Embark on a High-Impact Maritime Career: 2nd Assistant Engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

If you are an experienced marine engineer seeking a stable, rewarding, and dynamic career, the Department of the Army has an outstanding opportunity for you. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is actively recruiting for a 2nd Assistant Engineer Diesel Towboat to serve aboard the legendary Motor Vessel (M/V) Mississippi. Under the Direct Hire Authority (DHA), this competitive service position offers exceptional hourly pay, robust federal benefits, and the chance to work aboard the flagship of the USACE fleet. Based out of Memphis, Tennessee, this position combines technical marine engineering on the open water with a highly structured, family-friendly rotational schedule during the off-season.

About the Agency: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does not simply build infrastructure; we secure the very framework of the nation. Operating across the country's vital water resource systems, USACE restores fragile ecosystems, designs world-class military facilities, and responds directly to national natural disasters.

The Operations Division, Revetment Branch, is responsible for maintaining the navigability of the Mississippi River, ensuring millions of tons of cargo can safely navigate inland waterways. The M/V Mississippi is a key asset in this mission. As a massive, diesel-powered towboat, she acts as a working command vessel, carrying out crucial revetment inspections, physical channel maintenance, and hosting high-level passenger operations. When you join the USACE team, you become part of a professional maritime network dedicated to protecting local communities and fortifying our national shipping infrastructure.

Job Responsibilities: Maintaining Power and Propulsion

As the 2nd Assistant Engineer, you will serve as a shift engineer on this self-propelled, U.S. Coast Guard-inspected towboat. You will be directly responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel's diesel propulsion and auxiliary systems during your watch.

Primary Duties Include:

Watchstanding Leadership: Stand a regular shift watch, taking immediate responsibility for the constant and efficient operation of all engine-room machinery.
Inspections & Troubleshooting: Perform regular walkthroughs of the engine spaces, check safety valves, monitor computer screens, interpret technical gauges, and track alarms to identify mechanical issues before they compromise vessel operations.
Repair & Maintenance: Assist in the overhaul, modification, and repair of diesel engines, generators, relay switches, starter assemblies, air compressors, water filtration systems, fire pumps, steering gear, and onboard refrigeration plants.
HVAC Maintenance: Maintain the complex onboard residential and facility equipment, including household boilers and 77 distinct HVAC coils.
Crew Supervision: Directly supervise the work of "strikers" (apprentice mariners) and deck crew members assigned to your watch, ensuring they operate under strict safety guidelines and receive proper technical instruction.
Document Interpretation: Utilize technical manuals, mechanical drawings, and electrical blueprints to systematically troubleshoot electrical and piping systems.

Qualifications & Critical Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet the experience criteria outlined in the official job vacancy. Candidates are evaluated primarily on their ability to perform the duties of a 2nd Assistant Engineer without requiring more than normal supervision.

Minimum Requirements (Screen-Out Element):

Technical Proficiency: You must have demonstrable experience assisting in the repair, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance of marine machinery including propulsion engines, electrical generators, fuel transfer systems, and HVAC units.
Technical Manual Comprehension: Ability to interpret and actively apply blueprinted designs, schematics, and technical specifications.
Marine Licensing: You MUST possess and submit a copy of a valid, job-related marine engineer license or certification with your application package. Failure to upload this documentation will result in an automatic ineligible rating.
Physical Stamina: The role requires working in confined, tiring, and uncomfortable positions (kneeling, bending, and stooping) on scaffolds and ladders. Candidates must be able to regularly lift and carry parts weighing up to 40 pounds.
Workplace Conditions: This is a physically demanding role subjected to abnormal noise levels, high temperatures, chemical fumes, greasy decks, and potential marine hazards. A lifejacket must be worn at all times while working on deck.

Salary Overview & Work Scheduling

This position offers an attractive wage structure, with hourly rates ranging from $35.34 to $41.22 per hour, depending on qualifications and federal wage schedules. Overtime opportunities and night-shift differentials may also apply.

One of the most appealing features of this position is the structured scheduling. The crew transitions between an intensive sailing season and a stable maintenance season, allowing for predictable planning and home time.

Comparison: Work Season vs. Non-Work Season Schedules

Feature	Active Work Season (Sailing)	Non-Work Season (Maintenance)
Primary Work Location	Widespread locations along the Mississippi River	Ensley Engineer Yard (Memphis, TN)
Schedule Format	15 days on / 6 days off (Wednesday to Wednesday)	5 days on / 2 days off or 4 days on / 3 days off
Daily Shift Hours	12-hour rotating shifts (Day/Night)	Standard 8-hour or 10-hour day shifts
Meals & Lodging	Provided onboard the M/V Mississippi at no cost	Employee's responsibility (Off-vessel)
Primary Duties	Active watchstanding, underway operations	Preventive maintenance, major overhauls

Comprehensive Benefits Package

In addition to highly competitive hourly pay, you will enjoy the comprehensive benefits associated with federal employment:

Health Insurance: Choice of premium health, dental, and vision insurance plans, with the government covering a significant portion of your premium.
Retirement Plans: Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% government matching.
Paid Leave: Accrual of annual leave (vacation time) and sick leave from your first pay period, in addition to federal holidays.
Work Perks: While sailing, you will receive excellent meals and private living quarters onboard, saving you significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Strategic Application Tips

Applying for a federal job requires absolute attention to detail. Follow these insider tips to ensure your resume reaches the hiring manager:

The Two-Page Limit is Strict: Your resume must be two pages or less. If your resume is even one paragraph over two pages, the system will discard it entirely, and you will receive an ineligible rating. Focus on writing a dense, impact-focused resume rather than a lengthy one.
Detail Your Hours: For every position listed, include your job title, employer's name, start and end dates (month/year), and the exact number of hours worked per week. This is critical for HR to verify your experience level.
Do Not Use Acronyms: Explain technical systems in plain English. Avoid dense industry jargon that an HR specialist might not immediately recognize.
Confirm Your Uploads: Ensure your marine license is successfully uploaded, clear, and unexpired. If the file is corrupted or missing, your application will be instantly rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can citizens from outside the United States apply?

No, this federal career opportunity is open exclusively to citizens of the United States.

Q: What safety testing is required for this job?

Because this position is safety-sensitive under the Department of Transportation (DOT) and USACE rules, you must pass a pre-employment drug screening and consent to ongoing, random, unannounced drug and alcohol testing throughout your employment.

Q: Is there a probationary period for new hires?

Yes, there is a standard one-year probationary period during which your performance, safety compliance, and conduct will be evaluated to ensure continued employment is in the public interest.

Q: Does the Army Corps of Engineers pay for relocation to Memphis?

No. Relocation expenses (Permanent Change of Station costs) are not authorized for this recruitment.

The position of 2nd Assistant Engineer Diesel Towboat on the Motor Vessel Mississippi is more than just a job—it is a calling for skilled mariners who value safety, precision, and national resilience. If you possess the required technical skills, a passion for maritime engineering, and the drive to work for the prestigious U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, submit your completed application package before the vacancy closes on August 24, 2026. Secure your future and help steer the nation toward a stronger tomorrow.

Why This 2nd Asst Engineer Diesel Towboat Job Matters

Launch a commanding maritime career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aboard the legendary Motor Vessel Mississippi, securing competitive hourly pay, robust federal benefits, and an active rotational schedule on America's vital inland waterways.

2nd Asst Engineer Diesel Towboat Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a skilled and dedicated 2nd Assistant Engineer for the Motor Vessel Mississippi towboat. Operating under Direct Hire Authority (DHA), this safety-sensitive position is responsible for shift watchstanding, maintaining advanced diesel propulsion systems, and supervising engine-room personnel. Candidates must possess the technical expertise to repair, troubleshoot, and operate heavy machinery under varying climatic conditions, ensuring safe and efficient vessel operations on inland waterways.

Requirements for 2nd Asst Engineer Diesel Towboat

Must be a United States Citizen.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and subject to random unannounced testing.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a favorable suitability and fitness adjudication.
Required to undergo a 1-year probationary period.
Must submit a copy of a valid, job-related marine engineer license or certification with the application.
Must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration (male applicants born after December 31, 1959).
Must sign a safety-sensitive condition of employment form (DA Form 7412 or MOU) under DOT rules.
Resume submission must be strictly two pages or less; longer resumes will be disqualified.
Ability to perform strenuous physical work, including lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds, climbing ladders, and working in tight spaces.

Preferred Qualifications for 2nd Asst Engineer Diesel Towboat

Experience operating and maintaining medium-speed marine diesel engines and generators.
Prior supervisory experience managing engine-room crews or mariner trainees (strikers).
Familiarity with U.S. Coast Guard marine engineering standards and safety-sensitive operations.
Strong technical background in maintaining marine HVAC systems, refrigeration plants, and hydraulic rudders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay ($35.34 - $41.22) including applicable locality adjustments.
✓Full federal benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and matching Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) up to 5%.
✓Complimentary lodging and high-quality meals provided while onboard the vessel during the work season.
✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Paid travel opportunities across widespread locations along the historic Mississippi River.

💡 How to Apply 2nd Asst Engineer Diesel Towboat Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for 2nd Asst Engineer Diesel Towboat Job

Review the entire job announcement on USAJobs, paying special attention to the qualification requirements.
Update your resume to ensure it details relevant marine engineering experience and is strictly two pages or less.
Format your resume to include your employer's name, job title, exact start/end dates (month and year), and the number of hours worked per week.
Gather your required documents, including your valid, job-related marine engineering license or certification.
Click the online application link to access the USA Staffing portal and complete the assessment questionnaire.
Upload your resume, license/certification, and any optional supporting documents (such as cover letters or performance appraisals).
Verify that your application package is fully complete and submit it before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on August 24, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit. Any pages beyond the second will be discarded, which may render your application incomplete.
Clearly link your past experience to the required skills, especially mentioning your hands-on work with generators, propulsion engines, and auxiliary systems.
Be precise with work history metrics: failure to include hours worked per week and exact employment dates can lead to an ineligible rating.
Avoid using unexplained military, commercial, or federal acronyms. Write in clear, descriptive, professional English.
Sanitize any personal details of other individuals (e.g., family members in military orders) from your uploaded documents before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the schedule during the active work season?

During the work season, you will work an rotating 12-hour shift on a 15 days on / 6 days off cycle, beginning and ending on Wednesdays. While onboard, lodging and meals are fully provided.

Where is the vessel based during the non-work season?

During the non-work season, the crew transition to standard day shifts only, based out of the Ensley Engineer Yard in Memphis, Tennessee on either a 5-day/8-hour or 4-day/10-hour weekly schedule.

Are travel or relocation expenses covered?

No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.

Is a marine license required to apply?

Yes. This position requires a job-related license or certification. You must upload a clear copy with your application or you will be automatically rated ineligible.

Does this position require drug testing?

Yes. As a safety-sensitive position covered by Department of Transportation (DOT) and USACE rules, you will be subject to random, unannounced drug and alcohol testing.

2nd Asst Engineer Diesel Towboat Job

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers