Open to all qualified United States citizens. Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

(1) One vacant position aboard the NOAA Ship Fairweather, homeported in Ketchikan, AK.

Effective July 14, 2021 - Recruitment Incentive may be authorized.  OMAO is authorizing a Recruitment Bonus up to $10,000.00 for eligible applicants for a two (2) year service commitment. 

Requirements: OMAO shipboard employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee’s duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the agency, if after November 22. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement.

Serves on a ship, launch/small boat, or field party conducting hydrographic survey operations. Leads, manages, and directs survey department personnel in all hydrographic data acquisition and processing tasks. Serves as Officer-in-Charge or closely supervises particularly complex or difficult technical projects that are critical to the ship’s mission. Manages the Survey Department personnel to include evaluating and recommending candidates for survey specific qualifications, planning and directing work assignments, conducting and monitoring training activities, and review of survey data products.   Serves as rating official for survey department personnel.  Provides periodic performance counselling and reviews with survey personnel as required.  

LICENSING AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

Must possess a United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with Entry Level ratings – OS, Wiper, Steward Department (FH). 

Must possess a United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with Medical Certificate.

EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION REQUIREMENT(S):

Applicants must have One (1) year of experience at the Hydrographic Senior Survey Technician level or equivalent engaged in the hydrographic field and three years of experience in a survey related field, including: hydrography, oceanographic research, or other related field.

As a conditional of employment, your position will be a Mixed Tour position. Mixed Tour of duty is a combination of full time, part time and intermittent work schedules which allows the best utilization of resources based on the work requirements of the organization. You will be required to sign a Mixed Tour Agreement.

Your duty location will be determined by your home of record or ship’s home port. Duty locations are Norfolk, VA; Charleston, SC; Woods Hole, MA; Pascagoula, MS; Newport, OR; Kodiak, AK; Ketchikan, AK; San Diego, CA; Honolulu, HI; Newport, RI; New Castle, NH. 

Salary will be determined by locality and class of vessel. 

A two year Trial period may be required. 

Applicant must be able to obtain and hold a US Passport. 

Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable www.sss.gov 

Applicant must be a United States citizen of at least 18 years of age. 

Must be suitable for Federal employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Physical requirements in accordance with OMAO Medical Policy.  USCG Medical Clearance examinations are required to include a pre-placement examination(s) as a condition of employment per OMAO policy.  Position is subject to Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Transportation (DOT) randomized drug testing.

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: Employee must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance for the Chief Hydrographic Survey Technician position. Position is designated as a Safety-Sensitive.

Attend and successfully complete all mandatory training courses.

Be ready, willing, and able to physically perform the duties of this position.

Be ready, willing, and able to work in a shipboard environment and wear protective equipment.

NOTE: The tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to report to any of the scheduled appointments - fails the physical examination, fails the drug test, suitability or unable to obtain the required security clearance.

Applicants who meet the minimum eligibility requirements described above will be further evaluated. Documented knowledge, skills, and abilities, education, training, and awards contained in the application package and resume will be reviewed and rated to determine the degree to which applicants possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below that are essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position for which applications are being considered.

1. Knowledge of Shipboard terminology, alarm signals, standard commands, and nomenclature. 

2. Knowledge of Seamanship, to include line handling and knots, for normal as well as complex evolutions involving survey launch and ship operations, particularly when operating in near shore environments or in abnormal conditions of visibility, sea-state, or winds. 

3. Knowledge of software systems, such as HYPACK, Triton ISIS, MapInfo, ArcInfo, ArcView or Caris; computer skills to operate various software and hardware systems necessary to complete hydrographic survey operations without supervision. Computer coding and network troubleshooting.

4. Ability to operate any of the following types of hydrographic equipment: Recording echo sounder, side scan sonar, multi-beam sonar, recording CTD.  This includes advanced knowledge of physical properties in the water column which affect the transmission of sound, use of positional systems and correctors to minimize uncertainty, and ability to measure and apply vessel offsets to support software/equipment calibrations or configuration.

5. Ability to plan, organize, train, direct and assess the work of others. To include leadership and interpersonal skills required to train junior personnel in the acquisition, processing, and submission of hydrographic data.

Applicants must submit their application through OMAO's Wage Mariner Hiring Portal.

Any questions may be directed to the Civilian Personnel Management Division via email at moc.recruiting@noaa.gov

In addition to meeting the minimum conditions of employment, you will be required to scan and upload files of the following documents:

1. Front and back of United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC), United States Coast Guard license, and STCW certificate.

2. Relevant professional certificates as applicable for this position i.e. American Culinary Federation (ACF), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Universal, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), Security Plus, etc.

3. If you are a current or former federal government employee, a copy of your most recent Notice of Personnel Action (SF-50).

4. If you served in the U.S. military service, you must provide a copy of your Certificate of Discharge (DD-214) that shows the type of discharge you received. This information is located under the “Character of Service” block of your DD-214. If you are claiming 10 points or higher veteran’s preference you must provide supporting documentation such as a completed Application for Preference (SF-15) www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf.

Additional information on veteran’s preference is available at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/

You will also be required to provide a copy of the VA Rating Decisions for 10point consideration.

5. Job related honors, awards, and special accomplishments; for example, military, government or recognized professional organizations related to the maritime field and performance awards. You will be able to upload and store versions of these documents in your secure online profile.

NOTE: It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the documents scanned and uploaded are legible.

Applicants may be interviewed prior to being selected for employment.

Failure to provide the required information requested for this position will adversely affect your eligibility. Federal job applicants who make a false statement in any part of the application could be turned down for the job; removed after beginning work; or subject to fine, imprisonment (U.S. Code, title 18, section 1001), or other disciplinary action.

NOAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All applicants meeting minimum qualifications will receive consideration without regard to
race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political
affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.