Department of Homeland Security

Course Approval Section Chief

Martinsburg, West Virginia Full time

Course Approval Section Chief

Department: Department of Homeland Security

Location(s): Martinsburg, West Virginia

Salary Range: $121785 - $158322 Per Year

Job Summary: This vacancy is for a GS-2101-13, Course Approval Section Chief located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, NMC MARINER COURSE APPROVALS BRANCH in MARTINSBURG, West Virginia.

Major Duties:

  • You will serve as a Course Approval Section Chief and be responsible for performing as one of two Section Chiefs in the Course Approvals Branch and acts as a technical expert regarding the approval and maintenance of National Merchant Mariner Credentialing Program (MCP) Course and Program Approval System and provides advisory services and administration of the regulatory provisions and controls related to the administration of course and program approvals in support of the MCP. Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team. Typical work assignments include: Provides oversight of section Mission Activities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements Leads and manages subordinate personnel, by setting goals and standards for the section and evaluating personal and overall section performance Provides subject matter expertise regarding self and subordinate evaluations of course and program approvals Resolves complex/sensitive training and assessment issues with mariners, training providers, and staff Serves as the hiring Manager for subordinate positions

Qualifications: NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN FOR A PERIOD OF 90 DAYS. WE WILL REVIEW APPLICANTS EVERY 30 DAYS. CUT-OFF DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Feb 2, Mar 2, April 2, 2026. Applications received by 11:59EST on the above dates will be reviewed for consideration and those deemed qualified in accordance with merit promotion procedures will be referred to management for consideration. Applications received after the initial cut-off date will be considered as needed every 30 days. To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis. Supervising maritime professionals Supervising maintenance or inspection requirements on commercial vessels Training other maritime professionals in a shipboard, classroom, simulator, or other training environment Working with/applying complex maritime regulations and/or policy. NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level. Selective Placement Factor(s) must be met in order to receive further consideration. You will be given the opportunity to address these when you apply on-line. Applicant must hold or have held a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential in the grade of Chief Mate, Unlimited or higher with STCW endorsement as Officer in Charge of a Bridge Watch. National Service Experience (i.e., 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.

How to Apply: Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a resume, any applicable assessments, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. We encourage you to apply online. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on 04/02/2026. It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), 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://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. If claiming eligibility under the VOW Act: The VOW Act requires Federal agencies to treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligibles, when they submit, at the time they apply for a Federal job, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD214. In order to be considered under the VOW Act, the certification must specify that the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package for this job announcement. The certification must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by, or by direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders or higher headquarters. Agencies are required to verify a qualifying separation from military service prior to appointment, through the DD214 or other appropriate documentation. Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Daniel Benton at daniel.t.benton@uscg.mil to obtain an alternative application.

Application Deadline: 2026-04-02