Small Craft Operator (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Small Craft Operator (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Department: Department of Transportation

Location(s): Massena, New York

Salary Range: $29.42 - $40.59 Per Hour

Job Summary: This position is in the Office of Lock Operations & Marine Services, Marine Division. You will operate workboats, perform inspections, service and maintain navigation aids. You will also perform a variety of tasks involved with the maintenance and repair of vessels, equipment operations, emergency response and other related maintenance activities.

Major Duties:

• The Small Craft Operator: Operates a variety of workboats on surveys, buoy runs, inspections, service calls, emergency response, maintenance and engineering projects, and to transport personnel and supplies, etc. Keeps boats in operating condition by making routine repairs. Performs inspection and maintenance of navigation aids which consists of buoys, and fixed lights. Visits/services each navigation aid that is part of the St. Lawrence Seaway within the territorial waters of the United States. Corrects malfunctions of lights and buoys upon receipt of notice from Supervisor or Director of Lock Operations and Marine Services, or their designee. When assisting Engineering personnel and/or performing Marine Division work, operates surveying instruments and equipment both on land and water. Receives assistance from and provides direction to laborers or marine helpers. The ideal candidate must possess the appropriate, current, and valid U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), endorsement(s), USCG Medical Certificate, and a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). They must have demonstrated knowledge and experience as a marine vessel operator (Master or Mate) on the St. Lawrence River, Great Lakes, or similar in the performance of the following without direct supervision: Safely operating marine vessels as Master or Mate Operating deck machinery and equipment. Maintaining marine vessels to established standards. Servicing or maintaining aids to navigation (e.g., buoys, lights) or other marine related devices Supporting a variety of marine operations. *PLEASE NOTE: Given our continuing need for top professionals in this field, we will review applications after the first 30 days of the vacancy opening. Then after, applications will be reviewed on an as needed basis

Qualifications: Qualifications for the position are based on the training, experience, or other requirements that determine which applicants would be able to perform satisfactorily in the position to be filled. For WG-08 Level: This is a developmental position; applicant must be eligible for a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Medical Certificate, and USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as NATIONAL OPERATOR OF UNINSPECTED PASSENGER VESSELS (OUPV) upon the Great Lakes and the above must be obtained within 1 year and must remain current and valid. Failure to successfully complete the training and obtain the required documentation outlined above may result in being separated from employment with the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway. To qualify for the WG-08, your experience should include experience as a documented crew member in a marine vessel deck or engineering department or in serving as marine personnel onshore performing the following: Operating deck machinery and equipment. Maintaining marine vessels and/or facilities to established standards. Servicing or maintaining aids to navigation (e.g., buoys, lights) or other marine related devices Supporting a variety of marine operations. For WG-10 Level: You must have a current and valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Medical Certificate, and USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as NATIONAL OPERATOR OF UNINSPECTED PASSENGER VESSELS (OUPV) or greater upon the Great Lakes or superseding routes and must remain current and valid with further upgrades to 50/100 Ton Master with associated endorsements depending on vessel types and overall USCG requirements. To qualify for the WG-10, your experience should include experience as a documented crew member in a marine vessel deck or engineering department or in serving as marine personnel onshore performing the following: Safely operating marine vessels of less than 100 gross tons Operating various deck equipment and maintaining vessels to high standards. Carrying out maintenance of aids to navigation (buoys, lights, etc.). Supporting a wide range of marine operations and specialized projects. Your application will also be rated on the following job elements: Ability to do the work of the position. Operation of Motor Vehicles. Ability to Interpret Instructions. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Mechanical (*) – Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, benefits, repair, and maintenance. Oral Communication (*) – Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Teamwork – Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals. Vehicle Operation – Knowledge of procedures for operating motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, or watercraft. 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. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. If you do not meet the minimum levels in the ability to do the work OR if you do not meet the minimum level overall, you will be disqualified.

How to Apply: You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting. Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire. You may review your saved application(s) at https://help.usajobs.gov/ If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov

Application Deadline: 2026-05-20