Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine)
What you'd do
This vacancy is for a GS-2101-13, Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine) located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, NMC MARINER EXAMINATIONS BRANCH in location to be determined upon selection. Salary set based on location selected. Specific Salary tables can be found here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2026/general-schedule/
Major duties
You will serve as a Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine) and be responsible for expertise in mariner credentialing with specific emphasis on the examination of merchant marine personnel and the development of knowledge-based competency examinations and examination systems.. Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team. Typical work assignments include: Develops subject matter questions on marine engineering skills for knowledge-based assessments used in mariner credentialing Manages the complete lifecycle (creation, maintenance, utilization, and disposition) of the mariner assessment program to ensure efficient and compliant operations Collaborates with other specialists to resolve discrepancies and ensure examinations are accurately created, assigned, administered, and documented Monitors examination metrics, analyzes trends, and recommends process improvements Drafts and edits professional correspondence, policy documents, and administrative reports in a military or business-style format Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Reasonable Accommodation Information Open Continuous: You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. Upon application, you may be provided a testing window to complete additional assessments. This testing window may stipulate a completion deadline before the announcement closes. It is your responsibility to complete the additional online assessments within the timeline provided to remain in consideration for this vacancy announcement. Failure to complete the online assessments within the testing window for this announcement will not preclude you from being considered for and completing the online assessments during a testing window on a future announcement. NOTE: This announcement has an open period until 11/10/2026, with applicant cut-off dates every 30 days. Applications received that meet the eligibility and qualification criteria may be referred for further consideration based on the following cut-off dates: 9/11/26 10/11/26 11/10/26
What you need to qualify
To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis. Supervising engineering personnel in the management of shipboard engineering systems, including maintenance and repair operations Evaluating the proficiency and operational readiness of engineering personnel Managing shipboard maintenance programs and verifying that repairs meet quality and safety standards Developing technical documents, policy correspondence, or program-level reports in a professional or military setting NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level. Selective Placement Factor(s) must be met in order to receive further consideration. You will be given the opportunity to address these when you apply on-line. Applicant must hold or have held a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential in the grade of First Assistant Engineer, Unlimited or higher or the equivalent military experience as assistant Engineer Officer/Chief Engineer or higher and as a qualified Engineer of the Watch on vessels of greater than 4000 HP or have been employed for two or more years as a subject matter engineer expert in the Mariner Training and Assessment Division at the National Maritime Center. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.
Before you apply
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