Assistant Master Towboat (DR).

Serves as a Pilot Trainee (Steersman) aboard the Motor Vessel Mississippi to obtain additional practical experience in river navigation and to develop increased ability to handle vessels and tows.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for deck crew in making up and breaking up tows.
• Stands a regular watch as an Assistant Master on vessels such as towboats, tenders, self-propelled dredges, and patrol boats, which operate on the Mississippi River and tributaries.
• Stands a watch with responsibility for the complete operation of the vessel and for the safety of plant and personnel.
• Personally operates controls governing navigation of the vessel.
• Directs the making and breaking of tows from the pilot house or bridge.
• Provides advice and information to commercial and government vessels concerning navigation hazards, problems, and operations that impact navigation.
• As the Master (dual-rated position), supervises duties such as appraisals, discipline actions, and approving leave.

Requirements

• Pre-employment and annual physical examination to ensure continued physical health and fitness for duty.
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, including a completed background investigation.
• Must possess a current U.S. Coast Guard Mate of Any Gross Tons and Master of Towing (Western Rivers) license.
• Subject to random drug and alcohol test screenings.
• Must sign a DA Form 7412 or Memorandum of Understanding acknowledging safety-sensitive conditions under DOT rules.
• If not already qualified, must obtain a Master of any Gross Tons (Western Rivers) license within 36 months of employment; failure may result in termination.

Qualifications

Only applicants who meet one of the following employment authority categories are eligible to apply:

• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
• Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible

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.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to perform the work of an Assistant Master Towboat without more than normal supervision, including responsibility for the complete operation of the vessel and safety of all personnel, navigation, and knowledge of river stages.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed inside an enclosed pilot house but also requires work outside, subjecting the incumbent to varying climatic conditions.
• Hazards include danger of falling overboard, falls on slippery decks or steep stairways, injury from moving machinery, and heavy river traffic at night or during foggy weather.
• Position requires varying shift work:
  • During towing season: 2 weeks on, 1 week off, working 12 hours per day.
  • During Mississippi River Commission trips: may work 45 days straight.
  • During lay-up/maintenance season: 8 days on (10 hours/day) followed by 6 days off.

Benefits

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 designed to make your federal career rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.