Fresh Listing

Posted: February 12, 2026 (7 days ago)

Added to FreshGovJobs: February 14, 2026 (4 days ago)

Posted recently. We are still expanding our coverage, so we added it a bit late. Still worth applying!

First Mate Tender

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Department of the Army

Fresh

Salary

$28.70 - $33.48

per hour

Type

Closes

February 19, 2026More Army jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a first mate on a dredge vessel in the inland waterways, handling engine room tasks like monitoring machinery, checking fuel and oil levels, and maintaining equipment to keep the boat running smoothly.

It's a hands-on role in a government agency focused on river operations, often in tough weather and noisy conditions.

A good fit would be someone with boating or mechanical experience who is reliable, physically fit, and comfortable working on water without much oversight.

Key Requirements

  • Ability to perform engine room tasks without more than normal supervision, including operating main propelling engines, pumping engines, and auxiliary pumps
  • Knowledge of monitoring and maintaining vessel machinery, such as checking oil levels, generators, gearboxes, temperatures, and fuel
  • Ability to interpret instructions and specifications related to mobile equipment operation
  • Safe operation of non-motor vehicle equipment and motor vehicles
  • Reliability and dependability in handling operations
  • Good work practices, including keeping equipment neat, clean, and organized
  • Physical ability to lift up to 40 pounds, climb, stoop, and work in uncomfortable positions

Full Job Description

About the Position: As a First Mate, Tender, assigned to the Dredge Jadwin, Operations Division, River Operations Branch, the incumbent serves as a First Mate, Tender on inland waterways.

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job.

You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected.

See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

Current Department of Army Civilian Employees Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army) Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) Interchange Agreement Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473 Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible Reinstatement Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998 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. 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 Mate Tender without more than normal supervisionwhich includes the ability to perform the full range of tasks associated with the engine room machinery and equipment including the main propelling engines, pumping engines, auxillary pumps, machinery on the vessel and attendant plant and electric/electronic systems; tasks associated with checking oil levels, monitoring generators, gearboxes, generator temperatures, and fuel levels.

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

Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision Screen Out Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc.

(related to mobile equipment operation) Ability To Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle) Operation of Motor Vehicles Reliability And Dependability as a Container Handler Operator (Motor Vehicle Operator) Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean and in order) WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed inside and outside, subjecting employee to varying climatic conditions, abnormal noises, temperature, danger of burns, irritation from grease and oils, bruises, strains, dangers involved in attending moving machinery, possible drowning from falling overboard, electrical shock, falls on slippery decks or steep stairways, crankcase explosion.

PHYSICAL EFFORT Incumbent performs work from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms and where the parts, equipment, or systems are in hard-to-reach places.

Work requires the incumbent to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in a tiring and uncomfortable position.

Frequently lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 40 pounds All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Major Duties:

  • Serves as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) on an inland waterway towboat
  • Stationed in the pilot house receiving on-the-job experience and exposure to the more specialized practices and procedures associated with piloting towboat.
  • Under the immediate guidance of the journeyman pilot on watch, operates the controls governing the navigation of the vessel. Trains in steering the vessel from the pilot house, controlling the speed and direction of the engines.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/12/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/14/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: CERG-26-12886520-MP