Summary
This announcement uses the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce direct hire authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to certain positions in the competitive service.
Hiring is at the WJ-4742-07 or WJ-4742-08 level. Selection at either grade is at managements discretion.
WJ-4742-07 positions have a full performance levelofWJ-4742-08 and are eligible for non-competitive promotion once licensing requirement and full satisfactory performance is meet.
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Duties
- In this position, you will serve on a 6000 ton, 3140 cubic yard, 6000 horsepower diesel seagoing hopper dredge.
- Stands regular watch and is responsible for the proper and continuous operation of machinery and service facilities of the dredge during his shift (e.g., main and auxiliary engines, generators, pumps, etc.).
- Makes regular and/or special inspection of all operating /machinery to ensure that they are functioning properly by observing temperature gauges, pressure indicators, oil levels, etc., and reactions of machinery.
- Maintains operations log.
- Operates all equipment in engine room as may be required.
- Supervises and reviews Junior Engineers, Oilers and others as assigned to perform shift or other work. Instructs personnel under supervision in safe work methods and proper utilization of all equipment, including safety devices.
- Assists Chief Engineer in making minor and major repairs to engines, auxiliaries, facilities, and equipment.
- When assigned, takes charge of the Engine Department during dock tie-up periods.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
- Must be willing to serve a one-year probationary period, if applicable.
- Position requires a pre-employment physical, then annually thereafter.
- Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.
- Travel may be required up to 5% of the time.
- Must be willing to take and pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test and must be willing and able to pass random drug and alcohol tests thereafter.
Qualifications
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.
Basic Requirement for Position:
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element):
Ability to do the work of a 3rd Assistant Engineer (Diesel) without more than normal supervision. Your resume must demonstrate your ability to perform simple repairs to engine room equipment, read gauges and instruments during continuous operations and stand regular watch. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
Ability to do the work of a 2nd Assistant Engineer (Diesel) without more than normal supervision. Your resume must demonstrate your ability to independently perform complex repairs to engine room equipment, read gauges and instruments during continuous operations and stand regular watch. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
Job Elements
The skills, knowledge, abilities, and personal characteristics listed below are important to succeed in the job:
- Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision (Screen-out Element)
- Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
- Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
- Use of Measuring Instruments
- Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprint reading)
- Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
- Knowledge of Materials
3rd Assistant Engineer (Diesel) Licensing/Certification (Selective Placement Factor): In addition to meeting the experience requirement of this position, applicants:
- Must possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential endorsed as a Third Assistant Engineer (or higher), Upon Motor Vessels of Unlimited Horsepower; for Diesel
- Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping as an Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (or higher), and
- Must possess a valid Transportation Worker's Identification Credential (TWIC).
(Note: Applicants must provide a copy of all 3 documents listed above, at time of application or your application package will be ruled as incomplete, and you will not receive any further employment consideration).
2nd Assistant Engineer (Diesel) Licensing/Certification (Selective Placement Factor): In addition to meeting the experience requirement of this position, applicants:
- Must possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential endorsed as a 2nd Assistant Engineer (or higher), Upon Motor Vessels of Unlimited Horsepower; for Diesel
- Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping as an Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (or higher), and
- Must possess a valid Transportation Worker's Identification Credential (TWIC).
(Note: Applicants must provide a copy of all 3 documents listed above, at time of application or your application package will be ruled as incomplete, and you will not receive any further employment consideration).
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Light to moderate effort is required while standing watch and performing repairs.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works in engine room subject to loud noises and excessive temperatures. Is exposed to hazards of cuts, bruises, burns, etc. Drowning hazard exists in same degree as on other non-deck jobs.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
- This announcement uses the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce (Title 5 USC Section 9905) direct hire authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to certain positions in the competitive service.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reasonable Accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. For further information visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/reasonable-accommodations/
Working on the Hopper Dredge McFarland:
- The McFarland is in a ready reserve status and operates on the Delaware River 70 days per year. The remainder of the year is spent on performing maintenance or periods at the shipyard. The ship may also be called out to perform emergency dredging along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.
- Regular tour of duty is 15 consecutive work days, followed by 13 days off.
- Residence on board the dredge during the work period is a necessary condition of employment.
- While the dredge is operating, subsistence and quarters are provided free of charge.
- Transportation to and from the dredge is at the employee's expense.
- When the dredge is operating in the Delaware River, access to and from Philadelphia International Airport is minutes from the Ships Home Dock which is located at the Fort Mifflin Project Office.
- Access from major roads is also within minutes (I-95 & I-76).
- Parking is provided at the Fort Mifflin field office for all Crew Members.
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- Benefits
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- 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.
Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with the qualification and eligibility requirements set forth by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) located at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=WG-4700
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.
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How to Apply
Interested Applicants must submit resumes/application packages to: Michael.C.Hass@usace.army.mil
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 07/14/2025 to receive consideration.
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Agency contact information
Michael Hass Michael Hass
Email
Michael.C.Hass@usace.army.mil
Address
RD-W2SF04 US ARMY ENGINEER DIST-PHILADELPHIA
DO NOT MAIL
Philadelphia, PA 19103
US
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Next steps
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.
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