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Small Craft Operator (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Open 16d
This position is no longer accepting applications(closed Aug 20, 2026).

Summary

Operate and maintain diesel/gasoline-powered watercraft, perform patrols, and handle cargo in the U.S. Maritime Administration's Reserve Fleets.

This position is in the Reserve Fleets, Office of Ship Operations, Office of the Deputy Associate Administrator for Federal Sealift, Office of the Associate Administrator for Strategic Sealift, Maritime Administration (MARAD). This position is established to operate and perform general maintenance and repairs of various types of diesel driven water craft engaged in patrols, carrying personnel, supplies, and equipment to and from the various ship units of the Reserve Fleet.

As a Small Craft Operator, you will: Operate diesel and gasoline-powered watercraft and perform daily fueling and preventive maintenance to ensure safe and reliable vessel operations. Patrol assigned fleet and waterfront areas during regular and after-hours shifts, identifying and addressing unauthorized personnel, vessels, and other security concerns. Monitor vessel conditions and security systems, including CCTV, moorings, anchors, cables, flooding indicators, vessel stability, and shore power availability. Serve as a deckhand aboard fleet vessels and barges, supporting navigation, docking, and general marine operations. Load, unload, transport, and handle equipment, supplies, and materials while ensuring the safe movement of cargo and personnel. The ideal candidate for a Small Craft Operator position is a safety-conscious and dependable professional with proven experience operating small vessels, conducting routine inspections and maintenance, and complying with all applicable federal, state, and maritime regulations.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. DRUG/ALCOHOL TEST: This position has been determined to be a critical safety/security position as defined in the Department of Transportation (DOT) Order, DOT 3910.1D entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace." Therefore, if selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug/alcohol test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing. PRE-EMPLOYMENT HEALTH ASSESSMENT: If selected for the position you will be required to complete a pre-employment/pre-appointment medical examination and Functional Capacity Examination. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).

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