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


Job Location:

Massena, NY - USA

Hourly Salary: USD 29 - 29
Posted: 6 October 2026 (21 days ago)
Application Deadline: 24 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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.


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 appropriatecurrent 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


Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • You must be a and eligible for consideration.
  • You must meet specialized experience to qualify.
  • Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

  • PHYSICAL EXAM REQUIRED:This position has strenuous physical requirements. You will be required to successfully complete a physical exam and a functional capacity test at the expense of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway before being placed in the position. You may be assigned to duties requiring the use of a respirator. You will be fit tested for a respirator upon entering the position. You will be required to be clean-shaven for the initial fit-testing and for any future assignments requiring the wearing of the respirator.
  • REQUIRED TRAINING/LICENSE for WG-08 level: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 tosuccessfully complete the training and obtain the required documentation outlined above may result in being separated from employment with the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway.
  • REQUIRED LICENSE 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.

PLEASE SEE THE OTHER INFORMATION SECTION FOR ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT.

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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
  • GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
  • DRUG TESTING:This position is designated as safety sensitive under the provisions of DOT regulations. You will be subject to a pre-employment drug test and be subject to periodic random testing for illegal drugs.
  • DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENT:You must have and be able to maintain a Class D Drivers License.
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:Due to the location of our agency and the duties of this position you must be able to enter Canada in accordance with Canadian law and re-enter the United States.
  • PHYSICAL EFFORT: You will occasionally lift and carry parts and equipment weighing 80 to 100 pounds. Moderate effort is required during general maintenance work. Perception of distance and motion and coordination of hands and eyes are necessary when operating controls to maneuver the boat. The operator must stand at the controls for long periods of time and climb narrow steep stairways and ladders. Must walk over rough uneven terrain climb buoys and towers up to 80 high and board craft from docks or shoreline areas or other vessels while in motion.
  • WORKING CONDITIONS: Works in shop areas pilot house on deck or in engine compartments of vessels. Outside work may be in inclement weather extreme heat under direct sunlight or extreme cold on open decks to include wet or windy areas. May be required to board vessels in all conditions. Must travel during season on river lakes and various other inland waterways requiring staying overnight both on shore and off shore. Is exposed to burns shocks noise bruises broken bones cuts and drowning. The equipment tools and tasks involved with this position require that you constantly apply safe work methods and special care as to avoid serious injuries to self and other workers.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Actprohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicants criminal history recordbeforethat individual receives a conditional offer of employment.In accordance with5 U.S. Code 9202(c)and5 C.F.R 920.201certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act.Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at. To learn more please visit our page at:The Fair Chance to Compete Act US Department of Transportation

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

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.

Review our 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.


Required Experience:

IC