SMALL CRAFT OPERATOR Job in Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Vacancy No. CEDB-25-12809147-MP Department U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Salary $42.59 to $52.43 Grade 7 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/30/2025 Close Date 10/15/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Sault Ste. Marie, MI


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.

Duties

  • 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

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position is covered by the Civilian Drug Abuse Testing Program. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019-R "Condition of Employment for Certain Civilian Positions Identified as Critical under the Drug Abuse Testing Program".
  • This position requires a pre-employment physical exam due to the physical requirements of the position.
  • XH-07 Level: Obtain, within 1 year, and maintain small motorboat certification per USACE Small Boat Training Program requirements.
  • XH-07 Level: This position requires a valid State motor vehicle operator's license prior to appointment. (attach copy)
  • XH-07 Level: Must have the ability to obtain State of Michigan Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tank, hazardous materials, and interstate medical endorsements. Must obtain, within 1 year, and maintain, valid State Class A CDL.
  • XH-08 Level: Must obtain, within 4-years, and maintain, a USCG Merchant Mariners Credential with endorsement of Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels as Defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101 (42)(B) Upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters.
  • XH-08 Level: Must possess and maintain a valid State of Michigan Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Must obtain tank, hazardous materials, and interstate medical CDL endorsements within 1 year.
  • XH-08 and XH-09 Level: Must possess and maintain small motorboat certification per USACE Small Boat Training Program requirements. (attach copy)
  • XH-09 Level: Must possess and maintain a valid State of Michigan Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tank, hazardous materials, and interstate medical CDL endorsements. (attach copy)
  • Please see Additional Information Section for continued Conditions of Employment at the XH-09 Level.

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 Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998



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 without more than normal supervision.

XH-09 Level: I have the ability to perform common tasks to include the operation, maintenance, repair of vessels during survey missions. I can interpret navigational charts and channel survey maps to identify navigation channels, to avoid conflicts while performing surveys and other missions. 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. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

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. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

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. - 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
  • 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, and varying 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 to 60 feet.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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

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.

Benefits

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 Military Spouse preference.

You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority for this position. To receive selection priority, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria (2) be rated well-qualified for the position and; (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. To be considered well-qualified and receive selection priority applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a score of 90 or above. Additional information about the program is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc). Please review the following links to see which documents you need to provide to prove your eligibility to apply: Applicant Checklist for Internal/Merit Promotion 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
  • Proof of Eligibility to Apply: Your application must include the documents which prove you are eligible to apply for the vacancy. The Proof of Eligibility document describes authorities commonly used in merit promotion recruitment and what document(s) are required to prove you meet the requirements of the authority. You must meet the requirements of at least one of the authorities listed in the Who May Apply section above to receive further consideration.
  • 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 (include hyperlink to attachment). 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 below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/15/2025 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/12809147).
  • 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
Address
RE-W2SM07 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-DETROIT
DO NOT MAIL
Detroit, MI 48231
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 for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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