Small Craft Operator Job in International Falls, MN

Vacancy No. MW-1542-VOYA-25-12612124-OC Department National Park Service
Salary $31.95 to $37.31 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/25/2024 Close Date 4/25/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
International Falls, MN


Summary

Operate small oar, sail or mechanically propelled craft, generally under 55 meters (180 feet) in length used to transport cargo and personnel, conducting tows, and participating in resource management and protection patrols and search and rescue operations.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

We are accepting applications from US Citizens and CTAP/ICTAP: U.S. Citizens, Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program ( ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP).

Duties

The small craft operator (boat captain) will operate sightseeing trips ranging from 20 to 70 miles (round trip). These are runs on large open surface lake areas with wind fetching up to 15 miles. The boat operator must use engine power and rudder controls to maneuver the boot close to the dock nod then secure anchor lines. These operations can be hazardous and take great skill to accomplish in a safe and professional manner.

50-ton: Serve as a boat captain in command of a 49-foot and 59-foot sightseeing vessel powered by a two Cummins 610-hp engines used to transport up to 35 and 49 paying passengers on the park interpretive trips and charters on Rainy, Kabetogama, and Namakan Lakes. Have full responsibilities for instructing and directing deck hands in safe operations during docking, passenger loading, navigation, and boat underway procedures. Perform daily checks, cleaning, and minor maintenance on vessel, outboard motor, and on-board safety equipment. Report maintenance and repair needs in a timely way to the park's senior Interpretive Specialist.

This is an open continuous announcement, in which applications are collected over several months, and have multiple cut-off dates. Applications will be considered throughout the open period of the announcement. **INITIAL CUT OFF IS Friday December 13, 2024** Additional referral certificates will be issued when a hiring official exhausts current certificate and/or additional vacancies need to be filled.

Selectees receiving a first appointment to Federal Government is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males
  • Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
  • You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
  • You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
  • Government housing may be available.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:
  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
  • Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
  • Ability To Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle)
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles
  • Reliability and Dependability as a Small Craft Operator
  • Vehicle Operation
  • Work Practices (including keeping things neat, clean, and in order)


SCREENOUT: Have performed work involving the operation of small mechanically propelled crafts to transport passengers. This experience must have included: operating small craft (25 to 63 foot, single or twin screw) to transport personnel and supplies; Have navigated in a variety of water conditions including low or high water in the presence of floating debris, submerged or topographical features, under extreme weather conditions including high winds, snow and heavy rain in both daylight and non-daylight hours. Have been responsible for transporting and securing cargo and passengers, and loading/unloading materials at shorelines. Have determined load limits, weight distribution of loads and safe methods for transporting a variety of types of loads. Can lift and carry objects weighing up to 30 pounds.

SCREENOUT: Possess prior to applying and maintain during employment: 1) A U.S. Coast Guard Limited Master License for a master of motor vessels of at least 50 gross registered tons upon inland waters; 2) The selectee must be able to maintain the license and credentials prior to applying and during employment.

If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors.

Volunteer Experience: 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.

Additional information

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the National Park Service from another component, bureau or Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR 575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.

Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).

If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.

The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.

Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.

Physical Demands: Standing, stooping, bending, kneeling and climbing ramps and cramped ladders are involved. Work is often done standing for long periods and is subject to constant motion from movement of vessel, particularly in rough seas. Movement of the arms in controlling the wheel in rough seas is tiring. Lifting, carrying, and storing cargo is involved. Items weighing over ten pounds are lifted frequently, and cargo weighing over one hundred pounds is often handled (winch assistance available in many instances).

Working Conditions: Incumbent will be inside during most vessel operations but will be exposed to standing for long periods while underway. During winter operations, exposed to occasional harsh winds and extremes of wind chill factors during winter operations. When working in the engine room on repairs or adjustments, exposed to hot, cramped quarters. Noise and vibration on vessel's decks and bridge when underway are constant. Noise in engine room when engine is running is loud. Hazardous conditions can occur when decks are pitching during high seas, or when they are wet with ice or rain.

Work schedules will vary for these positions. Full time - a basic workweek of 40 hours which does not extend over more than 6 of any 7 consecutive days. or if work is sporadic and unpredictable so that a tour of duty cannot be regularly scheduled in advance, you may be placed on an Intermittent work schedule, depending on the parks needs.

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.

A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.

Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:

  • Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
  • Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
You will be evaluated on the following competencies and/or job elements:
  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
  • Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
  • Ability To Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle)
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles
  • Reliability and Dependability as a Small Craft Operator
  • Vehicle Operation
  • Work Practices (including keeping things neat, clean, and in order)

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/25/2025:

  1. Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
  2. A complete Occupational Questionnaire
  3. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
    • Veterans Preference Documentation:
      • If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
      • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
      • If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
  4. Documentation that you hold a current U.S. Coast Guard Limited Master License.
  5. Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 70 on the rating criteria for this position.
  6. These positions have either a full time or intermittent work schedule. You must select at least one or more work shedule you are willing to accept.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/25/2025.You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.

  1. Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
  2. Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
  3. Select or add the resume you want to use for this application. Click here on how to build a resume in USAJOBS.
  4. Select documents you want included in this application.
  5. Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
  6. Select if you want to include your demographic information.
  7. After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
  8. Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
  9. Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
    • Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
  10. Review and Submit Application.
  11. While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
  12. You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
    • To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
    • Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.

Agency contact information

MWR HR West Team
Address
Voyageurs National Park
360 Highway 11 East
International Falls, MN 56649
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.


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


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