This vacancy is for a GS-2101-13, Course Approval Section Chief 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: Feb 2, Mar 2, April 2, 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 basis. Supervising maritime professionals Supervising maintenance or inspection requirements on commercial vessels Training other maritime professionals in a shipboard, classroom, simulator, or other training environment Working with/applying complex maritime regulations and/or policy Experience sailing under the authority of the credential endorsement reflected in the Selective Placement Factor below 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 Chief Mate, Unlimited or higher with STCW endorsement as Officer in Charge of a Bridge Watch. 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 Course Approval Section Chief and be responsible for performing as one of two Section Chiefs in the Course Approvals Branch and acts as a technical expert regarding the approval and maintenance of National Merchant Mariner Credentialing Program (MCP) Course and Program Approval System and provides advisory services and administration of the regulatory provisions and controls related to the administration of course and program approvals in support of the MCP. Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team. Typical work assignments include: Provides oversight of section Mission Activities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements Leads and manages subordinate personnel, by setting goals and standards for the section and evaluating personal and overall section performance Provides subject matter expertise regarding self and subordinate evaluations of course and program approvals Resolves complex/sensitive training and assessment issues with mariners, training providers, and staff Serves as the hiring Manager for subordinate positions