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Posted: January 9, 2026 (6 days ago)

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First Assistant Engineer Diesel

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Department of the Army

Fresh

Salary

$44.22 - $51.63

per hour

Closes

January 22, 2026More Army jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as the second-in-command engineer on a large diesel-powered dredging ship that operates around the clock to maintain waterways.

You'll supervise repairs, check equipment, and handle hands-on maintenance in a tough environment aboard the vessel for two-week shifts followed by two weeks off.

It's a great fit for someone with marine engineering experience who doesn't mind physical work, living on a ship, and irregular hours.

Key Requirements

  • Ability to perform diesel engineering duties on a marine vessel without more than normal supervision
  • Experience in operation, maintenance, and repair of diesel-powered machinery on dredging or seagoing vessels
  • Supervisory or leadership skills to oversee junior engineers and inspect equipment
  • Capability to handle moderate to heavy physical effort in dirty, cramped, and hazardous conditions
  • Willingness to live aboard the dredge for 14-day shifts with 12-hour workdays and potential overtime
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to work in competitive service positions

Full Job Description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: Serve as First Assistant Engineer Diesel on a diesel powered seagoing hopper dredge (Class I).

Who May Apply: US Citizens 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).

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience.

There is no specific length of training or experience required.

However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n)First Assistant Engineer Diesel without more than normal supervision.

I have the ability to perform common Engineer Diesel duties such as executing work in the operation, maintenance and repair on a marine vessel engaged in dredging operations.

- Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Ability to Lead or Supervise PHYSICAL EFFORT: Must exercise moderate to heavy physical effort in handling engine room equipment.

Work is usually dirty, dusty and greasy; and is performed in cramped quarters. Frequently exposed to possibility of cuts, scrapes, and infections.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Works primarily aboard a Hopper dredge but may at times work on other Army Corps vessels, barges, or launches.

Worker is frequently exposed to above normal temperatures and noise levels, confined spaces, and the danger of falling on slippery decks, etc.

When assisting in repairs, there is danger of cuts, bruises, electric shock, and broken bones. Danger of drowning exists. Subject to dust, grease, and soiling of clothing and skin surfaces.

Major Duties:

  • Serve as First Assistant Engineer Diesel on a self-propelled, sea-going, diesel powered, hopper dredge engaged in continuous 24 hours per day/7 days per week dredging activities.
  • Supervises and/or performs routine repairs to operating machinery during assigned watch.
  • Reviews work of junior engineers through visual inspection of engine room equipment ensuring proper operation and servicing of all equipment.
  • Required to live aboard the Dredge WHEELER during tour of duty, which will be 14 days on duty/14 days off duty. Normal shift is 12-hour days with shift work and 12-hour days required when needed to stand watch.
  • Due to the working schedule on the WHEELER, it is not a requirement to live locally, but it would be advantageous to the employee to avoid travel expenses as the Corps of Engineers does not pay transportation to and from the vessel.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 1/9/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/9/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: CEDC-26-12862072-DHA