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Deckhand (Shipkeeper)

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
New York Operations Division, Physical Support Branch, Plant Operations Unit
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: Provides Operations & Maintenance of the Corps' Civil Works projects. Oversees projects related to water navigation, flood damage, geospatial data, environmental stewardship & coastal management.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
11/05/2025 to 11/17/2025
Salary
$27.65 to - $32.27 per hour
Pay scale & grade
XF 6
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Jersey City, NJ
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel up to 25% for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
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
CERD245783736773HW
Control number
846386500

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Duties

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  • While assigned to a vessel, works under the supervision of the Master or Small Boat Operator and follows established operating practices and techniques associated with waterway missions and floating plant maintenance.
  • Performs general maintenance work, repair and paint decks, hulls, superstructure and interior spaces of vessels.
  • Operates cargo gear and deck machinery, rigging booms, handling lines during docking, moving and towing operations, and mending lines and canvas.
  • Stands lookout, security and wheel watches.
  • Connects and disconnects hoses and pipelines.
  • Operates fishing gear and similar work.

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.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
  • This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
  • This position has a requirement to lift up to 50 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
  • In this position you are subject to recall 24 hours a day, 7 days a week due to an emergency situation such as plane crashes, hurricanes etc.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of up to 25% of the time.
  • 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 315.
  • This position requires alcohol testing per ER690-1-1218.
  • This position requires the possession of a valid Merchant Marine Credential for Ordinary Seaman.
  • This position requires the possession of a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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.

Minimum Qualifications: Ability to do the work of a Deckhand (Shipkeeper), XF-5788-06 without more than normal supervision which includes; docking and undocking to support watercraft movement, skilled in waterway missions, safe vessel operations, and maintaining the upkeep of the vessel. - 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 Merchant Marine Credential for Ordinary Seaman; 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.

If you are interested in pursuing and learning how to acquire the MMC and TWIC credentials, please see the following sites for additional information:

The websites for information on how to acquire the MMC and TWIC are:

MMC - https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_mariner_credential/
TWIC - https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

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.

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.
  • 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) Logistics Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.

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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