Summary About the Position: Works under general supervision of the Chief of St Marys River Section at the Soo Project Office, receiving minimal oral or written instructions outlining missions for up to 36-ft. survey vessels in the Project Office's fleet of survey boats. Responsibilities Responsible for the safety of the crew and passengers and for the safe operation and navigation of up to 1,200 HP twin outboard drive, 36-ft. survey boat primarily in open water of the upper Great Lakes and connecting channels. Navigates both rivers and harbors, as well as offshore, often with no marked locations or visual reference points as work can be over 26 miles from shore. Responsible for the protection of the boat, its equipment, and other property against hazardous weather, theft, abuse; for the enforcement of safety regulations for boat, crew and passengers. Applies skill and experience to maneuver survey vessels within restrictive areas inside port berths and near bulkheads and docks, inside tight channels and basins, around rock jetties and training walls. Acts as an integral member of the UAS team, developing, planning, and executing flights within the safety of USACE and FAA regulations. Supports data collection and equipment placement with the survey party chief for routine and emergency dam safety, as well as lock and dam maintenance activities. Arranges for fueling of the vessel in a variety of methods as needed to maintain readiness to perform the mission. Coordinates maintenance/repair work and requisition of supplies and materials necessary to maintain the boat. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. Current Department of Army Civilian Employees Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473 Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) 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(n) SMALL CRAFT OPERATOR at the XH-09 level without more than normal supervision. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating. I have the ability to perform the most difficult and complex tasks to include the operation, maintenance, repair of vessels during survey missions, independently maneuver vessels in situations with limited visibility in channels with traffic present, troubleshoot and resolve vessel issues. I am skilled in interpreting navigational charts and channel survey maps to identify navigation channels, navigation aids, reefs, borrow areas, navigational obstructions and establishes course, direction, and speeds accordingly, avoid conflicts while performing surveys and other missions. I am considered an expert and work with a high degree of independence. XH-08 Level: I have the ability to perform common tasks to include the operation and navigation of vessels on and offshore, performing routine preventive maintenance and makes minor repairs to engines, generators, air compressors, lubrication, cooling, air induction, fuel and engine starting systems. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. XH-07 Level: I have the ability to perform common tasks to include the operation, navigation, and maintenance of vessels on and offshore. I can make minor engine repairs and maintenance. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Related to Mobile Equipment Operation) Ability to Operate Safely (Non-motor Vehicles) Ability to Work with Others Knowledge of Specific Equipment, Machinery, Structure, or Components That Are Involved PHYSICAL EFFORT: The incumbent occasionally lifts and carries parts and equipment weighing over50 pounds. Moderate effort is required during general maintenance work. Coordination of hands, eyes, body and legs is needed to work safely on wet and moving decks especially when anchored in exposed locations during storms. Employee is required to sit for long periods of time in a confined area while operating the boats. Extreme mental concentration and moderate physical effort is required to maintain the vessel "on-line" when surveying and at the same time being alert to all other factors and conditions present. Incumbent is constantly exposed to noise, vibrations, andvarying degrees of physical jolting depending on the sea and wave activity. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is evenly split between indoors and outdoors, with routine work done outside where there is danger of slipping and falling overboard. Survey work is performed in all types of weather to include heavy rain, dense fog, sleet, and snow. There is exposure to traffic hazards, especially during foggy weather and at night. When making repairs and performing maintenance, is exposed to scalds, chemical bums, electrical shocks, bums, falls, and other possible injuries due to working around moving machinery and in cramped quarters in extreme heat or cold conditions at times. Incumbent is exposed periodically to a variety of fuels, oils lubricants, soaps, solvents, and chemicals. Incumbent must occasionally wear protective gear as the particular situation requires such as coveralls, rubber boots, gloves, steel-toed boots, goggles, earmuffs, etc. Work also requires use of fall protection and/or prevention methods working from heights of up to60 feet. Education Additional Information Continued Conditions of Employment for the XH-09 Level: Must obtain, within 1-year, and maintain, a USCG Merchant Mariners Credential with endorsement of Master of self-propelled vessels not including sail or auxiliary sail of less than 50 gross register tons (GRT) upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters and Radar Observer (Unlimited). Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. One year trial/probationary period may be required. Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation. Direct deposit of pay is required. This is a(n) 24 Career Field position. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest. Incentives: The following special programs/incentives may be offered if it is in the best interest of the government: Advanced in-hire (offered to new to federal service employees only) Advanced Leave Accrual (offered to new to federal service employees only) Permanent Change of Station entitlement (PCS) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives