SMALL CRAFT OPERATOR - WG-5786-09 (10576)

Announcement TypeTARP - Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)Position TypePermanentUSACE Organization Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) - Chicago DistrictLocations (City, State)Chicago, ILPosition Overview/DutiesINTRODUCTION: Works under general supervision of the Chief of Fisheries and Monitoring Section in Chicago District, receiving minimal oral or written instructions to carry out missions on a 32-ft. sediment samplingvessel.POSITION: Small Craft Operator, WG-5786-09PERIOD OF ASSIGNMENT: PERMANENTDescription Of Assignment/Duties Works under general supervision of the Chief of Fisheries and Monitoring Section in Chicago District, receiving minimal oral or written instructions to carry out missions on a 32-ft. sediment sampling vessel. Operates a sediment sampling survey launch that is greater than 26 feet in length, with a 4-foot extension, engine protection bar. The launch is equipped with twin outboard engines having up to 300 H.P. total, a 32 H.P. generator, a hydraulic boom crane and a passenger and cargo capacity of up to 4,500 pounds. Requires knowledge of the load capability of the launch which varies with the type of load and wind/weather conditions. Operates the launch in waterways with danger areas, limited sight distance, shallow harbors and narrow channels in all seasons and weather conditions except during freeze-up and major storms. Is required to transport survey party members and equipment to and from work sites. Will be required to transport the vessel launch by trailer from one port to another using a government truck. Drives and backs the truck with boat/trailer in traffic, over highways and uneven roads and grounds, and in narrow or crowded areas. Carefully applies hydraulic and/or electric brakes to prevent slipping, tipping, or jackknifing. These trips may be of a short distance (10 miles) or of longer distances, up to 600 miles with overnight stops in between. On shorter trips, may transport the boat by open water. Launch is equipped with navigation equipment used during all phases of operation. Ensures at least one other crewmember is properly trained in the operation/maintenance/towing and caring of the survey launch. Operator must have at minimum an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel Coast Guard Captains License with a Radar Observer endorsement and have a good working knowledge of the rules of the road, such as identification and proper actions of the stand-on and give-away vessel in crossing situations when and how to execute changes of course or speed, and to best advise other vessels of the operator intent. Keeps launch properly fueled, which requires the storage, handling, and transfer of fuel cans from truck to boat. Operator must have knowledge of engines and control operation. During sediment surveys, work is performed in areas ranging from open waters (several nautical miles outside harbor breakwaters) to very confined areas in smaller rivers (100 feet from bank-to-bank). Monitors weather radio for changes in weather which could affect safe operation of the launch. Notifies crew members when sea conditions are becoming unsafe for operating. Operator is required to maintain a constant watch for ship/boat traffic during sounding operations. Traffic will be moderate and range from commercial ships 600 ft to 1000 ft in length to small recreational boats. Warns approaching vessels of sediment survey operations and directs/accommodates the movement of traffic around the work site. This is accomplished by either visual techniques (hand signals) or by marine VHF radio, requiring proper communication vernacular. Also uses appropriate marine VHF radio to contact bridge tenders to request the bridge to be lifted to allow safe passage. While using a left/right steering indicator from a computer using Global Positioning System (GPS), navigates the launch on a predetermined course using HYPACK (visually or aided by compass/GPS) and taking into account current weather/sea conditions, maintaining a constant vessel speed, with deviation from course within allowable USACE standards. Predetermined course may be either upstream/downstream or across the channel, which increases potential safety hazards. Must be able to operate electrical equipment such as, but not limited to, a generator, VHF radios, depth sounders and adjust them for proper operation. As needed, operator navigates the launch to come along other vessels, including other USACE floating plant (tugs and derrick barges). These maneuvers require the operator to respond to propeller effect at low speeds, tendency to carry headway, the pivoting effect of rudder movements during turns, the effect of leeway due to high winds and seas and course disruptions due to wave actions. Operator has knowledge of local weather patterns and sea conditions and tendencies to ensure a proper course to shelter and safe harbor when conditions turn hazardous. In smaller rivers, extreme care must be used to avoid damage to launch from hitting concrete/sheet pile dock, boat dock piers, which includes propeller damage from striking bottom, and damage to private recreational vessels moored along the Federal channel. May be required to record the readings and other data in a field book and maintain watch for other vessel traffic as stated earlier in this paragraph. During the normal working season, performs preventative/operator maintenance on vessel and its mechanical equipment such as cleaning, greasing and oil changes, which includes the trailer. Recognizes improper operation in order to secure repairs or adjustments, noting same and reporting maintenance or repair work required. During the off-season performs operational repairs and lubrications to the survey launch vessel and its equipment, which includes the trailer. Ensures all required safety equipment is onboard and is in proper working condition. Will submit a proposed list of needed repairs annually. Assists with boat operation and maintenance of vessels less than 26 ft. throughout the Chicago District as needed. This includes, but is not limited to, assisting in the operation and maintenance of electrofishing boats, small john boats, and other various survey vessels. Maintain the storage facility that boats are kept in by ensuring appropriate deliveries of services and ensure the facility is compliant based on USACE Safety Inspection Standards. Performs other duties as assigned. Other Conditions and Requirements APPLICABILITY/AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. WHO MAY APPLY: US Citizens APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS:Experience Requirement Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Small Craft Operator without more than normal supervision. You must have the ability to perform common tasks of a Small Craft Operator. Under normal supervision, you must have limited experience performing Small Craft Operator skills to include: operating a variety of boats, work boats, or towboats, ranging in size up to 104 feet in length, line handling and electronic navigation systems. Work under normal supervision of a section chief who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this will Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. Physical Effort -Incumbent is required toexert moderate physical effort in maintaining equipment on boat, and to handle sampling equipment. Incumbent must possess depth and color perception and be able to see in low visibility conditions in order to operate boat. Incumbent is required to operate a commercial motor tow vehicle in order to get to and from the vessel, or transfer vessel from worksite to worksite. Working Conditions: Operators work in an enclosed cabin when steering vessel. They work on deck and in cramped quarters, when making repairs to deck and engine. There is exposure to traffic hazards, especially in foggy weather and at night; and there is danger of falling overboard and drowning. Competencies needed for the position: LIST IN BULLET FORM Leadership Safety CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: One-year probationary period may be required. This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of up to 75% of the time. Appointment may be subject to suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. Position is designated as Non-Sensitive-. (IF APPLICABLE) Add any other conditions of employment per Position Description This position requires a minimum of an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel Coast Guard Captains License with a Radar Observer endorsement. This position requires a valid motor vehicle operator's license prior to appointment and maintain the license for the duration of employment. This position requires a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License for the state of Wisconsin, Illinois, or Indiana prior to appointment and must maintain the license for the duration of employment. Must be able to obtain Corps of Engineers Small Craft Operator License within six months of appointment. This position requires Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) over 75% of the duty time. This position is covered by the Civilian Drug Abuse Testing Program. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019-R "Condition of Employment for Certain Civilian Positions Identified as Critical under the Drug Abuse Testing Program". Thispositionrequiresaphysicalexam. Incumbentissubjecttocallbackdutyduringemergencysituations. Must possess and maintain CPR and Basic First Aid certificates or obtain said certificates within one year after appointment. Incumbent is required to wear protective equipment and/or clothing (e.g., PFD, hard hat, coveralls, gloves, safety footwear, hearing protection) as appropriate. Occasional weekend work may be required to support mission requirements. 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. . Other Essential Information Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act [ST1] [ED2] . Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative. This announcement may be used to fill like vacancies for three months after the closing date. This position MAY be eligible for situational telework only, including emergency and OPM prescribed "Unscheduled Telework". All qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. Direct deposit of pay is required. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs MAY BE authorized. Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment. Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration. Point of contact for this announcement is Nicholas Barkowski at Nicholas.a.barkowski@usace.army.mil. 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. [ST1] We don’t usually put this on the JOA, but if we do, need to make sure it’s accurate.[ED2] One of the CHRA Reps in MVK included in feedback to an announcement we sent her as a “draft”.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factorTo learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job ElementsFWS Qualifications: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=Job-ElementsReasonable AccommodationReasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.