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1ST ASSISTANT ENGINEER (DR)

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Operations Division, Navigation Branch, Dredge Hurley

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: This position is located with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, Operations Division, Navigation Branch, Dredge Hurley, Memphis, TN 38103. Duty location is wherever the Dredge Hurley is located.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 08/03/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 3, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$40.93 - $47.75 per hour
Pay scale & grade
XH 12
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
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
CEDC-26-13019607-DHA
Control number
877809600

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Duties

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  • Inspecting engine room machinery to ensure continuous operating efficiency.
  • Operating, maintaining, and repairing all engine room machinery and equipment on a diesel towboat.
  • Conducting periodic inspections of all equipment for deficiencies in operation and need for repairs.
  • Checking all water systems to assure proper chlorination in drinking water and proper chemicals for sedimentation and other purposes.
  • Discussing feasibility of repairs and methods and procedures to be followed by crew on other watches.

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 is subject to random drug and alcohol test screenings.
  • Pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
  • Incumbent must be able to lift at least 40 pounds or more.
  • Required to possess a U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer's Limited Oceans license or Chief Engineer near Coastals of at least 6,000 horsepower (MUST ATTACH LICENSE).
  • See Additional Information Section for additional conditions of employment.

Qualifications

Work Schedule: During the dredging season, typically May through November, all Hurley crew members, including this position, work a 15 days on/6 days off schedule, with the work period beginning and ending on Wednesdays. On the 15 work days, employees remain on the Dredge Hurley and are provided meals and lodging. This position works a 12 hour shift, and may rotate between day and night shifts. During the non-dredging season, the crew works day shift only, with the vessel based at Ensley Engineer Yard, Memphis, TN, on either a 5-day/8-hour or 4-day/10-hr. During the dredging season, the Dredge Hurley will work in widespread locations in the Mississippi River, including up to 90 days in the vicinity of Baton Rouge, LA.

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.

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 1st Assistant Engineer (DR) without more than normal supervision. Conducting periodic inspections of machinery and observes gauges, checking oil levels, motor generators, gearbox, generator temperatures, fuel levels, etc.; checking and controlling operation of heating, refrigerating, plumbing, and water supply systems for the dredge; investigating and determining the cause and remedial action necessary when noting unusual or unnatural condition in machinery operations; advising Chief Engineer and taking corrective action in accordance with his instructions; and assisting in making repairs to engine room and auxiliary machinery. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

NOTE: This position is dual-rated to the position of Chief Engineer PLD Class 1, XH-4742-16. If qualified and possesses appropriate U.S. Coast guard License / Certification, incumbent may be assigned to perform the duties of this position during the absence of the Chief Engineer in a dual-rated capacity.

  • Physical Effort: Incumbent performs work from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms and where the parts, equipment, or systems are in hard-to-reach places. Work requires the incumbent to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in a tiring and uncomfortable position. Frequently lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 40 pounds.
  • Working Conditions: Work is performed inside and outside subjecting employee to varying climatic conditions, abnormal noises, temperature, danger of burns, irritation.

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 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.
  • 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) Installations 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.
  • Required to possess a U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer's Limited Oceans license or Chief Engineer near Coastals of at least 6,000 horsepower (h.p.)commensurate with the type engine room machinery and equipment, horsepower, and characteristics of the vessel to which assigned.
  • This position is covered by the DOT rules and USACE ER 690-1-1218. May be subject to random alcohol and drug testing on an unannounced basis. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 7412, "Condition of Employment for Certain Civilian Positions Identified Safety-Sensitive Under The Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Rules on Drug and Alcohol Testing" or a Memorandum of Understanding.

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 Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference.

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

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

At the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), we do not just construct infrastructure; we engineer the future of our Nation. From securing vital water resource infrastructure and restoring fragile ecosystems to designing world-class facilities for our armed forces and responding to natural disasters, our work touches lives every day.

By joining USACE, you will have the opportunity to contribute to high-impact, meaningful projects, collaborate with a diverse network of dedicated professionals, and advance your career. Here, your skills do not just build structures; they build national resilience, protect local communities, and support a safer, stronger tomorrow.

Build Strong With Us - explore our opportunities and engineer your legacy today.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RG-W2R901 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-MEMPHIS
DO NOT MAIL
Memphis, TN 38103
US

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Learn more about what it's like to work at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

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

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