Marine Cargo Specialist

Army Transportation • Concord, CA

3d

About The Position

Serves as a Marine Cargo Specialist, working with higher-graded specialists, to plan and coordinate vessel operation plans and contract specifications for loading and/or discharging Department of Defense-sponsored cargo through commercial ocean terminals. The role supports cargo planning, terminal coordination, contractor oversight, regulatory compliance, safety, and real-time port inventory tracking.

The position requires shift work, with regularly rotated shifts that may cover evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations. Duties may be performed outdoors in all types of weather, and the incumbent must be able to board breakbulk ships, barges, and other vessels and access all decks. The position requires 15% temporary duty or business travel. It is a key, obligated position and may be filled as a time-limited promotion, reassignment, or change to lower grade, generally not to exceed 13 months; time-limited promotions may be extended up to five years. The position may be made permanent without further competition.

Applicants must meet the stated specialized experience, education, or combined education and experience qualifications. The role requires a Secret security eligibility determination, a valid state driver's license, HAZMAT certification, pre-employment and annual physical examinations, and financial disclosures upon entry and annually thereafter. A one-year trial period applies.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience preparing preliminary cargo stowage plans and/or overseeing loading, stowage, and discharge operations to ensure conformity with preliminary plans, authorize necessary changes, and prepare final plans.
• Specialized experience must involve vessels of at least 5,000 dead-weight tons and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of marine rules and regulations and the ability to plan, direct, organize, and coordinate cargo handling activities; interpret and apply policies; investigate operations and practices and resolve problems; and establish and maintain effective work relationships.
• Alternatively, a master's or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or J.D. in a related field may qualify.
• A combination of qualifying education and experience may be used if the computed percentage of requirements is at least 100%.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license to operate vehicles.
• Must be HAZMAT certified; failure to obtain certification within six months of appointment may result in adverse action.
• Must complete a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter to verify the required physical health and fitness for the duties.
• Must be able to board breakbulk ships, barges, and other vessels and access all decks.
• Must meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirement at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-07) if having held a GS position within the last 52 weeks.
• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Must submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report upon entry and annually thereafter.
• Must be willing to be displaced under reduction-in-force procedures upon the return of the former incumbent, as acknowledged by signing an agreement.
• Must not be a member of the National Guard or Reserves while in this key position.
• Must complete a one-year trial period.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.

Responsibilities

• Formulate vessel stow plans using specialized software to ensure safe cargo placement and ship stability.
• Coordinate terminal staging plans across truck, rail, and water networks to maintain efficient cargo flow.
• Monitor contractor stevedoring performance during vessel loading to verify compliance with contract terms.
• Certify hazardous materials shipping documents to ensure regulatory compliance and safe cargo segregation.
• Document daily terminal activities and contractor performance metrics in official port cargo logs.
• Resolve staging bottlenecks and cargo discrepancies with stevedore supervisors to prevent delays.
• Analyze shipping manifests and terminal space allocations to optimize vessel space utilization.
• Provide technical logistics assistance during planning conferences to coordinate scheduled cargo movements.
• Enforce safety rules and physical security protocols across active terminal and vessel work zones.
• Enter data into computerized databases to maintain real-time tracking of cargo and port inventory.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type, and applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level