Small Craft Operator, XF-5786-12 (08563)
- 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:
- XF
- Occupational Series:
- 5786 - Small Craft Operating (5786)
- Grade:
- 12
- Hourly vs Salary:
- Hourly
- Job Posting Open Date:
- 03/18/2026
- Job Posting Close Date:
- 03/31/2026
- Announcement Type:
- TARP - Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)
- Position Type:
- Permanent
- High Salary:
- $47.63
- Low Salary :
- $40.83
- USACE Organization :
- Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) - New Orleans District
- Locations (City, State):
- Venice, LA
- Position Overview/Duties:
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.
About the Position: The position is located within the US Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, Technical Support Branch, Channel Survey Section, with duty in Venice, LA, where you will operate a twin-engine, diesel-powered boat.
- As Survey boat Operator, operates a twin-engine, diesel powered boat, usually 45 to 65 feet in length, primarily used for making hydrographic surveys and placing of temporary channel markers, ranges, gages, etc. Operate vessel using magnetometer or side scan sonar, or multi-beam transducer when locating wrecks and other obstructions to navigation, etc.
- Navigates and maneuvers boat using Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) to perform controlled hydrographic surveys. Locates the exact range to be surveyed and maintains the boat on that designated range or azimuth at a required speed and minimal deviation from the range to receive accurate soundings. This action is performed simultaneously with monitoring the radio, navigation traffic, depth recording fathometer and all gauges to allow for safe passage of approaching vessels and to protect the safety of the boat and crew. Gives passing signals to approaching vessels and follows navigation rules and regulations.
- Surveys are oftentimes performed under swift water currents, strong winds, high seas, and other difficult weather conditions which requires moderate physical effort.
- Directs others onboard to perform various tasks pertaining to the particular mission at hand. Transports officials on inspection tours of harbors and projects in the coastal areas and in case of overnight travel or emergencies, may provide for subsisting and quartering for passengers.
- Incumbent has full responsibility for the proper maintenance, minor operating repairs and housekeeping of the boat. Performs operator's maintenance in accordance with established rules and regulations.
- Makes minor repairs to diesel engines, generators, air compressors, light plant and other auxiliary equipment and during periods of major overhaul, assists mechanics by cleaning parts, dismantling engines and sub-assemblies, etc.
- Responsible for the full application of the General Safety Requirement Manual EM 385-1-1, and other District and contractual safety requirements to the work being under his/her supervision; on supervision of contractor activities, is responsible for inspecting work areas, making safety recommendations, noting safety recommendations and corrective action taken on daily reports.
- Incumbent is responsible for conducting periodic drills for fire, man overboard, and abandon ship.
- Other Conditions and Requirements:
Experience Requirements:
Minimum Qualification for XF-12:
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.
Other Conditions and Requirements
- Applications must be submitted after 12:01 a.m. CST of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:59 p.m. CST of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
- All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
- One-year trial or probationary period may be required.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
- Direct deposit of pay is required.
- Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
- Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
- Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
- Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
- Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
- Position requires a standard drug test of the incumbent and annually thereafter as well as completing the annual medical surveillance program.
- Must possess or obtain state-issued driver’s license.
- Must obtain Government Small Boat Operators License upon employment.
- Must possess at a minimum, a current and valid Master of Great Lakes and inland steam or motor vessels of not more than 100 gross tons Coast Guard license.
- This position requires working an alternate work schedule of Monday through Thursday (or Tuesday through Friday), 10-hour days, 4 days a week.
- Incumbent occasionally lifts and carries parts and equipment weighing over 50 pounds.
- Occasional travel may be necessary.
- 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.
