Become a Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a dedicated Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine) to join the National Maritime Center (NMC). If you have a background as a licensed marine engineer, this is an exceptional opportunity to transition from the sea to a pivotal role that shapes the standards for the entire U.S. merchant fleet. You will play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of maritime examinations, ensuring that our nation's mariners are properly vetted.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

Develop Assessments: Create and refine examination modules for all engineering credentials.
Regulatory Oversight: Ensure all test content complies with the Code of Federal Regulations and STCW standards.
Industry Consultation: Serve as a subject matter expert to advise stakeholders on policy and requirements.
Customer Engagement: Provide support to mariners and training providers regarding the exam process.

Comparison: Sea vs. Shore-Side Career

Feature	Shipboard Role	Evaluation Specialist Role
Environment	Open Ocean / Industrial	Office / Professional
Focus	Operational	Regulatory / Educational
Schedule	Rotational / Watch	Standard Federal Hours
Impact	Vessel Safety	National Industry Standards

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-12 position, you must hold or have held a Second Assistant Engineer credential (or higher) or equivalent military experience. A solid understanding of shipboard engineering and maintenance management is essential. Candidates must be U.S. Citizens and pass a comprehensive background investigation.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $89,508 to $145,468 annually, depending on experience and location. The federal government also offers significant recruitment and relocation incentives for well-qualified applicants.

Benefits

DHS employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Paid federal holidays and sick/annual leave
Potential student loan repayment

Application Tips

Your resume is the most important part of your application. Keep it under two pages, focus on your technical maritime achievements, and ensure your specific engineering experience is clearly outlined. Pay close attention to the cut-off dates throughout the year to ensure timely review.

This role is a unique chance to leverage your maritime career in a high-impact civilian environment. Apply today to contribute to the safety and excellence of the U.S. Coast Guard maritime program.

Why This Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine) Job Matters

Leverage your maritime engineering expertise to shape the future of U.S. Coast Guard standards and safety as a Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist.

Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine) Job Overview

The U.S. Coast Guard (National Maritime Center) is seeking a highly skilled individual for the Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine) position. This GS-12 role focuses on the development and maintenance of engine-related assessment content for merchant mariner credentials. You will serve as a technical subject matter expert, ensuring that testing modules remain compliant with current maritime laws, regulations, and industry standards. This is an impactful role for a seasoned mariner looking to transition into a vital shore-side federal position.

Requirements for Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine)

U.S. Citizenship
Registration or exemption from Selective Service
Possession of or prior experience with a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential (Second Assistant Engineer, Unlimited or higher) OR equivalent military experience as an Assistant/Chief Engineer on vessels >4000 HP
One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent
Completion of a background investigation
Adherence to a one-year probationary period if applicable
Must meet positive education requirements (Major study in engineering, business, maritime-related fields, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications for Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine)

Extensive experience in managing shipboard engineering operations and maintenance
Proficiency in drafting technical maritime correspondence and reports
Familiarity with STCW and national endorsement requirements
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex regulatory information to industry stakeholders

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary packages
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement)
✓Paid federal holidays and personal leave
✓Potential for student loan repayment up to $10,000
✓Recruitment and relocation incentives (10% - 21.69%) for qualifying candidates
✓Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives

💡 How to Apply Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine) Job

Create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages.
Gather transcripts and required supporting documents (e.g., SF-50, DD-214).
Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire.
Monitor email for potential USA Hire assessment invitations.
Submit all materials by the relevant cut-off dates.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes start/end dates and hours worked per week.
Do not include personal information like SSN or photos on your resume.
The 2-page limit is strict; ensure your most relevant technical experience is highlighted.
If claiming veterans preference, use the most current SF-15 form.
Double-check that all transcripts are legible and include course numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of this role?

You will develop, maintain, and update engine-related examination questions and assessment modules for merchant mariners to ensure compliance with federal standards.

Is a security clearance required?

No, this position does not require a formal security clearance, but a suitability background investigation is mandatory.

Can I apply if I don't have a degree?

This position has a positive education requirement. You must possess the specified educational background or equivalent experience as defined in the announcement.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: Yes, for current federal employees who meet eligibility criteria, relocation incentives may be available.*

How long is the application open?

*A: This is an open continuous announcement until October 2026, with periodic cut-off dates for referrals.*

Job from U.S. Coast Guard

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Coast Guard work tirelessly to secure our nation's waterways and transportation systems. Working for the NMC means you are at the heart of maritime professional development, contributing to the safety and readiness of mariners globally.