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SMALL CRAFT OPERATOR

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
New York Operations Division, Physical Support Branch, Plant Operations Unit

Summary

About the Position: Works under the supervision of the Master Tug Supervisor who issues assignments, instructions and administrative and technical guidance. Review of work is in terms of timeliness of accomplishment, adequacy of end result, and safety of vessel and crew in accordance with performance standards established by the Supervisor and communicated to the incumbent in writing on a yearly basis.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/24/2026 to 05/04/2026
Salary
$40.84 - $47.63 per hour
Pay scale & grade
XH 7
Location
1 vacancy 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
CEDA-26-12931328-MP
Control number
866021900

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Duties

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  • Operates in wide ranging weather conditions to include reduced visibility from heavy rain, fog, and snow as well as on water ways with minor ice cover.
  • Safely and properly operates all survey ancillary motorized and non-motorized equipment in tight areas, currents, rough offroad terrain, various weather conditions, on land and in open water.
  • Gives passing signals to approaching vessels and follows navigation rules and regulations.
  • Steers boat alongside of moving plant or craft, steers vessel by operating controls in pilot house requiring ability to maneuver the boat in all kinds of weather and at times.
  • Interprets pertinent safety and vessel regulations and requirements so as not to jeopardize the safety and wellbeing of crew and passengers while still being able to accomplish the missions.
  • Oversees vessel crew docking and undocking, tying up to and maneuvering small barges and other work platforms as an assist vessel.
  • Applies knowledge of navigation rules and regulations of the Coast Guard governing motorboats and collision regulations.
  • Maintains, troubleshoots, and performs minor repairs on vessel systems.

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 required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
  • The duties of this position meet the criteria for compliance with Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs.
  • This position requires alcohol testing per ER 690-1-1218.
  • 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 11.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of up to 25% of the time.
  • This position requires possession of a current, valid USCG Master of Motor Vessels of Less Than 100 Tons Near Coastal license.
  • This position requires possession of a current, valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • Current U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) employees with competitive status.
  • Current Civilian Employees of the Command
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998


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.

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 (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) SMALL CRAFT OPERATOR without more than normal supervision which includes; the operation, navigation, maintenance, and surveys of vessels on and offshore, engine repair, and towing of small crafts and perform inspections and surveys.- 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

  • Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Related to Mobile Equipment Operation)
  • Ability to Operate Safely (Non-motor Vehicles)
  • Ability to Work with Others
  • Knowledge of Specific Equipment, Machinery, Structure, or Components That Are Involved
  • 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.
  • This position requires a one year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • This is a(n) Transportation Management Career Field position.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

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.

You may claim Military Spouse preference.

You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority for this position. To receive selection priority, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria (2) be rated well-qualified for the position and; (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. To be considered well-qualified and receive selection priority applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a score of 90 or above. Additional information about the program is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Looking for a great place to work? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is one of the best! In 2020, USACE ranked #2 of government large-agency subcomponent! USACE is one of the world's premier public engineering, design, and construction management agencies. We serve the American people, striving to provide the most effective engineering and environmental science solutions to the nation's complex problems affecting national security, the economy and the environment in which we live.

USACE offers a team-inspiring and collaborative work environment; providing challenging and rewarding careers across a variety of disciplines. We rely on leaders with vision, creativity, and programmatic and technical expertise to lead us into the future. Align your talents with your passion and find out why the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is a great place to work!

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RD-W2SF02 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-NEW YORK
DO NOT MAIL
New York, NY 10278
US

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https://www.usace.army.mil/Careers/

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