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Deckhand

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Kansas City District, Operations Division

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: The incumbent will perform a variety of duties/tasks on items of floating plant such as towboats, barges, loading docks, etc. May include land plant and land facilities during layup periods.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 06/11/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 11, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$26.71 - $31.16 per hour
Pay scale & grade
XF 6
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
50% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CEDE-26-12968481-DHA
Control number
870906900

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Duties

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  • Performs a variety of duties on items of floating plant.
  • Assist in minor repairs to floating plant equipment.
  • Perform basic tasks such as getting tools and supplies, carrying and lifting materials under the direction of a higher-level employee
  • Drive primarily during daylight hours in fair and inclement weather conditions on regularly traveled roadways, gravel or dirt roads as well as public highways
  • Utilize various tools such as scrapers, sand, or brushes to prepare surfaces for painting
  • Operate water vehicle controls to land the craft without injury to personnel or equipment under the close and constant direction of a licensed operator.

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 is a random drug and alcohol testing position under the Department of Army Drug-Free Workplace Program as supplemented by USACE ER 690-1-1218.
  • Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a class one motorboat operators license within 2 years of employment.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a class A commercial drivers license within 2 years of employment
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement up to 50% for official duties/training.
  • Incumbent must be able to lift at least 45 pounds or more.

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.

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) Deckhand ~ without more than normal supervision including the ability to perform common deckhand tasks, use various hand tools to perform simple repairs, follow safety rules for moving vehicles on how to load and spread the cargo onto the vehicles, and to secure cargo to prevent shifting or falling off the vehicle. Have the ability to follow instructions, verbal, hand and/or whistle signals, and perform simple surface painting and general housekeeping tasks. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

  • PHYSICAL EFFORTE: Employee is exposed to frequent physical exertion such as in lifting and pulling ropes and cables. Employee is required to walk on wet, slick, icy decks and rough and uneven terrain.
  • WORKING CONDITIONS: Works outside under all weather conditions and over water on decks of boats, barges, and around moving machinery and equipment. There is danger of falling or slipping into the river and drowning; being struck by falling, rolling, or swinging piling, stone and other objects, or lines parted under strain; becoming entangled in moving cables and lines; and cuts and bruises from tasks performed. Works on floating plant and directs movement of tow boat and barges to tie tow together, dock, and position for work.

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.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary periodduring 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.
  • 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.

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.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Civilian employees serve a vital role in supporting the Army mission. They provide the skills that are not readily available in the military, but crucial to support military operations. The Army integrates the talents and skills of its military and civilian members to form a Total Army.

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!The Army values diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, cultures and skills, which connects employees to organizations that are committed to building an inclusive work environment where they can contribute to their fullest potential.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RH-W2SJ06 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-KANSAS CITY
DO NOT MAIL
Kansas City, MO 64106
US

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

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