Small Craft Operator Job in Morgan City, LA

Vacancy No. CEDC-26-13057443-DHA Department U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Salary $41.35 to $48.24 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/16/2026 Close Date 9/30/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Morgan City, LA


Small Craft Operator

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
New Orleans District, Operations Division, Technical Support Branch

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: Operators twin-engine, diesel-powered boat, usually 45 to 65 feet in length, primarily used for hydrographic surveys and placing of temporary channel markers.

Duties

  • Operate a twin-engine, diesel-powered boat.
  • Use magnetometer, side scan sonar or multi-beam transducer.
  • Perform simultaneously with monitoring the radio, navigation traffic, depth recording fathometer for safe passage of approaching vessels.
  • Make minor repairs to diesel engines, generators, air compressors and auxiliary equipment.
  • Dismantle engines and sub-assemblies.
  • Conduct inspections by checking designated engines, hulls, generator, fuel tanks, exhaust systems.
  • Operate auxiliary equipment such as; anchor, hoisting, winches, cargo booms.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Must possess at a minimum, a current and Valid Master of Great Lakes and inland steam or motor vessels of not more than 100 gross tons Coast Guard license, which requires 1 1/2 years of experience.
  • Ability to obtain appropriate district permits for operation of vessels in excess of 26 feet.
  • Ability to obtain government motor vehicle driver's permit.
  • One-year probationary period.
  • Position subject to drug and alcohol testing: This position meets the criteria for random drug and alcohol testing under the Department of Army.
  • Remote locations may require use of POV.
  • Position requires a pre-employment physical and an annual thereafter.
  • Position requires occasional duty (TDY) travel.

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) Small Craft Operator ~ without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform common task of and operation of twin-engine boat. I have a good understanding vessel capabilities, auxiliary equipment, anchor, hoisting, winches and cargo booms. I work under close supervision of a work leader or jopurney-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure all tasks are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: The incumbent occasionally lifts and carries parts and equipment weighing over 50 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: Most work is performed inside, but some work is done outside where there is danger of slipping and falling overboard. Survey work is performed in all types of weather. 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, ear muffs, etc. Incumbent may be required to sleep onboard the vessels and live in close quarters with others.

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.
  • This is a(n) (CP) 24 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.

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 09/30/2026 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/13057443).
  • 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-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.

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-W2R902 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-NEW ORLEANS
DO NOT MAIL
New Orleans, LA 70118
US

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