Seasonal Small Craft Operator
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Job Location:
International Falls, MN - USA
Hourly Salary:
$ 32 - 38
Posted on:
3 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Summary
This position is located in a National Park Service Unit. The primary purpose of this position is the operation of small oar sail or mechanically propelled craft generally under 55 meters (180 feet) in length used to transport cargo and personnel conducting tows and participating in resource management and protection patrols and search and rescue operations.
The small craft operator (boat captain) will operate sightseeing trips ranging from 20 to 70 miles (round trip). These are runs on large open surface lake areas with wind fetching up to 15 miles. The boat operator must use engine power and rudder controls to maneuver the boot close to the dock nod then secure anchor lines. These operations can be hazardous and take great skill to accomplish in a safe and professional manner.
50-ton: Serve as a boat captain in command of a 49-foot and 59-foot sightseeing vessel powered by a two Cummins 610-hp engines used to transport up to 35 and 49 paying passengers on the park interpretive trips and charters on Rainy Kabetogama and Namakan Lakes. Have full responsibilities for instructing and directing deck hands in safe operations during docking passenger loading navigation and boat underway procedures. Perform daily checks cleaning and minor maintenance on vessel outboard motor and on-board safety equipment. Report maintenance and repair needs in a timely way to the parks senior Interpretive Specialist.
Could be scheduled to assist the other maintenance employees as required to meet the program objectives. Other duties will require less than 30% of the small craft operators time. Other duties will be in the fields of carpentry plumbing electrical and custodial services. On occasion will serve as a work leader for a deck hand when assigned to assist in boating operations.
Cut-off Dates: This is an open continuous announcement in which applications are collected over several months and have multiple cut-off dates. Applications received by the initial cutoff date will be considered first. **INITIAL CUT OFF is Monday December 29 2025** Applications will be considered throughout the open period of the announcement however additional referral certificates will only be issued when a hiring official exhausts current certificate and/or additional vacancies need to be filled.
Area Information
Government Housing May Be Available
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota. The park encompasses over 218000 acres of boreal forest and water along the Canadian border. The park is a class one air shed and the lakes of the park are identified as outstanding resource value waters within the State. Lakes include Rainy Kabetogama Namakan and Sand Point; along with 26 smaller remote lakes. The area made up a portion of the Voyageurs highway that opened the North American Continent to European settlement. The waterways of the park were integral to the growth and movement of the Ojibwe people of the region.
The majority of work in the park requires access via boat in the summer or snowmobile in the winter. During winter operations the park maintains over 100 miles of snowmobile trails and 25 miles of ice roads. Within the park there are over 200 campsites 4 visitor centers; and a concession operated hotel only accessible by boat snowmobile or plane; there are 45 miles of trails; 3 boat launches; and about 15 miles of roads. Designated as an international dark sky park in 2020 the park offers one of the best year-round dark sky viewing opportunities in the state.
The park is adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park. International Falls is the full-service gateway community at the north entrance offering a hospital two medical clinics shopping schools community college movie theater bowling alley community center and churches. International Falls also serves as the gateway to Canada so those who are visiting may also include a day trip to our sister city Fort Frances Ontario
Park website: Voyageurs National Park Facebook
Instagram handle: @voyageursnps
Conditions of employment
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
- Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males
- Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
- Drug Testing: You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to addition this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
- Incidental Driving: You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists) you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued drivers license that is current and has not been revoked suspended canceled or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State issued drivers license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation and again every year or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly you may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities) and at your own expense all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid drivers licenses whether current or past possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State drivers license.
- Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
- *Additional Requirements located under qualifications*
Qualifications
To qualify for this position you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:
- Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
- Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
- Ability To Interpret Instructions Specifications etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
- Ability To Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle)
- Operation of Motor Vehicles
- Reliability and Dependability as a Small Craft Operator
- Work Practices (including keeping things neat clean and in order)
SCREENOUTS:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Have performed work involving the operation of small mechanically propelled crafts to transport passengers. This experience must have included: operating small craft (25 to 63 foot single or twin screw) to transport personnel and supplies; Have navigated in a variety of water conditions including low or high water in the presence of floating debris submerged or topographical features under extreme weather conditions including high winds snow and heavy rain in both daylight and non-daylight hours. Have been responsible for transporting and securing cargo and passengers and loading/unloading materials at shorelines. Have determined load limits weight distribution of loads and safe methods for transporting a variety of types of loads. Can lift and carry objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
USCG LIMITED MASTER LICENSE: Possess prior to applying and maintain during employment: 1) A U.S. Coast Guard Limited Master License for a master of motor vessels of at least 50 gross registered tons upon inland waters; 2) The selectee must be able to maintain the license and credentials prior to applying and during employment.
If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient you will receive no further 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.
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.
Additional information
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402b7) based on series and grade anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).
If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period you are still welcome to apply. However please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.
The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours unless granted an exception by OPM.
Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels project needs employee performance or other considerations.
Physical Demands: Standing stooping bending kneeling and climbing ramps and cramped ladders are involved. Work is often done standing for long periods and is subject to constant motion from movement of vessel particularly in rough seas. Movement of the arms in controlling the wheel in rough seas is tiring. Lifting carrying and storing cargo is involved. Items weighing over ten pounds are lifted frequently and cargo weighing over one hundred pounds handled (winch assistance available in many instances).Working Conditions: Incumbent will be inside during most vessel operations but will be exposed to standing for long periods while underway. During winter operations exposed to occasional harsh winds and extremes of wind chill factors during winter operations. When working in the engine room on repairs or adjustments exposed to hot cramped quarters. Noise and vibration on vessels decks and bridge when underway are constant. Noise in engine room when engine is running is loud. Hazardous conditions can occur when decks are pitching during high seas or when they are wet with ice or rain.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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 that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Key Skills
- Forklift
- Calipers
- Basic Math
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Math
- Packaging
- Mechanical Knowledge
- Paving
- Fireworks
- Clamp Truck
- Excavator
- Manufacturing
