Small Craft Operator

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Aberdeen, WA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Operates powered survey boats under 65 feet in length during all phases of hydrographic survey work supporting the maintenance and improvement of coastal harbors, bars, estuaries, and river navigation channels. Maintains exact speeds and courses, using computer-aided devices such as steering indicators or monitors to follow survey routes and keep the vessel within prescribed tolerances. Keeps daily logs of events, survey areas, transits, fuel use, and equipment hours. Coordinates supplies and services with the Chief of the Waterway Maintenance Unit and may procure repair equipment in emergencies using acquisition procedures. Leads and assists with district motorboat operator licensing courses. Performs preventive maintenance and repairs on survey boats, including minor repairs and adjustments to diesel engines, generators, air compressors, and auxiliary equipment. Prepares scopes of work and government estimates for contracted vessel service and maintenance.

The position may be filled at the XF-08 or XF-09 level. XF-09 requires a current United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with a Radar Observer Endorsement for all-weather small boat operations. The role requires travel to other Seattle District duty stations and worksites, potentially including overnight stays, as well as business and training travel outside the district. It is not eligible for telework.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the work of a Small Craft Operator without more than normal supervision.
• For XF-08: Ability to operate boats, work boats, or towboats up to 26 feet; handle lines; operate boats in traffic; perform maintenance and minor repairs using common tools and materials; and perform tasks with electronic navigation systems.
• For XF-09: Current United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with Radar Observer Endorsement for all-weather small boat operations; upload copies of the credentials when applying.
• For XF-09: Experience operating boats, work boats, or towboats up to 104 feet, line handling, and electronic navigation systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Satisfactorily pass a pre-employment physical, including lifting and color/depth perception, and undergo annual physicals thereafter.
• Ability to meet medical surveillance and mandatory drug-testing requirements.
• Ability to travel to other duty stations and worksites throughout the Seattle District, potentially with overnight stays up to 50%, and travel outside the district for business or training.
• Ability to wear and use required personal protective equipment and clothing.
• Ability to perform moderate to heavy physical effort maintaining boat equipment and handling survey equipment; possess depth and color perception and see in low-visibility conditions; stand for prolonged periods; and climb narrow, steep stairways and ladders.

Responsibilities

• Operate powered survey boats during hydrographic survey work, maintaining required speeds and courses and keeping the vessel within prescribed tolerances.
• Use computer-aided peripheral devices, including steering indicators or monitors, to follow exact survey courses.
• Maintain daily logs of events, survey areas, transits, fuel use, and equipment hours.
• Coordinate necessary supplies and services with the Chief of the Waterway Maintenance Unit and procure equipment for emergency repairs using acquisition procedures.
• Lead and assist with motorboat operator licensing courses for the district.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on survey boats, including minor repairs and adjustments to diesel engines, generators, air compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
• Prepare scopes of work and government estimates for contracted vessel service and maintenance.
• Operate a motor vehicle to reach vessels and travel between worksites.

Benefits

• A federal employee benefits package is available; eligibility depends on position type and other factors. Specific benefits should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Possible incentives, subject to authorization: Student Loan Repayment, Advanced In-hire, Relocation Incentive, Recruitment Incentive, or Advanced Leave Accrual.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed