Second/Third Mate Hopper Dredge Job in New Orleans, LA

Vacancy No. CERG259730270709HW Department U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Salary $38.11 to $46.11 Grade 7 to 8
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/25/2025 Close Date 9/8/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
New Orleans, LA


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: Serves as Second or Third Mate on a self-propelled, sea-going, diesel powered, Class I, hopper dredge, engaged in dredging of waterways. Performs duties and carries out responsibilities in accordance with regulations governing the operation of the vessel.

Duties

  • Serves as Second or Third Mate on a self-propelled, sea-going, diesel powered, Class I, hopper dredge, engaged in dredging of waterways.
  • Maintains bridge log during watches and records movement of vessel, weather, tide, sea conditions, and other events and activities.
  • Operates controls involving the dredging and dumping function.
  • Observes gages and adjusts controls to insure optimum load.
  • Coordinates dredging activities with the navigation, movement and speed of the vessel. Records dredging production information and makes entries on multiple load data sheets.
  • Stands regularly scheduled bridge watches with duties consisting of complete navigation and control of the vessel.
  • Keeping the Ship in clean, neat and in order to avoid any hazards (to include the placement of all proper Ship Equipment in its designated place at all times when not in use).
  • The incumbent will be required to live aboard the Dredge Wheeler during his/her tour of duty, which will be 2 weeks on duty/2 weeks off duty. Normal shift is 12 hour days with shift work required to stand watch.
  • Due to the working schedule on the Wheeler, it is not a requirement to live locally, but it would be advantageous to the employee to avoid travel expenses as the Corps of Engineers does not pay transportation to and from the vessel.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • WJ -08: U.S. Coast Guard License as Second Mate of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage Upon Oceans, or a higher license, with an endorsement for Radar Observer, unlimited (you must provide a copy of your license at the time of application).
  • WJ-07: U.S. Coast Guard License as Third Mate of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage Upon Oceans, or a higher license, with an endorsement for Radar Observer, unlimited (you must provide a copy of your license at the time of application)
  • Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 7412, Condition of Employment for Certain Civilian Positions Identified Safety-Sensitive Under the DOT, Federal Highway Administration Rules on Drug and Alcohol Testing.
  • Position requires a pre-employment physical examination and be enrolled in the medical surveillance program that requires periodic physical examinations.
  • This position meets the criteria for random drug and alcohol testing under the Department of Army Drug-Free Workplace Program as supplemented by USACE ER 690-1-1218.
  • Heavy lifting up to 45lbs.

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. 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.

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 WJ-08 (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n)Second/Third Mate Hopper Dredge without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform the most difficult and complex tasks of a Second Mate, to include safe navigation and dredging operations of a vessel and all on-deck operations such as mooring, anchor handling, and cargo operations. I am consulted by other employees regarding tasks associated with the position. I am considered an expert and work with a high degree of independence. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Minimum Qualifications WJ-07 (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n)Second/Third Mate Hopper Dredge without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform the most difficult and complex tasks of a Third Mate, including dredge control and bridge watches, vessel navigation, dredging operations, log keeping, and deck support. I am consulted by other employees regarding tasks associated with the position. I am considered an expert and work with a high degree of independence. - 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


PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work involves standing, climbing, bending in occasionally cramped and awkward positions. Continually handles objects weighing from 5 to 40 pounds and occasionally objects over 40 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Works indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. The work environment involves considerable risk from potentially dangerous situations, including exposure to high voltage and working aboard a ship which at times could be exposed to rough seas which may create a potential personal risk. There is exposure to cuts, bruises, scrapes, broken bones and dangers of slipping from ladders and work stands.

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.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • 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 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.
  • May be selected at any grade level with non-competitive promotion potential to target grade. Non-competitive promotion potential to the target grade based on certification requirements and demonstrated ability to perform the higher graded duties.

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.

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. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

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 may be submitted in any format and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
  • 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 qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., HRS per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete and you may not receive consideration for this position.
  • For additional information 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 09/08/2025 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/12780709).
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. 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. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will 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://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), 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://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Address
RG-W2R902 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-NEW ORLEANS
DO NOT MAIL
New Orleans, LA 70118
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.


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


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