First Officer (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

This position is located in the Department of Waterfront Activities, United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Maritime Administration (MARAD). This position is established to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient management and supervision of Midshipmen. As second in command of the ship, you will be accountable to the Master for all matters pertaining to management, operation, care, safety, and physical condition of deck operations and keep the Master informed in those areas.

The First Officer: Serves as the ship's safety offer, training officer, damage control officer, vessel security officer, oil spoil coordinator and (as required) gas free engineer. Prior to sailing, inspects the ship to ascertain there are not structural defects and that hatchers, side ports, cargo gear, cargo, and equipment are secured properly. Exercises responsibility for training of all Midshipmen in their duties during replenishment or mission operations, and for the compilation and submission of all required departmental training reports.

Has responsibility for ensuring that station bills are properly prepared and posted, fire detection systems are maintained, firefighting an lifesaving appliances are in good condition, damage control book is properly maintained. Supervises all Deck Department personnel, maintains the physical condition of the ship, navigational equipment and supplies, safety equipment, condition of weather decks and interior spaces, etc.

Is responsible for managing personnel berthing assignments, administering the midshipmen watch officer and cadet duty watch program, financial management, ABS and USCG inspections. The ideal candidate for this position should possess the knowledge in performing as the second in command of a vessel with full accountability to the Master for all matters pertaining to management, operation, care, safety, and physical condition of deck operations.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the Grade 00, you must have experience equal or equivalent to: Experience in navigation and bridge watch keeping equipment, methods and techniques and ship handling practices and knowledge of shipboard and security programs including lifesaving and firefighting equipment, methods and techniques.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.

Education and Training: Knowledge of teaching, training, research, making presentations, lecturing, testing, and other instructional methods. Leadership: Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations. Teaches Others: Helps others learn; identifies training needs; provides constructive reinforcement; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor. For all types of consideration, 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. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.