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Posted: April 3, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Seasonal Small Craft Operator

National Park Service

Department of the Interior

Fresh

Location

Salary

$37.33 - $43.56

per hour

Type

Closes

April 20, 2026More NPS jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This seasonal job involves operating small motorized boats to transport park staff, passengers, and cargo in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska, including transfers from cruise ships and supporting visitor programs for over 40,000 people each year.

The role runs mainly from April to October, with potential for extended hours, and focuses on safe navigation in challenging waters while maintaining the vessels.

It's ideal for experienced boat operators with local Alaska knowledge who enjoy outdoor work in remote, natural settings.

Key Requirements

  • U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer License endorsed for Master of Motor Vessels of at least 50 GRT on inland or near coastal waters
  • Special knowledge of Glacier Bay's natural and cultural resources and their management
  • Local knowledge of Alaska's resources and conditions from living or working near Glacier Bay (from Dixon Entrance to Icy Bay)
  • Ability to operate small watercraft in adverse conditions, including navigation, seamanship, and maneuvering for safety
  • Skills in routine vessel maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and developing preventive maintenance programs
  • Proficiency in plotting routes and navigating using paper/electronic charts, AIS, and environmental factors like weather, tides, and currents
  • Commitment to safety practices in vessel operations, including recognizing and correcting unsafe behaviors

Full Job Description

NOTE: OPM has identified this position as eligible for an exception to the typical 1039-hour season.

This exception allows up to 1560 hours which may extend the season(s) reflected in this announcement. See the Additional Information section for details.

The typical season for this position is April to early October, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.

The anticipated entry on duty is April-May 2026. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 04/20/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

SELECTIVE FACTOR: You must possess a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer License endorsed for Master of Motor Vessels of at least 50 gross registered tons (GRT) upon inland or near coastal waters.

You must include a copy of your license (no photos accepted) and endorsements with your application package.

Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position.

(Screen-Out) -AND- ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Special knowledge or expertise concerning the park's or preserve's natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof is required.

Local knowledge of the resources and the typical conditions that affect the work to be accomplished will be applied in the performance of duties.

-AND- To be eligible your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near the area of consideration.

The area of consideration can be found in the below paragraph: Areas considered "near" Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is the area within the State of Alaska that extends from Dixon Entrance on the south to Icy Bay on the north.

(See map of local hire geographic area) -ALSO- The following are the competencies identified for this position.

Applicants are not required to address these competencies in a separate document but are encouraged to include in their resumes experience related to these competencies: Ability to perform the full range of small craft operator duties without more than normal supervision.

Ability to operate small water crafts in adverse conditions that require knowledge of waterways, pilotage, navigation, seamanship and maneuvering to assure the safety of vessel, passengers and cargo.

Ability to complete routine vessel maintenance, develop an effective preventive maintenance program, troubleshoot and repair vessel systems.

Ability to plot routes and navigate using paper & electronic charts, automatic identification system (AIS) information with consideration for environmental factors (weather, sea conditions, tide, currents, etc.) Ability to implement best industry practices to ensure a high degree of safety in all vessel operations, lead by example in promoting safe operations and to recognize and correct unsafe practices.

Ability to complete administrative functions. Major Duties:

This position is located in the Interpretation Division of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and is supervised by the Interpretation Program Manager.Duties of the position include, but are not limited to the following: The primary purpose of this position is the operation of small, motorized vessels.

Transfer of passengers and cargo to and from cruise ship via pilot boat (under way) techniques, transportation of cargo and personnel, vessel towing, and small vessel operations.

Transport park personnel to cruise ships to provide programs, monitor park resources and provide for visitor experience and understanding to over 40,000 annual visitors.

Please visit find a park for additional park information.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 4/3/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/4/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: AK-1537-GLBA-26-12927964-LH