This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: Serves as Master of a diesel-powered towboat less than 100 feet in length with less than a total of 2,000 hp. The towboat is typically engaged in a variety of operations in support of lock and dam operations and maintenance including towing of plant and equipment.

Duties

Participates with supervisor and staff in planning for annual repair, maintenance, and modification requirements. Explains work requirements, methods, and procedures; instructs assigned crew in new procedures; and provides advice when problems arise. Assures arrival of supplies and equipment at work site as needed and coordinates work of the vessel with other units that may be involved with operations. Exercises independent judgment in determining if weather and navigation conditions are suitable for operation of the vessel. Operates a towboat and tows major items of floating plant in the vicinity of a lock and dam where swift currents and water level differences are present. Conducts fire, lifeboat, and man overboard drills and is responsible for the safety training and safety of the entire crew, plant, equipment, and tow when the vessel is underway.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Must possess the following USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs): Master of Towing Vessels (Western Rivers) and Radar Observer (Western Rivers).
• Must possess a current U.S. Coast Guard license as a Master covering the type, class, horsepower, and size of vessel to which assigned and the waters in which the boat operates.
• Applies skill and knowledge of a Master and the navigational rules and regulations involved in vessel navigation, and the characteristics of the waters in which the vessel is operated.
• This position is covered by the Civilian Drug Testing Program. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019-R, consent to drug test.
• This position requires a pre-employment physical.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens 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. 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. Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Master Towboat without more than normal supervision. At a minimum, your level of experience must show that you have performed common Master Towboat duties. Towed vessels of 2000 HP with one or two barges in most river conditions. Performed preventive maintenance and minor repairs to marine vessels and equipment. Worked with structural repair crews at lock and dam facilities and performed both major and minor repairs. Operated heavy equipment to include at least several of the following - crawler cranes, mobile cranes, truck cranes, hydraulic excavators, dozers, forklifts, personnel lifts, skid steer and front end loaders. Mentored employees in floating plant deck operations and have directly or indirectly led small work teams in the completion of operations and maintenance tasks. Familiar with the use of welding and cutting equipment and procedures. Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating. Physical Effort: Work generally involves light physical effort. Extensive standing and walking may be necessary while on watch. Working Conditions: Work is primarily performed inside in an enclosed pilot house but also requires work outside the pilot house, subjecting the incumbent to varying climatic conditions. Hazards include occasional danger of falling overboard, falls on slippery decks or in climbing steep stairways, and injury from moving machinery. A life jacket is worn at all times while on deck. The incumbent is subject to hazards of heavy river traffic at night and during foggy weather.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address GJ-APF-W2SM02 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, LOUISVILLE DO NOT MAIL Louisville, KY 40201 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk