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

Full Job Description

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.

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.

Major 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.