Marine Machine Mechanic (Marine Assistant Engineer) (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

About the role

This position is in the Office of Marine Services. You will be responsible to the Vessel Master and/or Deputy Vessel Master for the operating condition of the Corporation's floating plants/vessels. You will serve as Assistant Engineer aboard tugs, corporation work boats, and other floating plant equipment.

What you will do

• As a Marine Machinery Mechanic (Marine Assistant Engineer), your duties include the operation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of all machinery, auxiliaries, and propulsion equipment aboard the Corporation's fleet and similar equipment in shore installations.
• Vessels include two Z-drive tugboats, buoy barge, and gate lifter barge.
• This responsibility is 24/7 during the 10-month shipping season and continues into the winter months with preventative maintenance and repair.
• Additional duties: Serves as overall technical authority with respect to marine propulsion and auxiliary systems, has responsibility for the efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of all engines, generators, motors, auxiliaries, monitoring equipment, control systems, hydraulic controls, fire systems and pumps, and service systems, such as refrigeration, plumbing, heating, air compressors and mechanical and electrical distribution systems.
• Makes scheduled and on-demand inspections of all machinery, equipment, and facilities.
• Determines extent of repairs necessary and procedures to be followed in effecting same to minimize delays in normal operations.
• Is responsible for maintaining all machinery on all vessels are in compliance with current and upcoming applicable industry and government regulations.
• Ability to lay-out, plan and complete the installation, modification and repair of various systems, circuits, etc., to ship controls and equipment.
• Has the ability to interpret and apply blueprints, wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, schematics, color code of ships wiring systems, and to use basic formulas to trades and craft work.
• Has skill in the use of a variety of hand or power tolls and test equipment, both mechanical and electrical.
• Has knowledge of various meters, instruments, gauges, couplings, electrical and mechanical devices, lubricants, fuels, fire extinguishing apparatus, causes of spontaneous combustion, pollution abatement.
• The ideal candidate for this position has experience in operating conditions, maintenance, repair, and upkeep of the floating plants/vessels and meets USCG Qualifications stated herein for the levels of the position.
• PLEASE NOTE: This is an open continuous 60 day vacancy with an initial cut-off after 30 days.
• After the first certificate, we will review applications as needed and refer the top candidates for potential interviews during the open period of the announcement.

Requirements

• 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.
• GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel.
• A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
• 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 TEST: If selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing.
• PRE-APPOINTMENT PHYSICAL: Selectees for wage grade positions are required to complete a pre-appointment physical (if you have not already completed one recently), in accordance with the SLSDC Pre-Appointment Medical Examination Policy, which includes a functional capacity test that mimics the job movements and stressors of the essential functions of the position.
• 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).
• Risk levels for this vacancy are: WG-09 -- Low WG-10 -- Moderate WG-11 -- Moderate NOTE: If you are applying for the WG-10 Level or WG-11 Level, You MUST UPLOAD your USCG Medical Certificate, USCG Merchant Mariner Credential, and a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) or you will be rated ineligible.

How you will be evaluated

DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

If your resume/ application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination.

Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level.

To compete with U.S. Citizens: If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be placed in one of two categories: Qualified and Well Qualified which is based upon your responses to the vacancy questions.

Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference that have provided supporting documents will receive selection priority over non-veterans. The top rated applications will be reviewed for the quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position.

To compete with other competitive status government employees: Federal Wage System (FWS) positions require the use of a Screen-Out Element. Points will be based on experience and training which are documented by your responses to the questionnaire.

To be qualified, applicants must receive at least 2 points on the Screen-Out Element and an average of 2 points on all the elements in order to be considered minimally qualified for the position. Applicants who do not receive 2 points on the Screen-Out Element will be eliminated from further consideration.

If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be scored based upon your responses to the vacancy questions. The top rated applications will be reviewed for the quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position.

If referred, all relevant documents including performance appraisals and awards submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the hiring official for review. Eligible Federal employees also seeking consideration for noncompetitive reassignment for this position must indicate interest in the assessment.

Noncompetitive federal candidates must have competitive status on a SF-50, meet minimum qualifications, have served at the same grade or higher, and held or exceeded the promotion potential of this position. All applicants: Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position.

The answers you select in the on-line process must be substantiated in your application package. If upon review, it is determined that your described work history, competencies, and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be updated on your behalf or you may not be referred to the selecting official.

Please ensure that your work history provides enough details to support your answers. The Automated Staffing Office is ultimately responsible for determining your final rating. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Documents you must provide

• In accordance with the OPM memorandum titled Merit Hiring Plan, dated May 29, 2025, resumes with a maximum of two (2) pages in length will be accepted as part of your application.
• These should be legible and in a readable font size.
• A determination of your eligibility and/or qualifications will be based only on those two (2) pages.
• Your resume MUST contain specific information that can be used to make a qualification determination, including employment beginning and ending dates for each position, whether employment is Full-time or Part-time, or average number of hours worked per week, and position titles.
• If the position is/was in the Federal government, you will need to provide the position series and grade level.
• Please reference the "Conditions of Employment” section for additional required documents.
• PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS/INCENTIVE AWARDS: If applicable, performance appraisals and/or Incentive award documentation may be submitted and forwarded to the selecting official in consideration of your application.
• To receive credit, submit a recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable (do not submit a performance plan) and/or incentive award documentation dated within the last 18 months (i.e. performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increases, etc.).
• VETERANS: Your last DD214 (member 4 copy), Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, that shows the type of discharge and all dates of active duty is required to verify your eligibility.
• If applying to a vacancy opened to all US Citizens under category rating and wish to be considered as a preference eligible, you need to submit a copy of your DD214 (member-4 copy).
• If claiming preference eligibility as a disabled veteran, you must submit proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally a valid letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability.
• An SF-15 is desired, but not required.
• If applying to a vacancy opened Status and you are requesting consideration under Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) (***), you need to provide a copy of your last DD214 (member-4 copy), which verifies your military service dates, reason for separation, OR certification of separation that shows a discharge date within 120 days of the closing of this announcement, and eligibility for consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act.
• FEDERAL APPLICANTS: You must submit SF-50(s) that verify your highest competitive grade, full performance level, and eligibility as a federal applicant.
• DO NOT submit an award SF-50 as these often do not verify grade or eligibility.
• For consideration for a promotion, Box 4 of the SF-50 must show a date that is at least 52 weeks prior to the job announcement closing.
• We recommend submitting your last promotion SF-50 or within-grade increase SF-50.
• Pay adjustment raise SF-50s for the current year will not support the 52 weeks' time-in-grade requirements. *** NON COMPETITIVE APPLICANTS: If requesting concurrent consideration for Non-competitive (NC) appointment eligibility, you must provide the appropriate SPECIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY DOCUMENTS, such as PCS orders (military spouse) describing move & marriage certificate; letter from VA or DD214 describing 100% disability of spouse; letter from State Vocational Office certifying disability (schedule A), etc. For more information, visit military spouse NC appointments or Persons with Disabilities NC appointments.
• DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting minimum requirements for position and scoring at least an 80) and provide all of the following documents: your most recent performance appraisal, the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.
• Displaced employees may be eligible for ICTAP or CTAP priority consideration.
• For more information, please review the OPM Employee's Guide to Career Transition.
• Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position.
• Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents.
• Uploading documents to USAJobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system.
• You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.

What to expect next

You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com. (Select "My USAJOBS" and click "Applications"). Within two weeks of the closing date, a Human Resources Specialist will evaluate your application.

Ratings will be determined based on the documents and information received by the closing date. Qualified candidates will be assigned a category, not including points that may be assigned for veterans' preference. The most highly qualified candidates are then referred to the hiring manager for further consideration.

If the vacancy was advertised under category rating, then the appropriate veteran's preference will be applied. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly. Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status.

Additional information

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: PHYSICAL EFFORT: Typical assignments require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving agility, cramped positions, kneeling, crawling, bending, stooping, entering cramped compartments, working near/around high voltage and moving machinery in restricted spaces.

Lifts objects up to 50 pounds, occasionally may lift and carry objects over 50 pounds, although assistance is usually available. Good vision with or without glasses is required. Ability to distinguish color code of wires and depth of perception also is required.

Must be able to detect unusual noise or odor emanating from electrical/mechanical systems.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Usually works in engine compartments of vessels which are extremely noisy. May also work in inclement weather, extreme heat, under direct sunlight or extreme cold on open decks, wet or windy areas. May be required to board vessels in all conditions.

Must be willing to travel on river, lakes and various other inland waterways requiring staying overnight, both on shore and offshore.

Is exposed to burns, shocks, noise, bruises, broken bones, cuts, and drowning. The equipment, tools, and tasks involved with this position require that the incumbent constantly apply safe work methods and special care as to avoid serious injuries to self and other workers.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment.

In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, ***.

To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.