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Marine Machine Mechanic (Marine Assistant Engineer) (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Department of Transportation
Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

Summary

This position is in the Office of Marine Services. You will be responsible to the Vessel Master and/or Deputy Vessel Master for the operating condition of the Corporation’s floating plants/vessels. You will serve as Assistant Engineer aboard tugs, corporation work boats, and other floating plant equipment. 

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$34.88 - $43.25 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 09 - 11
Promotion potential
11
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time - Full Time
Travel Required
25% or less - Some travel will be required.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes - This is a Bargaining unit position represented by AFGE, local 1968.
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Other
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
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
GLS.LO-2026-0006
Control number
881609900

Duties

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As a Marine Machinery Mechanic (Marine Assistant Engineer), your duties include the operation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of all machinery, auxiliaries, and propulsion equipment aboard the Corporation’s fleet and similar equipment in shore installations. Vessels include two Z-drive tugboats, buoy barge, and gate lifter barge. This responsibility is 24/7 during the 10-month shipping season and continues into the winter months with preventative maintenance and repair. 

Additional duties:

  • Serves as overall technical authority with respect to marine propulsion and auxiliary systems, has responsibility for the efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of all engines, generators, motors, auxiliaries, monitoring equipment, control systems, hydraulic controls, fire systems and pumps, and service systems, such as refrigeration, plumbing, heating, air compressors and mechanical and electrical distribution systems.  
  • Makes scheduled and on-demand inspections of all machinery, equipment, and facilities. Determines extent of repairs necessary and procedures to be followed in effecting same to minimize delays in normal operations.  
  • Is responsible for maintaining all machinery on all vessels are in compliance with current and upcoming applicable industry and government regulations. Ability to lay-out, plan and complete the installation, modification and repair of various systems, circuits, etc., to ship controls and equipment. 
  • Has the ability to interpret and apply blueprints, wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, schematics, color code of ships wiring systems, and to use basic formulas to trades and craft work.
  • Has skill in the use of a variety of hand or power tolls and test equipment, both mechanical and electrical. Has knowledge of various meters, instruments, gauges, couplings, electrical and mechanical devices, lubricants, fuels, fire extinguishing apparatus, causes of spontaneous combustion, pollution abatement.  

The ideal candidate for this position has experience in operating conditions, maintenance, repair, and upkeep of the floating plants/vessels and meets USCG Qualifications stated herein for the levels of the position. 

PLEASE NOTE: This is an open continuous 60 day vacancy with an initial cut-off after 30 days.  After the first certificate, we will review applications as needed and refer the top candidates for potential interviews during the open period of the announcement. 

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration.
  • You must meet specialized experience to qualify.
  • Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

  • SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
  • GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel.  A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
  • BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
  • DRUG TEST:  If selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing. 
  • PRE-APPOINTMENT PHYSICAL: Selectees for wage grade positions are required to complete a pre-appointment physical (if you have not already completed one recently), in accordance with the SLSDC Pre-Appointment Medical Examination Policy, which includes a functional capacity test that mimics the job movements and stressors of the essential functions of the position. 
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).

Risk levels for this vacancy are:

WG-09 -- Low
WG-10 -- Moderate
WG-11 -- Moderate

NOTE: If you are applying for the WG-10 Level or WG-11 Level, You MUST UPLOAD your USCG Medical Certificate, USCG Merchant Mariner Credential, and a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) or you will be rated ineligible.

Qualifications

Qualifications for the position are based on the training, experience, or other requirements that determine which applicants would be able to perform satisfactorily in the position to be filled.

To qualify for the WG-09; although this position does not require an U.S. Coast Guard Credential and applicable endorsements upon hire, applicant must be eligible for a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Medical Certificate, and USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Full performance of this position requires and maintains a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with at minimum a national officer endorsement of Designated Duty Engineer of Motor (DDE – 4000 HP / 3000kW); and a rating endorsement of Qualified Member of the Engine Department including the specialty endorsement of at least Oiler. Employee must obtain credentials in no more than 30 months upon being formally appointed to the position. Failure to attain the above in the allocated time frame will result in disciplinary action including the possibility of dismissal. 

To qualify for the WG-10, your experience should include experience equal or equivalent to the following:

  • Ability to do the work of Marine Machinery Mechanic (Assistant Engineer WG- 5334-10) without more than normal supervision.

You must possess and maintain a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with at minimum a national officer endorsement of Designated Duty Engineer of Motor (DDE – 4000 HP / 3000kW) and a rating endorsement of Qualified Member of the Engine Department including the specialty endorsement of at least Oiler. Full performance of this position requires a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with at minimum a national officer endorsement of Assistant Engineer (Limited) of Motor; and a rating of endorsement of Qualified Member of the Engine Department including the specialty endorsement of at least Oiler. Employee must obtain credentials in no more than 18 months upon being formally appointed to the position. Failure to attain the above in the allocated time frame will result in disciplinary action including the possibility of dismissal. 

To qualify for the WG-11, your experience should include experience equal or equivalent to the following:

  • Ability to do the work of Marine Machinery Mechanic (Assistant Engineer WG-5334-11) without more than normal supervision.

You must possess and maintain a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with at minimum a national officer endorsement of Assistant Engineer (Limited) of Motor and a rating endorsement of Qualified Member of the Engine Department including the specialty endorsement of at least Oiler. Full performance of this position requires a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with at minimum a national officer endorsement of Chief Engineer (Limited) of Motor; and a rating endorsement of Qualified Member of the Engine Department including the specialty endorsement of at least Oiler. Employee must obtain credentials in no more than 24 months upon being formally appointed to the position.  Failure to attain the above in the allocated time frame will result in disciplinary action including the possibility of dismissal. 

Your application will also be rated on the following job elements:

  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Technical Practices.
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes blueprinting reading).
  • Ability to Use and Maintain Tools & Equipment.
  • Knowledge of Materials.
  • Troubleshooting 

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).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.  If you do not meet the minimum levels in the ability to do the work OR if you do not meet the minimum level overall, you will be disqualified.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

PHYSICAL EFFORT:  Typical assignments require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving agility, cramped positions, kneeling, crawling, bending, stooping, entering cramped compartments, working near/around high voltage and moving machinery in restricted spaces. Lifts objects up to 50 pounds, occasionally may lift and carry objects over 50 pounds, although assistance is usually available. Good vision with or without glasses is required. Ability to distinguish color code of wires and depth of perception also is required. Must be able to detect unusual noise or odor emanating from electrical/mechanical systems. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Usually works in engine compartments of vessels which are extremely noisy. May also work in inclement weather, extreme heat, under direct sunlight or extreme cold on open decks, wet or windy areas. May be required to board vessels in all conditions. Must be willing to travel on river, lakes and various other inland waterways requiring staying overnight, both on shore and offshore. Is exposed to burns, shocks, noise, bruises, broken bones, cuts, and drowning. The equipment, tools, and tasks involved with this position require that the incumbent constantly apply safe work methods and special care as to avoid serious injuries to self and other workers. 

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

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.

DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/ application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level.

 To compete with U.S. Citizens:  If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be placed in one of two categories: Qualified and Well Qualified which is based upon your responses to the vacancy questions. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference that have provided supporting documents will receive selection priority over non-veterans. The top rated applications will be reviewed for the quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position.

To compete with other competitive status government employees: Federal Wage System (FWS) positions require the use of a Screen-Out Element.  Points will be based on experience and training which are documented by your responses to the questionnaire.  To be qualified, applicants must receive at least 2 points on the Screen-Out Element and an average of 2 points on all the elements in order to be considered minimally qualified for the position.  Applicants who do not receive 2 points on the Screen-Out Element will be eliminated from further consideration.

If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be scored based upon your responses to the vacancy questions. The top rated applications will be reviewed for the quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position. If referred, all relevant documents including performance appraisals and awards submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the hiring official for review.

Eligible Federal employees also seeking consideration for noncompetitive reassignment for this position must indicate interest in the assessment. Noncompetitive federal candidates must have competitive status on a SF-50, meet minimum qualifications, have served at the same grade or higher, and held or exceeded the promotion potential of this position.

All applicants:  Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position. The answers you select in the on-line process must be substantiated in your application package. If upon review, it is determined that your described work history, competencies, and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be updated on your behalf or you may not be referred to the selecting official. Please ensure that your work history provides enough details to support your answers. The Automated Staffing Office is ultimately responsible for determining your final rating.


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Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is focused on what matters most: prioritizing the safety of our transportation systems, modernizing our aging infrastructure, unleashing American innovation, and maximizing efficiency by removing bureaucratic red tape. We are looking for mission-driven professionals ready to deliver real results with discipline, urgency, and accountability to support American families, workers, and businesses.

As we usher in a Golden Age of Transportation, DOT values a results-oriented, high-performing workforce dedicated to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and a safe, collaborative environment. If you want to build big, beautiful infrastructure, scale transformative technologies, and achieve results that will serve our nation for generations to come, please consider joining the DOT family.

Did You Know? The Department of Transportation is consistently ranked as one of the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government!

Agency contact information

Automated Staffing Office
Phone
000-000-0000
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
TRANSJOBS@dot.gov
Address
DOT, GREAT LAKES ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY DEV. CORP.
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States

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