Master, Towboat, XH-5784-13 (76402) (perm)
- WELCOME!Please see the description below of an internal job opportunity with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This opportunity is open to CURRENT, PERMANENT USACE EMPLOYEES ONLY.This opportunity is being announced through the USACE Voluntary Internal Opportunities Program (VIOP). Current, permanent USACE employees with non-competitive eligibility to be placed in this position are eligible to apply. Temporary or term employees and Department of Army Fellows assigned to USACE will not be considered for positions or assignments through VIOP, except for Deployment Opportunities.
It is not mandatory for hiring officials to use VIOP in order to fill a vacancy non-competitively within USACE. Utilization of VIOP is subject to compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations, policies, and negotiated agreements.Please carefully review the information and click the "Apply" button below if you would like to apply and be considered for this position. - Job Posting Open Date:
- 06/24/2026
- Job Posting Close Date:
- 07/08/2026
- Announcement Type:
- TARP - Internal Opportunity (Non-Comp/VIOP)
- Position Type:
- Permanent
- Position Title:
- Master, Towboat
- Pay Plan:
- XH
- Occupational Series:
- 5784 - Riverboat Operating (5784)
- Grade:
- 13
- USACE Organization :
- Northwestern Division (NWD) - Omaha District
- Locations (City, State):
- Omaha, NE
- Position Overview/Duties:
1. Serves as Master of and is directly responsible for the operation and maintenance of towboats that are 50 to 70 feet in length and up to 1500 HP, twin screw diesel engines. Plans, directs and leads a team of equipment operators and laborers engaged in repairs and construction of revetment, dikes, sills, and other Missouri River bank stabilization and navigation channel structures, from Missouri River Mile 498.2 near Rulo, NE to Mile 750 Elk Point, South Dakota. Work is also conducted on an as-needed basis outside the District to support emergencies and unscheduled repairs on other sections of the Missouri River. The floating plants include the towboat, 1-6 material barges, equipment barge with a tracked hydraulic excavator, fuel, winches, construction equipment, and crew. Communicates on regular basis with U.S. Coast Guard and the commercial navigation industry. Supports land-based repairs as needed when locations cannot be repaired from a floating plant.
55%2. The master pilot is responsible for the safety of vessels, tow, heavy equipment, cargo, passengers and crew. Conducts fire, lifesaving, and rescue drills. Ensures employees observe established safe working procedures. Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment is provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory. Provides on-the-job training for subordinates, corrects hazardous conditions, and suggests improvements. Assists with training of deckhands and other staff to operate small boats less than 26 ft in length. If an accident occurs, takes all necessary steps to administer first aid, alleviate suffering, protect and salvage property, and prepare required reports. Initiates or participates in review and improvement of work methods. Maintains U.S. Coast Guard licensing including all related training and certifications to maintain the inland waterways and western rivers credentials. Advises project office and district staff on recommendations for Aides to Navigation (ATONs) maintained by the USCG.
25%3. Ensures compliance with all required U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (COI) requirements including annual inspections and recurring hull/dry-docking inspections (typically every 5 years). During layup periods, as directed, performs a variety of tasks such as general maintenance, care and minor repair of motor vessels, buildings, grounds, including 14 dams in/around Omaha and Lincoln, NE, and related structures. Operates a variety of hand tools as required to perform the necessary operation and maintenance duties assigned to the Missouri River Project. Also performs general housekeeping, welding, painting, plumbing, and related duties. Must also have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.
20%
- Other Conditions and Requirements:
This job opportunity is open to CURRENT, PERMANENT USACE EMPLOYEES ONLY.
WHO MAY APPLY: This opportunity is being announced through the USACE Voluntary Internal Opportunities Program (VIOP). Current, permanent USACE employees with noncompetitive eligibility to be placed in this position are eligible to apply. This Program may only be utilized for noncompetitive placements, to include voluntary reassignments, promotions not-to-exceed 120 days, voluntary changes to lower grade, repromotion to a grade previously held on a permanent basis, details, and deployment opportunities. Employees interested in permanent or temporary promotions longer than 120 days must apply through USAJOBS, or other approved merit procedures or hiring authorities. Temporary or term employees and Department of Army Fellows assigned to USACE will not be considered for positions or assignments through VIOP.
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: The incumbent of this position must be a registered professional in accordance with the requirement in ER 690-1-958.
Other Requirements, Conditions of Employment and information:
- How to Apply: Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration. Click the apply button, follow the prompts (fill out the required collect form, attach a resume following the resume format guidance).
- All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
- A trial or probationary period may be required.
- This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of up to 10% of the time.
- You may be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
- 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. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
- The incumbent may be required to file an OGE Form 450, Financial Disclosure Report upon entering on duty in this position and annually thereafter.
- This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
- This position may require shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.
- This position requires the following training/certifications prior to employment or within a specified period of time after appointment:
- Master of Towing Vessels Upon Western Rivers. On occasion, incumbent must operate a motor vehicle and must possess a current and appropriate State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
- Life/Work Balance:
- Life/Work Flexibilities Determined by Specific Position
- Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements:
- FWS Qualifications: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=Job-Elements
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor:
- To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).
- Reasonable Accommodation:
- Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
