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Small Craft Operator, WK-5786-07/08/10 (21416)

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    WELCOME! 
     
    The information seen below is a vacant job opportunity with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).  
     
    Please carefully review the information and click the "Apply" button below if you would like to apply and be considered for this position. 
     
    Additional USACE Career Opportunities can be explored at the USACE Job Board (<- click here). 
     
  • Position Title:
    • Small Craft Operator
  • Pay Plan:
    • WK
  • Occupational Series:
    • 5786 - Small Craft Operating (5786)
  • Grade:
    • 07
    • 08
    • 10
  • Hourly vs Salary:
    • Hourly
  • Job Posting Open Date:
    • 05/27/2026
  • Job Posting Close Date:
    • 06/10/2026
  • Announcement Type:
    • TARP - Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)
  • Position Type:
    • Permanent
  • USACE Organization :
    • Northwestern Division (NWD) - Portland District
  • Locations (City, State):
    • Portland, OR
  • Position Overview/Duties:
    • About this Position: In this position you will serve a dual role Small Craft Operator and Mechanic assigned to the Deck Department in the Navigation Division with responsibility for the maintenance, repair, and installation of dredging machinery on an automated sea-going hopper dredge.

      Key Duties:

      •Operate launches of 25 to 36 feet and work boats of 17 to 24 feet in length.

      •Use crew boat to transport personnel, supplies, equipment, machinery and other cargo between the dredge and dock facilities.

      •Operate van, pickup truck, or other similar vehicles to carry crew, mail, laundry, supplies, etc. to and from various shore locations in support of dredging activities.

      •Perform scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance and repair of small craft engines, davits, and related gear.

      •Perform routine journey level mechanical maintenance repair.

  • Other Conditions and Requirements:
    • This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

      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. 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.

      Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element):

      Ability to do the work of a Small Craft Operator (Dual Rate) without more than normal supervision. You must possess a current United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), with an 100 ton Master/Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) or higher Endorsement, Radar Endorsement, and a Lifeboat Certificate AND a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).

      Working Conditions:

      Exposed to extremes of weather conditions, heat, and noise. There is danger of slippery decks and drowning. Must wear appropriate safety gear and protective clothing as required and comply with sound safety practices. May be exposed to hot pipes, escaping steam and the effects of acids, solvents, and paint.



      Physical Effort:

      Moderate to heavy lifting is typically required. Lifts and carries equipment and supplies up to 45 lbs. and occasionally over 45 lbs. Work requires prolonged standing, walking and climbing, all of which can cause exertion of the lower back. The employee must maintain good lower back physical condition. Incumbent must possess color and depth perception and be able to see in low visibility conditions to perform duties.

      IAW NPPR 690-1-530 this position is dual-rated to the position of Third Mate, Hopper Dredge. If qualified and possesses appropriate U.S. Coast Guard License/Certification, incumbent may be assigned to perform these duties on an intermittent, dual-rated capacity.

      Additional Conditions and Requirements:

      • 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.
      • 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.
      • Direct deposit of pay is required.
      • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 76% of the time.
      • This position is subject to 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.
      • Management may select from any grade level.
      • Incumbent may be eligible for noncompetitive promotion to target position upon meeting the following requirements:(1) Incumbent demonstrates ability to perform at target grade level;(2) Higher level work exists at target grade level;(3) Increased responsibilities are assigned;(4) Supervisor recommends promotion;(5) Incumbent completes all required training, and conditions of employment; and(6) Incumbent completes all regulatory requirements for career ladder promotions. Consequently, promotion is not guaranteed.
      • 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 45 lbs.
      • 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.
      • Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget).
        • You must possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with an Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) or higher Endorsement, Radar Endorsement, and a Lifeboat Certificate
        • You must possess a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)
        • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.

  • 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.
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