First Mate TenderThis is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Competitive Positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: As a First Mate, Tender, assigned to the Dredge Jadwin, Operations Division, River Operations Branch, the incumbent serves as a First Mate, Tender on inland waterways.Salary: $28.70 to $33.48 per hourPay Scale & Grade: XH 5Location: Vicksburg, MSRemote job: NoTelework eligible: NoTravel Required: 50% or less - Extensive Travel is required.Relocation expenses reimbursed: NoAppointment type: PermanentWork schedule: Full-timeService: CompetitivePromotion potential: 7Job family (Series): 5784 Riverboat OperatingSupervisory status: NoSecurity clearance: Not RequiredDrug test: YesFinancial disclosure: NoBargaining unit status: YesAnnouncement number: CERG-26-12886521-HWControl number: 857756800This job is open to the public. U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.DutiesServes as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) on an inland waterway towboatStationed in the pilot house receiving on-the-job experience and exposure to the more specialized practices and procedures associated with piloting towboat.Under the immediate guidance of the journeyman pilot on watch, operates the controls governing the navigation of the vessel. Trains in steering the vessel from the pilot house, controlling the speed and direction of the engines.RequirementsConditions of employmentAppointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.Pre-Employment physical and drug screen required.A probationary period may be required.Irregular or shift work may be required.The incumbent must possess a U.S. Coast Guard license as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of towing vessels requiring 18 months deck experience on towboats operating in the western waters of the United States.QualificationsWho May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. 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. There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision. Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) First Mate Tender without more than normal supervisionwhich includes the ability to perform the full range of tasks associated with the engine room machinery and equipment including the main propelling engines, pumping engines, auxillary pumps, machinery on the vessel and attendant plant and electric/electronic systems; tasks associated with checking oil levels, monitoring generators, gearboxes, generator temperatures, and fuel levels. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.Working Conditions: Work is performed inside and outside, subjecting employee to varying climatic conditions, abnormal noises, temperature, danger of burns, irritation from grease and oils, bruises, strains, dangers involved in attending moving machinery, possible drowning from falling overboard, electrical shock, falls on slippery decks or steep stairways, crankcase explosion.Physical Effort: Incumbent performs work from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms and where the parts, equipment, or systems are in hard-to-reach places. Work requires the incumbent to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in a tiring and uncomfortable position. Frequently lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 40 poundsAll qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.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.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference. DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicants will receive preference consideration at the full-performance grade level only. Only PPP applicants currently occupying a formal training program position are entitled to exercise their priority status. Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority for this position. To receive selection priority, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria (2) be rated well-qualified for the position and; (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. To be considered well-qualified and receive selection priority applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a score of 90 or above. Additional information about the program is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.