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Second/Third Mate Hopper Dredge

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Operations Division, Marine Management Branch, Dredge Wheeler
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: Serves as Second or Third Mate on a self-propelled, sea-going, diesel powered, Class I, hopper dredge, engaged in dredging of waterways. Performs duties and carries out responsibilities in accordance with regulations governing the operation of the vessel.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
08/25/2025 to 09/15/2025
Salary
$38.11 to - $46.11 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WJ 7 - 8
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
New Orleans, LA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
8
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
CERG259730270709HW
Control number
844114500

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Duties

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  • Serves as Second or Third Mate on a self-propelled, sea-going, diesel powered, Class I, hopper dredge, engaged in dredging of waterways.
  • Maintains bridge log during watches and records movement of vessel, weather, tide, sea conditions, and other events and activities.
  • Operates controls involving the dredging and dumping function.
  • Observes gages and adjusts controls to insure optimum load.
  • Coordinates dredging activities with the navigation, movement and speed of the vessel. Records dredging production information and makes entries on multiple load data sheets.
  • Stands regularly scheduled bridge watches with duties consisting of complete navigation and control of the vessel.
  • Keeping the Ship in clean, neat and in order to avoid any hazards (to include the placement of all proper Ship Equipment in its designated place at all times when not in use).
  • The incumbent will be required to live aboard the Dredge Wheeler during his/her tour of duty, which will be 2 weeks on duty/2 weeks off duty. Normal shift is 12 hour days with shift work required to stand watch.
  • Due to the working schedule on the Wheeler, it is not a requirement to live locally, but it would be advantageous to the employee to avoid travel expenses as the Corps of Engineers does not pay transportation to and from the vessel.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • WJ -08: U.S. Coast Guard License as Second Mate of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage Upon Oceans, or a higher license, with an endorsement for Radar Observer, unlimited (you must provide a copy of your license at the time of application).
  • WJ-07: U.S. Coast Guard License as Third Mate of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage Upon Oceans, or a higher license, with an endorsement for Radar Observer, unlimited (you must provide a copy of your license at the time of application)
  • 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.
  • Position requires a pre-employment physical examination and be enrolled in the medical surveillance program that requires periodic physical examinations.
  • 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.
  • Heavy lifting up to 45lbs.

Qualifications

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. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

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 WJ-08 (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n)Second/Third Mate Hopper Dredge without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform the most difficult and complex tasks of a Second Mate, to include safe navigation and dredging operations of a vessel and all on-deck operations such as mooring, anchor handling, and cargo operations. I am consulted by other employees regarding tasks associated with the position. I am considered an expert and work with a high degree of independence. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Minimum Qualifications WJ-07 (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n)Second/Third Mate Hopper Dredge without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform the most difficult and complex tasks of a Third Mate, including dredge control and bridge watches, vessel navigation, dredging operations, log keeping, and deck support. I am consulted by other employees regarding tasks associated with the position. I am considered an expert and work with a high degree of independence. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

  • Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision


PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work involves standing, climbing, bending in occasionally cramped and awkward positions. Continually handles objects weighing from 5 to 40 pounds and occasionally objects over 40 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Works indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. The work environment involves considerable risk from potentially dangerous situations, including exposure to high voltage and working aboard a ship which at times could be exposed to rough seas which may create a potential personal risk. There is exposure to cuts, bruises, scrapes, broken bones and dangers of slipping from ladders and work stands.

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.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • 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 Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a(n) Transportation and Distribution Management Career Field position.
  • 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.
  • May be selected at any grade level with non-competitive promotion potential to target grade. Non-competitive promotion potential to the target grade based on certification requirements and demonstrated ability to perform the higher graded duties.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

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