This vacancy is for a GS - 2101 - 13, Marine Transportation Specialist located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, NMC MARINER COURSE APPROVALS BRANCH in MARTINSBURG, West Virginia.
NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN FOR A PERIOD OF 90 DAYS. WE WILL REVIEW APPLICANTS EVERY 30 DAYS. CUT-OFF DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Jan 5, Feb 5, Mar 5, 2026. Applications received by 11:59EST on the above dates will be reviewed for consideration and those deemed qualified in accordance with merit promotion procedures will be referred to management for consideration. Applications received after the initial cut-off date will be considered as needed every 30 days. 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 and recurring basis. Performing duties as a 1ST Assistant Engineer, Unlimited or higher credentialed officer for at least one year aboard commercial vessels is required to demonstrate the knowledge skill and ability to fill this position or one year equivalent officially documented military sea service in the capacity as Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) 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. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: Applicant must hold or have held a U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential in the grade of 1st Assistant Engineer, Unlimited Propulsion and Horsepower, or higher or the equivalent military sea service experience as Assistant Engineer Officer/Chief Engineer or higher as a qualified Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) on vessels of greater than 4000HP. 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.
You will serve as a Marine Transportation Specialist and be responsible for all "Engine" related maritime operations, training and qualifications. As the subject matter expert, the incumbent will review mariner training courses and requests for certification as Course Instructors and Qualified Assessors for compliance with regulatory standards and policy. The incumbent also conducts analytical studies to ensure that the Coast Guard maintains a valid system of approval standards. Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team. Typical work assignments include: Evaluating the maritime technical subject matter of courses and programs curricula Evaluating the maritime technical competence and proficiency of individuals applying to be approved as Instructors for Approved Engine courses and programs Evaluating the maritime technical competence and proficiency of individuals applying to be certified as Qualified Assessors of Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) competencies Providing recommendations for improving the course approval process based on knowledge and implementation of the guiding regulation and policy documents Preparing authoritative and explicit responses to Congressional, governmental agency, and public inquiries concerning training qualifications of merchant vessel personnel 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