Small Craft Operator

Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Small Craft Operator. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.

Duty Location: Antioch, California

• Serve as a boat operator in support of the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) and associated aquatic resource monitoring and research activities in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and San Francisco Bay estuary (Bay-Delta).

• As part of a team, identify meaningful changes in any significant water quality parameters potentially related to operation of the State Water Project (SWP) or the Central Valley Project (CVP) and reveal trends in ecological changes potentially related to SWP/CVP operations.

• Participate in monthly sampling of water quality, phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthos at some two dozen stations stipulated by the California State Water Resources Control Board in its Revised Water Right Decision 1641.

• Responsible for the safe operation of the research vessel, Delta Marine, including maintaining the boat in operating condition by performing general maintenance, scheduling repairs, replenishing supplies, loading cargo, etc.

• The R/V Endeavor accommodates a crew of up to 10 for daily operations and accommodates a crew of 6 for longer overnight studies.

• Operating the 50-foot, R/V Endeavor engaged in aquatic resource monitoring and research and hydrographic survey work. The vessel has a 15.3-ft beam, displaces 25 net tons, has a 3.5-ft draft, and is powered by twin Cummins 6.7 inline six cylinder diesels each rated at 480 hp.

• Maneuver the vessel in tide rips, narrow channels, and in close proximity to rocks, shoals, and other vessels, allowing for propeller effect at low speeds, tendency to carry headway, and piloting effect of rudder movements during turns.

• Operate electronic equipment such as radars, communication radios, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and depth sounders for best reception, accurate null, proper range and clearest image.

• Interpret navigation and current charts, light lists, coast pilot and other pilot publications to determine channels, shoals, navigation aids, shipping lanes, landmarks, shore appearance, safe operating depths, and course.

• Operate, train, and supervise scientific personnel in the operation of the physical systems and oceanographic equipment aboard the vessel.

• Keep engines in operating condition by checking and making minor engine repairs and adjustments; replacing simple, readily accessible parts; checking and adding fuel, lube-oil, and battery water; cleaning strainers, filters and fuel lines.

• Direct and instruct the use of safety equipment such as first aid materials, floatation devices, fire extinguishers, water spray monitors, and emergency signals.Your application materials must demonstrate sufficient experience and training to perform the duties of this position without more than normal supervision. Qualifications will be determined on the basis of information submitted within your resume and responses to the assessment questions. For information about qualifications for Federal Wage System positions please, visit OPM.

Minimum qualifications for trades and labor positions are determined by evaluation of job elements. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements in order to be considered qualified for this position.

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.

Time-In-Grade: Current career or career-conditional employees of the Federal government, or former career or career-conditional employees, who have a break in service of less than one year, are required to meet the time-in-grade restriction of one year of Federal experience at the next lower-grade, with few exceptions outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b). Applicants eligible under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) are not required to meet time-in-grade restrictions in order to be considered.

Selective Placement Factor: This position requires a current, valid U.S. Coast Guard License to operate vessels up to 50 gross tons with current endorsement in coastal and inland waters. Failure to provide proof of such license will cause you to be rated ineligible for this position.

You must meet all Eligibility and Qualification requirements, including time-in-grade restrictions and any selective placement factors if applicable, by 05/08/2024.