Seasonal Small Craft Operator

Summary NOTE: OPM has identified this position as eligible for an exception to the typical 1039-hour season. This exception allows up to 1560 hours which may extend the season(s) reflected in this announcement. See the Additional Information section for details. The typical season for this position is April to early October, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry on duty is April-May 2026. Learn more about this agency Duties This position is located in the Interpretation Division of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and is supervised by the Interpretation Program Manager.Duties of the position include, but are not limited to the following: The primary purpose of this position is the operation of small, motorized vessels. Transfer of passengers and cargo to and from cruise ship via pilot boat (under way) techniques, transportation of cargo and personnel, vessel towing, and small vessel operations. Transport park personnel to cruise ships to provide programs, monitor park resources and provide for visitor experience and understanding to over 40,000 annual visitors. Please visit find a park for additional park information. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males. Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use. You must possess a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer License endorsed for Master of Motor Vessels of at least 50 gross registered tons (GRT) upon inland or near coastal waters. You must include a copy of your license (no photos accepted) and endorsements with your application package. You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle. You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. Workdays often begin in the very early morning and can last well into the evening. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Qualifications All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 04/20/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. SELECTIVE FACTOR: You must possess a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer License endorsed for Master of Motor Vessels of at least 50 gross registered tons (GRT) upon inland or near coastal waters. You must include a copy of your license (no photos accepted) and endorsements with your application package. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position. (Screen-Out) -AND- ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Special knowledge or expertise concerning the park's or preserve's natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof is required. Local knowledge of the resources and the typical conditions that affect the work to be accomplished will be applied in the performance of duties. -AND- To be eligible your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near the area of consideration. The area of consideration can be found in the below paragraph: Areas considered "near" Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is the area within the State of Alaska that extends from Dixon Entrance on the south to Icy Bay on the north. (See map of local hire geographic area) -ALSO- The following are the competencies identified for this position. Applicants are not required to address these competencies in a separate document but are encouraged to include in their resumes experience related to these competencies: Ability to perform the full range of small craft operator duties without more than normal supervision. Ability to operate small water crafts in adverse conditions that require knowledge of waterways, pilotage, navigation, seamanship and maneuvering to assure the safety of vessel, passengers and cargo. Ability to complete routine vessel maintenance, develop an effective preventive maintenance program, troubleshoot and repair vessel systems. Ability to plot routes and navigate using paper & electronic charts, automatic identification system (AIS) information with consideration for environmental factors (weather, sea conditions, tide, currents, etc.) Ability to implement best industry practices to ensure a high degree of safety in all vessel operations, lead by example in promoting safe operations and to recognize and correct unsafe practices. Ability to complete administrative functions. Education There is no substitution of education for the required special knowledge or expertise concerning the park's or preserve's natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof as outlined in this announcement. Additional information NOTE: In support of Executive Order (EO) 14189 "Celebrating America's 250th Birthday" and EO 14314 "Making America Beautiful Again by Improving our National Parks," the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has approved an exception to the 1039-hour time limitation for this position. This approval may extend the time limitation up to 1560 hours for this temporary seasonal appointment. A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. This is an excepted service appointment that does not confer competitive status. Government housing may be available. All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selectee. Alaska currently does not have a state income tax. Selectee may be moved between duty stations within park boundaries. Physical Demands: Activities include standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, lifting, pushing, jumping, twisting, climbing, ramps, ladders, and rope ladders. Work is often done standing for long periods and is subject to constant motion from movement of vessel, particularly in rough seas. Tiring movement of the arms in controlling the wheel in rough seas. Lifting, carrying, and storing cargo is involved, and items weighing up to 50 pounds are lifted frequently. Heavier cargo may be handled with assistance. Working Conditions: This position works in a cool, wet climate. Summer temperatures occasionally reach 80 degrees F, and average temperatures are 35-65 degrees F. Winter temperatures can be below 0 degrees F. Rainfall in area approximates 75 inches each year. Winter can bring eight feet of snow at sea level. The incumbent will be inside during most vessel operations, but will be exposed to standing for long periods while underway. Exposed to occasional harsh winds and extremes of wind chill factors during winter operations. The incumbent may be exposed to hot, cramped quarters when working in engine room on repairs or adjustments. Noise and vibration on vessels decks and bridge when underway are constant, but not at high levels. Noise in engine room when engine is running is loud and requires hearing protection. No real air pollution or skin hazards encountered on the job, except when working around fuels and solvents. Local and widespread plants may cause allergic reactions (cow parsnip, etc.). Hazardous conditions can occur when decks are pitching during high seas, or when they are wet with ice or rain. May be required to sped overnights in the backcountry - camping and on vessels. Incumbent must wear the National Park Service uniform. Work shifts are variable and may include split shifts. Work days often begin very early in the morning and can last well into the evening. The incumbent will be expected to work weekends and holidays. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.