Small Craft Operator

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: Operators twin-engine, diesel-powered boat, usually 45 to 65 feet in length, primarily used for hydrographic surveys and placing of temporary channel markers.

Duties

• Operate a twin-engine, diesel-powered boat.
• Use magnetometer, side scan sonar or multi-beam transducer.
• Perform simultaneously with monitoring the radio, navigation traffic, depth recording fathometer for safe passage of approaching vessels.
• Make minor repairs to diesel engines, generators, air compressors and auxiliary equipment.
• Dismantle engines and sub-assemblies.
• Conduct inspections by checking designated engines, hulls, generator, fuel tanks, exhaust systems.
• Operate auxiliary equipment such as; anchor, hoisting, winches, cargo booms.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens 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. 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. I have the ability to perform common task of and operation of twin-engine boat. I have a good understanding vessel capabilities, auxiliary equipment, anchor, hoisting, winches and cargo booms. I work under close supervision of a work leader or jopurney-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure all tasks are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. PHYSICAL EFFORT: The incumbent occasionally lifts and carries parts and equipment weighing over 50 pounds. Moderate effort is required during general maintenance work. Coordination of hands, eyes, body and legs is needed to work safely on wet and moving decks especially when anchored in exposed locations during storms. Employee is required to sit for long periods of time in a confined area while operating the boats. Extreme mental concentration and moderate physical effort is required to maintain the vessel "on-line" when surveying and at the same time being alert to all other factors and conditions present. Incumbent is constantly exposed to noise, vibrations, and varying degrees of physical jolting depending on the sea and wave activity. WORKING CONDITIONS: Most work is performed inside, but some work is done outside where there is danger of slipping and falling overboard. Survey work is performed in all types of weather. There is exposure to traffic hazards, especially during foggy weather and at night. When making repairs and performing maintenance, is exposed to scalds, chemical bums, electrical shocks, bums, falls, and other possible injuries due to working around moving machinery and in cramped quarters in extreme heat or cold conditions at times. Incumbent is exposed periodically to a variety of fuels, oils lubricants, soaps, solvents, and chemicals. Incumbent must occasionally wear protective gear as the particular situation requires such as coveralls, rubber boots, gloves, steel-toed boots, goggles, ear muffs, etc. Incumbent may be required to sleep onboard the vessels and live in close quarters with others.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/30/2026 to receive consideration To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13057443). Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete. It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/profile/dashboard/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.