2ND ASST ENGINEER DIESEL TOWBOAT Job in Memphis, TN

Vacancy No. CEDC-26-13022217-DHA Department U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Salary $35.34 to $41.22 Grade 8 to 8
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/29/2026 Close Date 8/10/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Memphis, TN


2ND ASST ENGINEER DIESEL TOWBOAT

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
OPERATIONS DIVISION - REVETMENT BRANCH

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce in Competitive Serviceto recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: Serves as a 2nd Assistant Engineer on the Motor Vessel Mississippi towboat operating in inland waters of the US. Stands a shift watch and supervises the work of the crew on the shift composed of employees in any of several trade occupations.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

  • Serve as a shift engineer on a self-propelled, U.S. Coast Guard inspected, diesel-powered towboat (screw type) engaged in towing operations and inspections with passengers on inland waterways.
  • Stand a regular watch and be immediately responsible for efficient, continuous operation of all engine-room machinery
  • Conduct periodic inspections of all equipment, make minor adjustments and emergency repairs and ensure all moving parts are properly lubricated.
  • Check relay switches for proper functioning and monitor controls, gauges, alarms, computer screen printouts of engine-room machinery, equipment, and fire protection systems.
  • Direct supervision over striker on the same watch and supervise crew and make maintenance repairs to engine-room machinery.
  • Instruct and train subordinates in established procedures and methods, and observe work for accuracy and compliance.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Must possess a U.S. Coast Guard Assistant Engineer license commensurate with the type engine room machinery and equipment, horsepower, and characteristics of the vessel to which assigned.
  • This position requires an pre-employment and annual physical.
  • This position is covered by the DOT rules and USACE ER 690-1-1218. May be subject to random alcohol and drug testing on an unannounced basis.
  • The duties of this position require occasional temporary duty (TDY) travel.
  • See Additional Information Section for further details of the position.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) 2ND ASST ENGINEER DIESEL TOWBOAT without more than normal supervision. assisting in the repair, replacement, maintenance, and modification of engine-room machinery, including ONE or MORE of the following: propelling engines, generators, relays, starters, air compressors, fuel pumps, water filter pumps, fire pumps, propeller and rudder mechanisms, refrigeration plant, boiler for house facilities, and 77 HVAC coils. I can interpret and apply working drawings, sketches, diagrams, blueprints, and other information reflected in technical manuals needed to complete work; identify and use correct measuring instruments and tools; assemble and install equipment as needed.- Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

  • Physical Efforts: Incumbent performs work from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms and where the parts, equipment, or systems are in hard to reach places. Work requires the incumbent to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in a tiring and uncomfortable position. Frequently lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 40 pounds.
  • Working Conditions: Work is performed inside and outside, subjecting employee to varying climatic conditions, abnormal noises, temperature, danger of burns, irritation from grease and oils, bruises, strains, dangers involved in attending moving machinery, possible drowning from falling overboard, electrical shock, falls on slippery decks or steep stairways, crankcase explosion. A lifejacket is worn at all times while on deck. Work inside subject to abnormal noises and temperatures; danger of burns; irritations from grease, oil, and vapors; and dangers while attending to moving machinery.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

  • 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.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • 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.
  • Schedule: During the work season all Mississippi crew members, including this position, work a 15 days on/6 days off schedule, with the work period beginning and ending on Wednesdays. On the 15 workdays, employees remain on the Mississippi and are provided meals and lodging. This position works a 12-hour shift and may rotate between day and night shifts. During the non-work season, the crew works day shift only, with the vessel based at Ensley Engineer Yard, Memphis, TN, on either a 5-day/8-hour or 4-day/10-hr schedule. During the work season, the Mississippi will work in widespread locations in the Mississippi River.
  • This position is covered by the DOT rules and USACE ER 690-1-1218. May be subject to random alcohol and drug testing on an unannounced basis. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 7412, "Condition of Employment for Certain Civilian Positions Identified Safety-Sensitive Under The Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Rules on Drug and Alcohol Testing" or a Memorandum of Understanding.
  • Lifting requirement is 40 lbs.
  • This is a(n) Installation Management Career Field position.
  • 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..

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.

As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. Your resume:

  • Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
  • For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
  • Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
  • If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
  • For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.
2. Other supporting documents:
  • Cover Letter, optional
  • Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
  • This position requires a job-related license or certification. You MUST submit a copy of your license or certification with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/10/2026 to receive consideration

  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13022217).
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section.
  • You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
  • It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
  • Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/profile/dashboard/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RG-W2R901 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-MEMPHIS
DO NOT MAIL
Memphis, TN 38103
US

Next steps

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking (as applicable) for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

At the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), we do not just construct infrastructure; we engineer the future of our Nation. From securing vital water resource infrastructure and restoring fragile ecosystems to designing world-class facilities for our armed forces and responding to natural disasters, our work touches lives every day.

By joining USACE, you will have the opportunity to contribute to high-impact, meaningful projects, collaborate with a diverse network of dedicated professionals, and advance your career. Here, your skills do not just build structures; they build national resilience, protect local communities, and support a safer, stronger tomorrow.

Build Strong With Us - explore our opportunities and engineer your legacy today.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RG-W2R901 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-MEMPHIS
DO NOT MAIL
Memphis, TN 38103
US

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https://www.usace.army.mil/Careers/