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First Assistant Engineer Hopper Dredge Dual Rate

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Navigation Division, Portland Oregon
This job announcement has closed

Summary

About the Position: This position is aboard a dredging vessel, travel on the vessel is required (during dredging season). Schedules generally run 15 days on and 13 days off, with 1 rotation of 8 days on and 6 days off in January each year.

This announcement will be used to recruit for one position on the Essayons. Future selections may be made for either dredge vessel.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
10/23/2025 to 11/13/2025
Salary
$45.69 to - $53.30 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WJ 11
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Portland, OR
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
76% or greater - This position is aboard a dredging vessel, travel on the vessel is required (during dredging season). Schedules generally run 15 days on and 13 days off, with 1 rotation of 8 days on and 6 days off in January each year.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
Yes
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
No
Announcement number
CEDE-26-12821506-MP
Control number
848700100

Videos

Duties

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  • At prescribed intervals make routine inspection of all engineer spaces and equipment including dredge pumps, bow thruster, steering gear and emergency areas.
  • Starts, stops and adjusts engine room equipment as necessary.
  • Observe pressure and temperature gauges and alarms and listen for sounds which indicate abnormal operating conditions.
  • Make regular periodic inspection of all operating machinery to ensure proper functioning.
  • Supervise and/or perform the operation, routine repair and maintenance of all engine room equipment and assists Chief Engineer and Assistant Engineer with Major repairs.
  • Install, maintain, test and repair AC and DC electrical system, equipment, components, converters, safety devices, wiring and controls, switchboards and make repairs.
  • Inspect and service pilot house and engine room controls, gyrocompass and steering, fire detection, ventilation, refrigeration, lighting, emergency and communication systems.
  • Ensure that all tests and analyses are conducted in connection with the operation of the Engine Department.

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 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.
  • This position has a requirement to lift up to 45 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
  • This position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315. While probationary the incumbent can be terminated with limited appeal rights.
  • This position is supervisory a one year probation to assess your ability to perform supervisory duties is required unless previously completed.
  • You must possess a current United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) First Assistant Engineer 2250 Horse Power, (Yaquina) or higher and a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) OR
  • You must possess a current United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) First Assistant Engineer Unlimited Horse Power (Essayons) and a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 95% of the time.
  • This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.

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.

  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • 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
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • Postal Service/Peace Corps and Other Unique Authorities
  • 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
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998



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.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): for First Assistant Engineer Hopper Dredge Dual Rate you must possess a current United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) First Assistant Engineer 2250 horsepower, (Yaquina) or higher and a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) OR You must possess a current United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) First Assistant Engineer Unlimited Horse Power (Essayons) and a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC). - You MUST UPLOAD your USCG Credentials or you will be rated ineligible.- Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:
  • Ability To Do The Work Of The position Without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability To Lead or Supervise
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Maintenance Practices on Seagoing Vessels
  • Technical Competence
  • Vessel Operations


WORKING CONDITIONS Incumbent is exposed to abnormal heat, dirty and greasy equipment, and moving machinery. Is subject to burns by hot pipes or escaping steam. There is the constant hazard of boat traffic and, in the event of a collision, there is the danger of being thrown against moving equipment, and the danger of drowning if the vessel takes in water. Incumbent works regularly in areas where noise exceeds 80 decibels. Incumbent is exposed to the effects of paints, acids and solvents. Exposed to extremes of weather conditions and noise. There is danger of slippery decks and drowning. Must wear appropriate safety gear and protective clothing as required, and comply with sound safety practices.

PHYSICAL EFFORT Incumbent is required to exert moderate to heavy physical effort in handling engine room equipment. Incumbent must possess color perception in order to perform troubleshooting and repair work on the full range of equipment, and be able to see in low visibility conditions. Lifts and carries equipment and supplies normally up to 45 lbs. and occasionally over 45 lbs. Work requires prolonged standing, walking and climbing, all of which can cause exertion of the lower back. The employee must maintain good lower back physical condition. IAW NPPR 690-1-530 this position is dual-rated to the position of Chief Engineer, Hopper Dredge, WJ-4742-15(HE A30). If qualified and possesses appropriate U.S. Coast Guard License/Certification, incumbent may be assigned to perform these duties on an intermittent, dual-rated capacity. While working in capacity the FLSA status will be exempt.

IAW NPPR 690-1-530 this position is dual-rated to the position of Chief Engineer, WJ-4742-15 position description-A-30. If qualified and possesses appropriate U.S. Coast Guard License/Certification, incumbent may be assigned to perform these duties on an intermittent, dual-rated capacity. PLEASE NOTE: While working in this capacity the FLSA status will be exempt.

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.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • 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) Installation Management 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.
  • You MUST UPLOAD your USCG Credentials or you may be rated ineligible.
  • The following incentives may be authorized to a highly qualified candidate: Recruitment, Relocation, Advance in Hire, Student Loan Repayment, and/or Advanced Leave Accrual.

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.

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