Small Craft Operator (Whitewater Boat Operator)

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

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.

Physical Demands: Uses heavy effort to row/guide/motor the boat on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park. Coordination of hand, eye and boat are absolutely necessary to direct the raft in extreme white-water conditions. Rows an inflatable rubber raft through hazardous rapids for 3 to 12 hours a day for 12 to 30 days at a time. Lifts heavy (exceeding 70 pounds) objects while loading and unloading boats one or more times a day. Standing, stooping, bending, kneeling and climbing ramps and ladders are involved. Work is often done standing for long periods and is subject to constant motion from movement of vessel, particularly in rough white water. Movement of the arms in controlling the tiller in rough water is tiring. Lifting, carrying, and storing cargo is involved. Items weighing over ten pounds are lifted frequently, and cargo weighing over one hundred pounds is often handled with help from other crew members.

Working Conditions: Incumbent will experience exposure to temperatures from 120 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer to sub-freezing during winter trips. Climate is generally dry, but summer storms occur frequently, and it may snow on the river missions during the winter. Incumbent will be drenched by river water, approximately 48 degrees Fahrenheit year-round at any time, while on the river. While rafting the river the incumbent will experience hazardous/difficult rapids, resulting in violent tossing and turning. Will work at altitudes between 2000 feet to over 7000 feet. Incumbent will be outside during all vessel operations and will be exposed to standing for long periods while underway. Noise and vibration on vessel when underway are constant. Noise from engine when engine is running is loud. Hearing protection is recommended and provided. Hazardous conditions can occur when decks are pitching during rough water operations, or when they are wet with ice or rain. Possible injuries including bruises or broken bones from getting on and off the boat when the near shore conditions are always wet and slippery possibly muddy. Contacts are with supervisors and managers in the unit for which the boat operations are performed, staff specialists at higher echelons, other employees, agencies, vendors, consultants, etc.