Steering National Security: Becoming an Assistant Project Superintendent with the Department of the Navy

The maritime capability of the United States relies on the continuous maintenance, modernization, and repair of its naval fleet. At the heart of this massive operational effort are dedicated civilian professionals who bridge the gap between engineering plans and shipyard floor execution. The Department of the Navy is currently recruiting for the position of Assistant Project Superintendent (GS-13), a pivotal leadership role responsible for steering complex naval overhaul and repair projects toward success.

This position offers an extraordinary opportunity for experienced project managers and maritime production specialists to lead multi-trade operations in some of the nation’s most vital naval facilities. From the historic shores of Pearl Harbor to the bustling docks of Puget Sound, these roles require analytical precision, exceptional leadership, and a deep-seated commitment to supporting our nation's defense infrastructure. This comprehensive guide outlines the role, its core responsibilities, qualifications, compensation structure, and how you can position yourself as the ideal candidate.

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About the Agency: The Department of the Navy

The civilian workforce of the Department of the Navy plays an indispensable role in safeguarding global sea lanes and protecting national interests. As part of a world-class team linking military strategy with civilian technical talent, civilian employees have access to competitive salaries, extensive professional training, and unparalleled career longevity.

This specific recruitment drive targets major naval installations, notably the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Washington and the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Hawaii. Operating within these shipyards means working in environments rich with history and technical complexity. Civilian employees at these shipyards work alongside active-duty military personnel, supporting submarines, aircraft carriers, and surface vessels to ensure they remain combat-ready and structurally sound.

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Job Responsibilities: Leading Shipyard Trade Production

An Assistant Project Superintendent does not merely monitor projects from an office; they are actively involved in the complex orchestration of labor, materials, and operational strategies on the drydock floor. You will be tasked with direct production management for major ship overhaul, repair, or modification projects.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Resource Planning and Management: You will determine both short- and long-range requirements for critical resources, including personnel, specialised equipment, materials, and support staff. This involves anticipating bottle-necks and shifting resources proactively.
• Strategic Communications: You will lead high-level briefings and project status meetings. Your focus will be on maintaining a seamless flow of communication across multiple naval departments regarding production timelines, budget variances, and logistical constraints.
• Directing Multi-Trade Production: Ship repair requires work from pipefitters, welders, electricians, and riggers. You will direct these production efforts, ensuring that work sequences logical and that different trades do not conflict on-site.
• Budgetary Oversight and Control: Managing material and labor expenditures during the execution phase is critical. You will track and control costs to prevent project overruns and ensure taxpayers' dollars are used effectively.
• Workforce Scheduling and Distribution: You will identify manning priorities daily, assigning the right personnel to high-priority tasks to keep the overhaul or repair schedule on track.

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Salary Overview and Locality Variations

The base salary for this position spans from $111,119 to $158,062 per year under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale at the GS-13 grade level. However, because federal compensation accounts for geographic cost-of-living differences, your actual pay will depend heavily on your designated duty station.

To help visualize how geographic locations impact your assignment and potential pay tables, refer to the comparison table below:

Location	Associated Naval Facility	Operational Focus	OPM Salary Table Link
San Diego, California	Naval Fleet Support Services	Pacific Fleet Destroyer and Cruiser Overhauls	San Diego Local Pay Table
Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii	Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard & IMF	Submarine and Pacific Fleet Rapid Maintenance	Hawaii Local Pay Table
Bremerton, Washington	Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & IMF	Heavy Nuclear Submarine and Aircraft Carrier Overhauls	Seattle-Tacoma Pay Table
Everett, Washington	Everett Naval Station Fleet Support	Northwest Surface Ship Intermediate Repair & Upgrades	Seattle-Tacoma Pay Table

Note: Final salary rates are subject to annual adjustments and local wage surveys.

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Requirements and Qualifications

Securing a GS-13 civilian leadership role in the Navy requires a strong background in maritime industrial operations. To be considered qualified, your application must meet the following criteria:

Specialized Experience

Your resume must show at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in federal service, or equivalent experience in the private/public sector. This specialized experience must clearly demonstrate:

• Planning, coordinating, and executing complex production work involving multiple industrial trades.
• Directly supporting ship overhauls, major vessel repairs, or system modification projects.
• Ensuring key production milestones are achieved in strict compliance with safety, technical, and scheduling guidelines.

Unit Identification Code (UIC) Restrictions

This is a highly targeted internal recruitment effort. Applicants will only be considered for vacancies within their own Unit Identification Code (UIC). For example, if you are currently employed under UIC 4523A, you are eligible to be considered only for open roles within UIC 4523A. Ensure your current federal employment details clearly state your UIC in your application.

Core Competencies

Candidates will be evaluated based on four primary pillars of professional capability:

1. Managing Human Resources: Effectively leading personnel, setting performance expectations, and managing diverse shipyard crews.
2. Oral Communication: Articulating schedules, technical limits, and financial updates clearly to diverse military and civilian audiences.
3. Production and Support: Understanding trade logistics, sequencing, materials, and engineering dependencies.
4. Project Management: Translating complex master plans into executable, day-to-day work packages while actively managing risk.

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Comprehensive Benefits

Federal service with the Department of the Navy offers an outstanding benefits package designed to provide long-term security, health support, and career balance:

• Health and Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering excellent dental, vision, and health insurance plans.
• Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which combines a defined-benefit pension (annuity) with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)—the federal equivalent of a 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
• Paid Leave: Generous annual vacation leave accrue rates, separate sick leave with no accumulation limit, and 12 paid federal holidays annually.
• Relocation Incentives: Depending on organizational needs and funding, a relocation incentive may be authorized to assist selected candidates with moving costs to their new duty station.
• Career Growth: Structured professional development opportunities, safety certifications, and executive-level leadership training.

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Application Tips: Navigating the Federal Process

To stand out in the federal hiring process, you must tailor your application specifically to the rules of USAJOBS. Failure to follow instructions is the most common reason qualified candidates are rejected before reaching a hiring manager. Follow these strategic tips:

1. Strictly Adhere to the Two-Page Resume Limit: Unlike standard federal applications that allow multi-page resumes, this announcement restricts resumes to no more than two pages. Any page past the second will be ignored, and illegible resumes will be immediately discarded. Be concise and high-impact.
2. Use USAJOBS Resume Builder: To ensure you include mandatory details like employer names, start/end dates (Month/Year), exact hours worked per week, and federal pay plans/series/grades, use the built-in resume builder tool on the platform.
3. Document Your Time-in-Grade: If you are seeking a promotion from a lower grade, you must upload your SF-50 forms. If your most recent SF-50 is from the last 12 months (like a general pay adjustment), upload an older one as well to prove you have held the qualifying GS-12 grade for a full 365 days.
4. Clearly Reflect the Competencies: Integrate keywords like Project Management, Production Support, Resource Allocation, and Cost Management naturally into your 2-page resume to pass the initial screening phases.
5. Submit Transcripts if Substituting Education: If you are claiming credentials, professional licenses, or referencing academic qualifications, you must upload official or unofficial supporting documents with your package.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can members of the general public apply for this role?

A: No. This announcement is geared towards internal employees. Additionally, you will only be considered for positions within your own specific Unit Identification Code (UIC).

Q: Is a drug test required for this position?

A: According to the official announcement, a pre-employment drug test is not indicated as a requirement; however, you will be required to successfully complete and maintain a background security clearance.

Q: What assessment methods will be used to grade my application?

A: The Navy utilizes a two-step technical assessment: a Structured Resume Review to verify your stated qualifications against your uploaded document, followed by a Structured Interview for highly qualified candidates.

Q: Can this position lead to a permanent role?

A: Yes. Temporary promotions or actions taken under this announcement may be extended up to five years or made permanent without further competition at the discretion of agency leadership.

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Serving as an Assistant Project Superintendent with the Department of the Navy is more than a job—it is a critical leadership role that directly impacts the readiness and safety of our nation's fleet. By directing trade operations, planning complex material schedules, and managing costs, you will ensure our naval personnel return home safely on world-class vessels.

If you meet the specialized experience, have the required project management drive, and are currently aligned with the eligible Unit Identification Codes, prepare your 2-page resume and apply before the closing deadline on October 13, 2026.