NOTE: OPM has identified this position as eligible for an exception to the typical 1039-hour season. This exception allows up to 1560 hours which may extend the season(s) reflected in this announcement. See the Additional Information section for details.
The typical season for this position is April to early October, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry on duty is April 2027.
Summary
NOTE: OPM has identified this position as eligible for an exception to the typical 1039-hour season. This exception allows up to 1560 hours which may extend the season(s) reflected in this announcement. See the Additional Information section for details.
The typical season for this position is April to early October, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry on duty is April 2027.
This position is being filled using the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) local hiring authority (16 USC 3198). Any U.S. Citizen who has special knowledge or expertise regarding the natural or cultural resources, by reason of having either lived or worked in or near Alaska Public Lands may apply. Your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near Alaska Public Lands. See Qualifications section for eligibility requirements.
This position is located in the Interpretation Division of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and is supervised by the Interpretation Program Manager. Duties of the position include, but are not limited to the following:
The primary purpose of this position is the operation of small, motorized vessels.
Transfer of passengers and cargo to and from cruise ship via pilot boat (under way) techniques, transportation of cargo and personnel, vessel towing, and small vessel operations.
Transport park personnel to cruise ships to provide programs, monitor park resources and provide for visitor experience and understanding to over 40,000 annual visitors.
Selectee may be moved between duty stations within park boundaries.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
Direct Deposit participation required.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.
First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
You must possess a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer License endorsed for Master of Motor Vessels of at least 50 gross registered tons (GRT) upon inland or near coastal waters. You must include a copy of your license (no photos accepted) and endorsements with your application package.
Pre-employment and random drug testing are required. You will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received.
You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
Workdays often begin in the very early morning and can last well into the evening.
Must have the ability to lift 50 pounds.
Government housing may be available.
All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selectee.
You must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 11/23/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
SELECTIVE FACTOR: You must possess a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer License endorsed for Master of Motor Vessels of at least 50 gross registered tons (GRT) upon inland or near coastal waters. You must include a copy of your license (no photos accepted) and endorsements with your application package. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position.
-AND-
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Special knowledge or expertise concerning the park's or preserve's natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof is required. Local knowledge of the resources and the typical conditions that affect the work to be accomplished will be applied in the performance of duties. -AND-
To be eligible your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near the area of consideration. The area of consideration can be found in the below paragraph:Areas considered "near" Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is the area within the State of Alaska that extends from Dixon Entrance on the south to Icy Bay on the north. (See map of local hire geographic area)
-ALSO-
The following are the competencies identified for this position. Applicants are not required to address these competencies in a separate document but are encouraged to include in their resumes experience related to these competencies:
Ability to perform the full range of small craft operator duties without more than normal supervision.
Ability to operate small water crafts in adverse conditions that require knowledge of waterways, pilotage, navigation, seamanship and maneuvering to assure the safety of vessel, passengers and cargo.
Ability to complete routine vessel maintenance, develop an effective preventive maintenance program, troubleshoot and repair vessel systems.
Ability to plot routes and navigate using paper & electronic charts, automatic identification system (AIS) information with consideration for environmental factors (weather, sea conditions, tide, currents, etc.)
Ability to implement best industry practices to ensure a high degree of safety in all vessel operations, lead by example in promoting safe operations and to recognize and correct unsafe practices.
Ability to complete administrative functions.
Education
There is no substitution of education for the required special knowledge or expertise as outlined in this announcement.
Additional information
NOTE: In support of Executive Order (EO) 14189 "Celebrating America's 250th Birthday" and EO 14314 "Making America Beautiful Again by Improving our National Parks," the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has approved an exception to the 1039-hour time limitation for this position. This approval may extend the time limitation up to 1560 hours for this temporary seasonal appointment.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
This is an excepted service appointment that does not confer competitive status.
Alaska currently does not have a state income tax.
Physical Demands: Activities include standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, lifting, pushing, jumping, twisting, climbing, ramps, ladders, and rope ladders. Work is often done standing for long periods and is subject to constant motion from movement of vessel, particularly in rough seas. Tiring movement of the arms in controlling the wheel in rough seas. Lifting, carrying, and storing cargo is involved, and items weighing up to 50 pounds are lifted frequently. Heavier cargo may be handled with assistance.
Working Conditions: This position works in a cool, wet climate. Summer temperatures occasionally reach 80 degrees F, and average temperatures are 35-65 degrees F. Winter temperatures can be below 0 degrees F. Rainfall in area approximates 75 inches each year. Winter can bring eight feet of snow at sea level. The incumbent will be inside during most vessel operations but will be exposed to standing for long periods while underway. Exposed to occasional harsh winds and extremes of wind chill factors during winter operations. The incumbent may be exposed to hot, cramped quarters when working in engine room on repairs or adjustments. Noise and vibration on vessels decks and bridge when underway are constant, but not at high levels. Noise in engine room when engine is running is loud and requires hearing protection. No real air pollution or skin hazards encountered on the job, except when working around fuels and solvents. Local and widespread plants may cause allergic reactions (cow parsnip, etc.). Hazardous conditions can occur when decks are pitching during high seas, or when they are wet with ice or rain. May be required to sped overnights in the backcountry - camping and on vessels. Incumbent must wear the National Park Service uniform. Work shifts are variable and may include split shifts. Workdays often begin very early in the morning and can last well into the evening. The incumbent will be expected to work weekends and holidays.
All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents, questionnaire responses). If your application package does not clearly reflect having lived and/or worked within Alaska public lands, does not clearly reflect special knowledge of the natural and/or cultural resources of Alaska public lands, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible' or 'not qualified'.
Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.
Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/23/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement:
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. More information on how to write a Federal Resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
Documentation that you meet Selective Factors - U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer License endorsed for Master of Motor Vessels of at least 50 gross registered tons (GRT) upon inland or near coastal waters.
Complete all required assessments.
Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (member 4 copy) or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Parent or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.va.gov/records/ or call 1-800-827-1000. If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active-duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application.
There are multiple options for applying to this position, please see application options and instructions below: To apply online: You must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 11/23/2026 - unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement to receive consideration. You must provide documentation to support your eligibility claim.
The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13058108
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To apply via mail: Mailed applications must be postmarked by the closing date of the announcement. If your application is postmarked by the closing date, it must be received in a sealed envelope no later than seven calendar days after the closing date. The seven-day waiting period may be extended if weather delays mail delivery.
Applications may be mailed to:
National Park Service
Alaska Regional Office
Attn: Human Resources
240 W. 5th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501
Applications must include the vacancy announcement number. If you are applying to multiple vacancy announcements, you must submit a separate application for each vacancy.
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
P O Box 140
Gustavus, AK 99826
US
Next steps
Please refer to your USAJOBS account for application status; the Human Resources Office cannot respond to individual status inquiries.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application. If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview.
Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/23/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement:
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. More information on how to write a Federal Resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
Documentation that you meet Selective Factors - U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer License endorsed for Master of Motor Vessels of at least 50 gross registered tons (GRT) upon inland or near coastal waters.
Complete all required assessments.
Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (member 4 copy) or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Parent or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.va.gov/records/ or call 1-800-827-1000. If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active-duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application.
There are multiple options for applying to this position, please see application options and instructions below: To apply online: You must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 11/23/2026 - unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement to receive consideration. You must provide documentation to support your eligibility claim.
The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13058108
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To apply via mail: Mailed applications must be postmarked by the closing date of the announcement. If your application is postmarked by the closing date, it must be received in a sealed envelope no later than seven calendar days after the closing date. The seven-day waiting period may be extended if weather delays mail delivery.
Applications may be mailed to:
National Park Service
Alaska Regional Office
Attn: Human Resources
240 W. 5th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501
Applications must include the vacancy announcement number. If you are applying to multiple vacancy announcements, you must submit a separate application for each vacancy.
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
P O Box 140
Gustavus, AK 99826
US
Next steps
Please refer to your USAJOBS account for application status; the Human Resources Office cannot respond to individual status inquiries.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application. If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview.
Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
