Small Craft Operator

Department of the Army › U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (149 current openings)

Baltimore, Maryland

Full-time Security Clearance: Not Required

Application Deadline:

2026-08-21

Posted:

2026-08-12

2 days left to apply

Apply on usajobs.gov

Salary: $39.68 – $46.26 per hour (XH-7)

Job Details

Position Overview

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will NOT be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants should review the "How to Apply" section of this flyer for more information on how to be considered. This flyer will be used as positions become available. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer.

Duties

Ability to safely conduct survey operations away from supervision with limited ability to check in in changing weather conditions.
Operates vehicles such as pick-up trucks and four-wheel drives.
Operates motorboats up to 26 feet in length on rivers and open waters.
Steers a vessel to maintain direction and control.
Conducts fueling operations by checking levels and handling fuel hose and attachments.
Paints surfaces of floating plant such as hulls, decks, lettering, and other safety related items.
Takes care of property aboard vessel and keep all quarters clean and orderly.
Identifies defective equipment in need of repair or replacement.
Monitors lines and repair or renew to maintain safe operation.
Observes safety procedures for crew and all passengers.
Safely operates a motor vessel up to 70 feet in length in fair an inclement weather.
Follow directions while performing and/or assisting others with the repair and overhaul of equipment or machinery.
Interprets manufacturer instructions for stirring and thinning oil-based paints.
Follows power tool manuals for items such as scrapers, sanders, or brushes to prepare surfaces for paint.
Stays abreast of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) procedures for operating vessels up to 70 feet in length.
Performs general maintenance repairs to boat and other deck equipment.
Operates deck equipment such as power winches, electric boat davits and anchor windlass.
Performs leadership and maritime activities while completing debris missions.

Qualifications & Requirements

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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.

Minimum Qualifications: Ability to do the work of a Small Craft Operator, XH-5786-07 performing tasks such as: 1) Working in the maritime industry operating/maintaining survey vessels in support of hydrographic surveying; 2) Leading a crew in accomplishing surveying missions; 3) Communicating with crew members of many personalities in an enclosed environment on a daily basis; 4) Performing basic/complex maintenance tasks and the ability to troubleshoot/diagnose to remedy the situation; and using various hand tools.

Selective Placement Factor: Required to possess and maintain a valid, 100 Ton Master License with current Radar Observer and Towing Endorsement issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Included in this license is the "Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels" licensing which is required for boats over 26 feet. You will be required to maintain this license throughout the duration of your employment with the US.. Army Corps of Engineers.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: The incumbent occasionally lifts and carries parts and equipment weighing 40-50 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. Required to enter and exit engine compartment and confined spaces for repair, engine checks and inspection. May be required to climb up or down to reach the dock when entering or departing the vessel.

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 possible injuries due to working around moving machinery and in cramped quarters.

Education

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.

Conditions of Employment

Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
Must possess, and be able to maintain, a valid 100 TON Master Near Coastal Waters boat operator license with a current Radar observer endorsement issued by the U.S. Coast Guard or a recognized school.
Included in this license is the “Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels” licensing which is required for boats over 26 feet. Required to maintain this license throughout the duration of your employment.
Required to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver’s License and be qualified to drive government vehicles IAW Corps of Engineers Standards.
Requires travel and overnight trips up to 75% of the time or more.
Required to successfully pass a pre-employment physical in order to ensure ability to perform the physical requirements of this position. Will need the flexibility and agility to enter a narrow opening to access the engine room.
Requires ability to transfer between shore point and vessels under potentially adverse conditions.
Required to wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) at all times while on open decks.
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.
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 has a requirement to lift up to 50 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a First Aid and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation Certification.
Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, nights, and uncommon tours of duty for extended long periods of time.
Must be willing to work in inclement weather such as heat, cold, wind, rain or snow.

Evaluations

As vacancies occur, the Hiring Manager/Official/Human Resources Office will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this flyer. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume, along with your supporting documentation.

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.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

If selected, you may be required to provide additional supporting documentation.

Required Documents

Your complete application includes your resume and other documents which prove your qualifications and 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
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

Interested Applicants must submit resumes/application packages to: [email protected].

You must provide the vacancy announcement number CERD-26-13033140-DHA in the subject line of the email.

To apply for this position, you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

Alternate applications (e.g., facsimile applications) will not be accepted.

The complete application package must be submitted to the email address provided above by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/21/2026 to receive consideration.
Eligible applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.

Acknowledgement and Notice of Results letters will be sent by the hiring office.

The evaluation will be based on the information you provide. You should expect that we will verify performance, suitability, and security information and take that information into account in making employment offers.

Source: Data sourced from USAJOBS