Dredging Equipment Operator (Trainee) Job in Saint Louis, MO

Vacancy No. CEDC-27-13100612-DHA Department U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Salary $30.88 to $36.05 Grade 8 to 8
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/26/2026 Close Date 11/9/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Saint Louis, MO


Dredging Equipment Operator (Trainee)

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
St. Louis District; Operations Division - Dredge Potter

Summary

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: Operates specific dredge equipment required for dredging operations.

NOTE: This position is a Permanent, Full-Time Seasonal Appointment.

Duties

  • Assist in assembly and disassembly of marine equipment.
  • Control dredge pump and jetting pumps.
  • Read and understand technical manuals and directives.
  • Determines when suction head should be cleaned from readings on vacuum gages.
  • Enters information into computer program to determine cut length, alignment and new setups.
  • Operates a 26 foot motor boat to assist in conducting hydrographic surveys of navigable rivers and or to inspect the dredging operations.
  • Uses motorboat to conduct before and after dredging soundings of the river, and /or, to mark dredge cuts for the dredge and derrick boat.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • A pre-employment physical is required; additional follow-up physical exams are required.
  • The duties of this position meet the criteria for compliance with Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs. This position is subject to a pre-employment screening Drug Testing , and random testing thereafter.
  • Required to observe established safe working procedures; and, wear appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions.
  • Must have a valid state driver's license.
  • This position is subject to random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with ER 690-1-1218.
  • NOTE: This is a permanent position that is seasonal. Seasonal employment typically lasts approximately six months each year, but, the length may vary depend upon the needs of the organization and management.

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(n) Dredging Equipment Operator (Trainee) ~ without more than normal supervision. I am skilled in the operation of dredge equipment required for dredging operations which includes: Operating computer equipment to ensure dredge is working effectively, utilizing river currents and/or vessel movements to assist in navigation techniques, operating a small craft to conduct surveys, and performing maintenance and/or repairs to dredging equipment. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element)
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Operation of Equipment and Machinery
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Physical Effort: Incumbent continually reaches for and manipulates equipment controls simultaneously using hands and feet. The work requires moderate physical effort since the controls are relatively easy to move requiring effort comparable to lifting less than 10 pounds of weight. Incumbent stands for prolonged periods of time, and frequently climbs stairs to the pilot house. The work requires a high degree of muscular and visual coordination.
  • Working Conditions: Work is performed both inside the Pilot House and outside. When working outside, employee is frequently subjected to grease, odors, fumes, smoke, and noise. Most typical hazard are serious burns and injury from broken cables, and, from working around machinery resulting in burns and/or drowning.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Located within walking distance of Busch Stadium, home of Cardinals Baseball and Enterprise Center, home of Blues Hockey. Minutes from the world famous Gateway Arch; St. Louis Zoo and many other attractions. Lambert International Airport and Amtrak are within close proximity. Employees live in various locations in Missouri and Illinois. There is a 1% city earnings tax charged to all who live or work in the St. Louis City limits.

  • 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 may require 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.
  • This is a(n) Transportation and Distribution 24 Career Program position aligned under the Logistics Career Management Directorate.
  • 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
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 11/09/2026 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/13100612).
  • 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-W2R903 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-ST LOUIS
DO NOT MAIL
St. Louis, MO 63103
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

Build Strong With Us at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), where engineering excellence meets public service. As the Nation's premier engineering, design, and construction management agency, we deliver innovative and efficient solutions that strengthen national security, support economic growth, and reduce disaster risks for communities across the country.

At USACE, you will find meaningful work, collaborative teams, and opportunities to grow your career while making a lasting impact. We seek talented professionals with vision, creativity, leadership, and technical expertise to help solve some of the Nation's toughest engineering challenges.

Build your purpose. Build your profession. Build your future. Discover why USACE is a great place to work and Build Strong With Us.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RG-W2R903 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-ST LOUIS
DO NOT MAIL
St. Louis, MO 63103
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

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