Small Craft Operator

Aberdeen, WashingtonFull-timePosted Oct 13, 2026

Job description

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: O perates a Survey Boat engaged in reconnaissance and hydrographic surveys pertinent to the maintenance and improvement of coastal harbors, bars, estuaries, and river navigation channels.

Who May Apply: US Citizens Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri. Corps) 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) Small Craft Operator ~ without more than normal supervision. For the XF-10 grade level: Must possess all of the following United States Coast Guard (USCG) Documentation and you must upload a copy of each credential: (1) a current United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), (2) Deck Officer-Master of Self-Propelled Vessels Not Including Auxiliary Sail of Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) (or higher) Upon Near Coastal Waters, with a Deck Officer- Radar Observer (Unlimited).

AND (3) a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC). In addition to the required licensing above, you must have the ability to perform the full range of tasks of a Small Craft Operator such as steer and maneuver. Be skilled in operating a variety of boats, work boats, and towboats, ranging in size from 13' to 104' in length upon near-shore, inland and river waterways, navigating vessels using electronic navigation systems, line handling, operating boats in traffic.

Work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who reviews my work for completion. For the XF-11 grade level: Must possess all of the following United States Coast Guard (USCG) Documentation and you must upload a copy of each credential: (1) a current United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), (2) Deck Officer-Master of Self-Propelled Vessels Not Including Auxiliary Sail of Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) (or higher) Upon Near Coastal Waters, with a Deck Officer- Radar Observer (Unlimited), (3) USCG Deck Officer-Master of Self-Propelled Vessels Not Including Auxiliary Sail of Less than 200 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) (or higher) Upon Inland Waters, AND (4) a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).

In addition to the required licensing above, you must have the ability to perform all tasks of a Small Craft Operator such as steer and maneuver. I am skilled in operating a variety of boats, work boats, and towboats, ranging in size from 13' to 104' in length upon near-shore, inland and river waterways, navigating vessels using electronic navigation systems, line handling, operating boats in traffic, performing maintenance and making minor repairs using common tools and materials.

I work on my own initiative under general supervision subject to occasional inspection. Working Conditions: Work is normally performed inside pilothouse but some time is spent on deck where there is exposure to all types of weather and water conditions with the danger of drowning by falling into a river or the ocean. Much of the time will be spent operating in unprotected coastal waters, the Puget Sound and adjacent waters as well as estuaries and rivers which increases dangers to operator and craft, and is subject to the hazards of sudden storms, rough water, tides, wind, and abnormal currents.

Incumbent is exposed to noise in excess of 80 decibels, and the effects of acids, solvents, and paints on a regular and recurring basis. Employee is required to observe established safe working procedures. Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment is provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory.

Incumbent is required to operate a motor vehicle in order to get to and from the vessel or transfer vessel from worksite to worksite. Physical Demands: Incumbent is required to exert moderate to heavy physical effort in maintaining equipment on boat, and to handle survey equipment. Incumbent must possess depth and color perception and be able to see in low visibility conditions in order to operate a boat.

Employee may be required to stand for prolonged periods and climb narrow, steep stairways and ladders. Incumbent is required to operate a motor vehicle in order to get to and from the vessel.

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Description copied from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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