Department of the Interior

Small Craft Operator

New York, New York Full time

Small Craft Operator

Department: Department of the Interior

Location(s): New York, New York

Salary Range: $37.32 - $43.55 Per Hour

Job Summary: This position is located in Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island , in the Facilities Management Division. The primary purpose of this position is operating NPS vessels in New York Harbor, including small craft such as the Annie Moore (76 feet) and the Liberty II (70 feet).

Major Duties:

  • Serves as Captain in command of park vessels, including the Annie Moore (76 ft) and Liberty II (70 ft), conducting daily ferry operations transporting up to 49 passengers in support of park activities and special events. Ensures safe vessel operations in New York Harbor, overseeing navigation, passenger and cargo handling, and making operational decisions based on weather, sea, and traffic conditions. Navigates using charts and electronic systems (e.g., radar, radios), performing precise docking and maneuvering in challenging conditions, including strong currents, winds, fog, and ice. Supervises and trains deckhands to meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, directing crew operations and preparing for emergencies such as man overboard, fire, and mechanical failures. Conducts inspections and performs routine and cyclical vessel maintenance; coordinates repairs with mechanics, USCG, and shipyards; and prepares contract documents (e.g., SOW, IGE) for vessel upkeep and dry docking.

Qualifications: Requirements Continued: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications: SELECTIVE FACTOR: This position serves as Captain in command of park vessels, including the Annie Moore (76 ft) and Liberty II (70 ft), conducting daily ferry operations, and requires: (1) a U.S. Coast Guard Limited Master License for motor vessels of at least 100 gross registered tons; and (2) the ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Candidates who do not meet these requirements by the closing date will receive no further consideration. A copy of your Coast Guard license and TWIC must be included with your application package or you will not be considered. -AND - To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors: Ability To Do The Work Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT) Operation of Motor Vehicles Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order) Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation) Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Ability to Drive Safely (Non-Motor Vehicles) Reliability and Dependability as a Small Craft Operator If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors. 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. ICTAP/CTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.

How to Apply: To apply for this position, you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. To receive consideration, your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/07/2026. You must provide documentation to support your eligibility and qualification claims. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibility sections to ensure you submit the appropriate information. You will only be considered for eligibilities for which you have provided the required supporting documentation. Applications may be submitted through USAJOBS or through other authorized methods identified by the agency (e.g., third-party platforms or local outreach efforts) to support targeted recruitment under this authority. Applicants submitting materials outside of USAJOBS must: Submit a complete application package by the closing date of this announcement, and Ensure all materials are formatted and consistent with the application instructions outlined in this announcement, including resume requirements and supporting documentation. All applications, regardless of submission method, will be evaluated using the same criteria and requirements to ensure a fair and equitable hiring process. Applications received after the closing date, or that do not meet the requirements outlined in this announcement, will not be considered. USAJOBS Application Instructions Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account. Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application." Click here for USAJobs Help with "How to create an application" To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12936184 Select or add the resume you want to use for this application. Click here on how to build a resume in USAJOBS. Select documents you want included in this application. Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed. Select if you want to include your demographic information. After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site." Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application. Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown. Upload any missing required documents or optional documents. Review and Submit Application. While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position. You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement. To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job. Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-07