Selectee will be assigned to the NOAA Ship Henry Bigelow, homeported in Newport, RI. 

The Chief Engineer (Rotational 30/30) onboard the NOAA ship Henry Bigelow will allow individual to be assigned to the specific ship for a total of 6 months per year and up to 6 months off (paid training will occur in “off ship” time).The Pilot Program consist of two engineering teams that will work approximately a 30 day on / 30 day off schedule, the dates being determined by project and scheduled in ports. In the event the Pilot Program is terminated for any reason, you will be placed in a vacant Chief Engineer position within the fleet or you may apply to enter the Relief Pool.

The NOAA Ship Henry Bigelow’s primary mission is to study and monitor fish stocks.  Also conducts habitat assessments and surveys marine mammal and seabird populations from Maine to North Carolina. Henry B. Bigelow conducts both acoustic and trawl surveys. For its acoustic surveys, the ship uses a vertical beam echo sounder (VBES) and a multibeam echo sounder (MBES) to study fish and plankton biomass. The VBES provides information on fish depth, location, and size. The MBES has a fan-shaped beam that surveys a swath of ocean. Henry B. Bigelow’s unique MBES--one of only three systems of its type worldwide--acquires data from both the water column and the sea floor. The ship conducts trawl sampling with a standardized, three-bridle, four-seam bottom survey net equipped with a rockhopper sweep. The trawls sample the biomass of fish in a given survey area. This helps scientists learn what species are in observed fish schools and gather other biological data.

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

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. 

Base Salary listed, salary does not reflect Overtime Earned.

Requirements:  OMAO Professional Mariners are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted 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 or before appointment or onboarding with the agency. 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.

The Referral Bonus is only available to eligible NOAA employees.

LICENSING AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Must possess a United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with Chief Engineer Motor endorsement/license with appropriate tonnage and horsepower for specific ship(s). 

    

2. Must possess the USCG Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping (STCW) with Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (OICEW) STCW III/2 or STCW III/3 for appropriate to ship assignment;

    

3. STCW III/5 Able Seafarer Engine.  

    

4. Must possess a valid and current Federal EPA Universal Certification.  

    

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

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.  Will also be required to sign the 30/30 rotational agreement.

Once selected, you may be sent to any vessel nationwide. There is no guarantee that you will be assigned to any particular vessel or geographic location, however, 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 Engineer 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. Candidate must have superior knowledge in the operation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of shipboard machinery, propulsion systems, and engineering systems including the application of troubleshooting techniques resulting in the most effective and efficient solutions based on fundamental engineering principles.

    

2. Candidate must have superior knowledge in scheduling, planning, oversight and execution of all maintenance and repair activities.

    

3. Candidate must have superior ability in developing and executing budget plans, operating within constraints, identifying variances, and communicating budget performance per established policies and procedures.

    

4. Candidate must have ability to supervise engine personnel to provide leadership, guidance, mentoring and professional development.

    

5. Candidate must have demonstrated skill and knowledge in the ability to communicate with others clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

    

6. Candidate must have knowledge in computer operation and use of applications such as the Computerized Maintenance Management System, MS-Word, MS-Excel, and be able to access the ship’s Document Management System.

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.