Become a Maritime Welder with the U.S. Coast Guard
Are you a skilled welder looking to take your career to the next level while serving your country? The U.S. Coast Guard is currently seeking a dedicated Welder to join the Industrial Production Detachment in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. This is a unique opportunity to work on complex maritime projects that directly contribute to the safety and security of our nation's waters.
Job Responsibilities
As a Coast Guard Welder, you won't just be joining metal—you will be repairing the backbone of our fleet. Typical duties include:
- Welding components for ships, barges, lighthouses, and small boats.
- Working with a wide range of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and titanium.
- Interpreting complex blueprints and technical sketches for precise component layout.
- Utilizing advanced welding processes like gas metal-arc, gas tungsten-arc, and shielded metal arc welding.
- Performing rigorous safety checks and maintaining equipment to ensure mission readiness.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria by the closing date of the announcement:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
- Technical Proficiency: Must demonstrate the ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision.
- Licensing: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Documentation: You must provide a concise, two-page maximum resume.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $32.53 - $37.94 / Hour |
| Insurance | Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision |
| Retirement | Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) |
| Leave | Paid Federal Holidays & Annual Leave |
Benefits
DHS offers a competitive total rewards package. Beyond salary, employees enjoy stable retirement plans, comprehensive insurance options, and opportunities for professional growth. Whether you are looking for tuition reimbursement or fitness and wellness support, the Coast Guard invests in its civilian workforce.
Application Tips
- Focus on Skills: Highlight your specific experience with marine or industrial welding in your resume.
- Formatting Matters: The system will reject resumes over two pages or with improper formatting.
- Use the Questionnaire: Answer the self-assessment questions honestly and provide examples in your resume to back up your claims.
- Check Deadlines: Submit everything well before the closing date to avoid technical issues.
This role is an excellent opportunity for experienced welders who want stability, great benefits, and a sense of purpose. If you have the technical expertise to keep our nation's maritime assets operational, we invite you to apply today.
Why This Welder Job Matters
Join the elite technical team at the U.S. Coast Guard and play a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity of our nation's maritime assets.
Welder Job Overview
The U.S. Coast Guard is currently seeking a highly skilled Welder (WG-3703-10) to support the Industrial Production Facility in Portsmouth. This role is vital to our mission, as the incumbent will be responsible for complex welding tasks on a wide array of maritime infrastructure, including lighthouses, barges, and naval vessels. You will work with diverse metals and advanced welding techniques to ensure our fleet remains ready to safeguard maritime interests globally.
Requirements for Welder
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Registration or exemption from Selective Service required.
- Ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination.
- Agreement to receive salary payments via direct deposit.
- Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages in length.
Preferred Qualifications for Welder
- Proficiency in diverse welding processes such as gas metal-arc, gas tungsten-arc, and plasma-arc.
- Experience working with various metals including steel, aluminum, cast iron, nickel, and titanium.
- Proven ability to interpret complex blueprints, sketches, and technical drawings.
- Expertise in marine or industrial equipment troubleshooting and repair.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement).
- ✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave accrual.
- ✓Access to fitness centers and wellness programs.
- ✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
- ✓Uniform and transportation allowances.
- ✓Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
💡 How to Apply Welder Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Welder Job
- Create or log in to your account on the official federal job portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages with minimum 10pt font and 0.5-inch margins.
- Include dates of employment (mm/yy format) and hours worked per week for each entry.
- Upload all required supporting documents, such as SF-50s or DD-214s if applicable.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire linked to the job announcement.
- Submit your application before the midnight deadline on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with marine or industrial welding to meet the screen-out criteria.
- Do not include personal information like your SSN, date of birth, or photos on your resume.
- Check your application status frequently through your dashboard to ensure all documents were successfully uploaded.
- Focus on quality over length; keep your resume concise to adhere to the two-page limit.
- Double-check that all provided contact information and attachments are legible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of the Welder role?
You will perform welding work on Coast Guard maritime assets, including ships, barges, lighthouses, and navigation equipment, using various techniques and metals.
Is a security clearance required?
No, this position is designated as non-sensitive and does not require a security clearance.
Are there strict formatting rules for the resume?
Yes. Your resume must not exceed two pages, use at least 10pt font, and have margins of at least 0.5 inches.
What materials will I be working with?
You will work with a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, and titanium.
Can I apply if I am not a veteran?
Yes, this announcement is open to various hiring paths. Check the full vacancy announcement for details.
Job from U.S. Coast Guard
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Coast Guard serve on the front lines of protecting our country's interests. From patrolling the high seas to maintaining the vital aids to navigation (ATON) that guide commercial and military vessels, our personnel are essential to national infrastructure. Joining our team means becoming part of a community dedicated to resilience, excellence, and the protection of global maritime interests.