Engineer (Diesel).

About the Role

This position is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of engine room machinery, auxiliary plants, electrical systems, refrigerating, plumbing, heating systems, and related equipment aboard a towboat. The role involves both routine and emergency maintenance, troubleshooting, and improving work methods to ensure the vessel remains operational and safe.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate engine room machinery, including periodic checks of auxiliary plants, electrical systems, refrigeration, plumbing, and heating systems.
• Plan and execute regular work schedules while responding to emergency repairs and maintenance needs.
• Perform general housekeeping, repairs, and maintenance aboard the towboat, including painting, cleaning, and preserving the vessel’s interior and exterior.
• Adjust, tune, oil, clean, test, maintain, and repair main propulsion engines and auxiliary systems to ensure optimal working conditions.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, diagnose issues, and determine necessary repairs, parts, or services to restore functionality efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Stand watch in the engine room during equipment operation and provide technical assistance across all shifts when required for multi-shift operations.
• Maintain accountability of parts, supplies, and tools while determining necessary repairs or modifications.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, including a background investigation.
• This is a safety-sensitive position under the Department of Transportation’s Drug and Alcohol testing rules.
• Requires a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter to ensure physical fitness for duties.
• Approximately 75% of the time may involve temporary duty (TDY) away from the permanent duty station, including extended periods living aboard the towboat.
• Must be willing to obtain and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License within two years of employment (copy required if currently held).
• Regularly required to lift up to 50 lbs., with occasional lifting of up to 100 lbs.
• Position may be designated as mission essential and non-sensitive, with no access to classified information.

Qualifications

• Open to U.S. citizens only.
• Experience must be clearly described in your resume, including paid, unpaid, or volunteer work (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, professional, philanthropic, or community organizations).
• Transcripts may be required if qualifying based on education.
• Minimum qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to perform the work of an Engineer (Diesel) without more than normal supervision, including maintaining, inspecting, and repairing propulsion engines and auxiliary systems, managing parts/supplies, and determining necessary repairs or modifications.

Physical Effort and Working Conditions

• Frequent heavy physical effort, including lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying items up to 50 lbs. (occasionally 100 lbs.).
• Extended periods of standing, kneeling, bending, walking on steel decks, working aloft, climbing ladders, and entering small, cramped, wet, or confined spaces.
• Work is performed in environments with fumes, high heat, noise, and cramped conditions, with risks of cuts, bruises, burns, or traumatic injuries.
• Majority of work is on the water, with hazards including drowning and exposure to all weather conditions.
• Subject to call at any time to restore navigation channels, locks, and dams to operational status.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, and other rewards designed to support a fulfilling career. Eligibility depends on the type of position (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).