About the opportunity
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) position within the competitive service at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Deckhand (Dual Rate) performs general maintenance and repair of deck equipment, housekeeping on a dredge, and handles mooring lines. Duties include light rigging, painting, and acting as a deckhand on small work boats. This is a 24-hour-a-day role that may require middle-of-the-night call-outs for repairs or fog-related look-out watches. The position offers noncompetitive promotion potential to Marine Machinery Repairer (WK-08) and Marine Machinery Mechanic (WK-10). The work environment involves exposure to weather extremes, noise, and physical labor, requiring the ability to lift over 45 lbs and maintain good physical condition.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range: $30.14 – $46.16 per hour (includes locality pay)
- Noncompetitive promotion potential to higher grades (WK-08 and WK-10)
- Potential for recruitment, relocation, and advanced leave accrual incentives for highly qualified candidates
- Potential for student loan repayment and advance in hire incentives
- Federal employment benefits
Who can apply?
- Must be able to perform the work of a Deckhand without more than normal supervision
- Must possess a current United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with Able Bodied Seaman (AB) endorsement or higher
- Must possess a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration
- Subject to a background investigation for suitability or fitness determination
Required documents
- Resume (maximum two pages, including employer name, job title, start/end dates, hours per week, and description of duties)
- Copy of USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and TWIC
- Responses to the online questionnaire
- Cover letter (optional)
- Most recent Performance Appraisal (if applicable)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on September 15, 2026
How to apply
- Create or log into a USAJOBS account
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing link
- Upload all required documentation, including resume and USCG credentials
- Verify that the application package is complete and submit before the deadline
- Monitor application status through the USAJOBS dashboard
Additional information
- This is a Career Program (CP) 24 – Transportation & Distribution Management position
- One-year trial/probationary period may be required
- Direct deposit of pay is mandatory
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs and Defense National Relocation Program (DNRP) are not authorized
- Documents may be sanitized to remove personal information of others
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Individuals with current USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials and a TWIC card.
- Candidates comfortable with 24-hour operations, including potential middle-of-the-night call-outs.
- Workers who enjoy physical labor and are capable of working in challenging weather and noise conditions.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role involves significant physical demands, including lifting over 45 lbs.
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized.
- Requires a one-year trial or probationary period.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is an excellent entry point for someone looking to build a career in maritime operations within the federal government. The noncompetitive promotion potential to higher-grade machinery roles offers a clear path for professional advancement.
Our take
A great fit for those with the required maritime credentials who are ready for a physically demanding, operational role; it is less suitable for those who require a standard 9-to-5 schedule.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
