Master - SME (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Summary You will serve as the Master aboard the Kings Pointer, a Maritime Administration Ready Reserve ship currently assigned to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Duties As a Master, you will: Command and safe operation of the Kings Pointer; exercise full authority over navigation, seaworthiness, and voyage execution (including postponement or alteration for weather or safety). Ensuring the security of crew, cargo, and vessel. Training and mentorship of Academy Midshipmen: plan, organize, and execute multiple week-long and short-term cruises, SOLAS survival and safety programs, bridge team management, and shipboard projects in coordination with the Chief Engineer, Chief Mate, and other instructors. Regulatory and security compliance: fulfill all administrative duties to maintain adherence to U.S. Coast guard, American Bureau of Shipping, and Academy directives; serve as Vessel Security Officer and implement the Vessel Security Plan, environmental protection, and anti-pollution regulations. Material readiness and emergency preparedness: oversee ballast and fuel operations to maintain stability, ensure lifesaving, firefighting, and damage-control equipment is available and crew-trained, and conduct on-the-spot evaluations to confirm operational readiness. The ideal candidate is a highly experience Master mariner holding a USCG unlimited/master license with STCW and relevant endorsement and Vessel Security Officer certification, with extensive seagoing service including senior command roles; they combine deep technical expertise in navigation, stability/ballast operations, shipboard maintenance, lifesaving/firefighting systems, and regulatory compliance (USCG, ABS, SOLAS, MARPOL) with strong planning and logistical skills, a safety-first mindset, clam decision-making under pressure, and exceptional leadership and mentoring abilities to develop crew and Midshipmen while coordination effectively with academy staff and external stakeholders with 10+ years of seagoing service including senior command roles and documented experience running training cruises and instructing. Requirements Conditions of employment Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date. 3. Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. You must be a U.S. Citizen. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel.  A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. DRUG TEST: If selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing. LICENSE: Applicants must have a current (not expired or in continuity) U.S. Coast Guard License, valid for service on United States Flag Commercial Ships as a Master of 1600 GRT or greater, upon oceans, and a valid Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certification. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: - Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements. To qualify, you must have at least one year of experience, must include: Experience in applying regulatory requirements, inspection, regulations. Experience in managing and training bridge navigation teams. 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: Technical Competence – Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one’s job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. Education and Training – Knowledge of teaching, training, research, making presentations, lecturing, testing, and other instructional methods. 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. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, [email protected]. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. 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.