all-weather navigation, including radar and GPS navigation, is required for both day and night-time condition equipment, etc., normally associated with the building, grounds, and utilities of such facilities.

Other Conditions And Requirements

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. Veterans' preference does not apply to this announcement.

WHO MAY APPLY: US Citizens.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element)

Ability to do the work of a Small Craft Operator without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform the common task of operation of an outboard engine boat. I have a good understanding vessel capabilities, auxiliary equipment, anchor, and navigation rules. I work under close supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure all tasks are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Other Requirements, Conditions Of Employment And Information

• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget).
• Relocation (PCS) expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
• Must qualify for and be able to attain a valid U.S. Coast Guard license, must have working knowledge on the upkeep of boat engines, and the ability to handle boats in inland waters, rivers, harbors, the Intracoastal Waterway, and offshore to approximately 20 miles with skill and safety.
• Training - Incumbent receives orientation and on-the-job training from an operator of greater experience. Incumbent may be required to provide training to lesser experienced operators.
• Incumbent is subject to call back duty during emergency situations.
• Incumbent must possess an appropriate USCG OUPV Motorboat Operator's License for vessels of 100 tons for near coastal waters.
• Incumbent is required to wear protective equipment and/or clothing (e.g., PFD, hard hat, coveralls, gloves, safety footwear, hearing protection) as appropriate.
• Employee is required to be able to swim and to participate in a fitness for duty medical monitoring program.
• This position meets the criteria for random drug and alcohol testing under the Department of Army Drug-Free Workplace Program as supplemented by USACE ER 690-1-1218. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 7412,
• Condition of Employment for Certain Civilian Positions Identified Safety-Sensitive Under the DOT, Federal Highway Administration Rules on Drug and Alcohol Testing.
• Occasional weekend work may be required to support mission requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor

To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).

Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements

FWS Qualifications: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=Job-Elements

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.