Become a Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard
The maritime industry is the backbone of global trade, and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is the force that keeps it moving safely. We are currently looking for a Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck) to join our team. This is a high-impact GS-13 position responsible for maintaining the standards that ensure our merchant mariners are among the best-trained and most competent in the world.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Specialist, your work will be diverse and highly technical. You will:
- Manage Exam Development: Oversee the lifecycle of deck examinations, ensuring they reflect current vessel technology and legal standards.
- Perform Psychometric Analysis: Use data-driven evaluation methods to refine test items and maintain exam quality.
- Provide Technical Authority: Serve as the final point of contact for complex inquiries, policy challenges, and credentialing appeals.
- Mentor and Lead: Provide training and direction to junior specialists and regional exam center staff.
Requirements
To be considered for this competitive role, you must meet strict federal criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
- Credentials: Current/past valid U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) at the Chief Mate level or equivalent.
- Education: A degree in a relevant field (Business, Engineering, Transportation, etc.).
Requirements Comparison Table
| Criteria | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Citizenship | Mandatory | Required |
| Education | Relevant Field | Transcript Required |
| Experience | GS-12 Equivalent | 1 Full Year |
| Security | Public Trust | Background Check |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $172,980 per year, commensurate with your experience and the specific geographic locality of your duty station.
Benefits
Employees of the DHS enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Thrift Savings Plan with employer match.
- Student loan repayment opportunities (up to $10,000).
- Paid holidays and comprehensive leave.
- Fitness and wellness programs.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Keep it to two pages and highlight your direct impact in maritime operations.
- Avoid Common Pitfalls: Ensure your resume clearly states hours per week worked for every role.
- Stay Organized: Use the USAJOBS portal to track your application status after submission.
If you possess the maritime expertise and the drive to influence national safety standards, this role with the U.S. Coast Guard is an ideal path. Review the full requirements, prepare your documentation, and submit your application today.
Why This Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck) Job Matters
Shape the future of maritime safety as a Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck) Job Overview
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking a high-level subject matter expert to manage the integrity and development of Merchant Mariner credentialing examinations. This GS-13 role is critical to national security, ensuring that deck officers meet rigorous safety and competency standards before serving on the high seas.
Requirements for Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Registration or exemption from Selective Service
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 federal service
- Bachelor's or graduate degree in a field such as business, economics, engineering, or transportation
- Successful completion of a background investigation
- Valid U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) at Chief Mate level or equivalent military DWO experience
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck)
- Extensive deck officer experience on large, self-propelled vessels
- Proven background in psychometric evaluation or technical program management
- Two or more years of service as a civilian Subject Matter Expert at the National Maritime Center
- Expertise in policy development and legal/technical writing for maritime systems
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent) with government matching
- ✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave accrual
- ✓Flexible work schedule options
- ✓Student loan repayment program eligibility (up to $10,000)
💡 How to Apply Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck) Job
- Create or update your profile on the official federal hiring portal
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages
- Gather and upload relevant transcripts, SF-50 forms, and veterans' documentation
- Submit your application through the portal by the cutoff date
- Complete the required USA Hire competency assessments if invited
- Monitor your status through your applicant dashboard
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under two pages with at least 10pt font and .5-inch margins.
- Do not copy/paste duty descriptions from the job announcement into your resume.
- Ensure all transcripts clearly display your course titles and credit hours.
- Complete the online assessments promptly; missing the deadline will disqualify your application.
- Review your application for accuracy before submitting, as Human Resources cannot modify documents once uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located at various physical offices. Please check the specific location listing for details.
Can I use education to substitute for the required experience?
No, at the GS-13 level, specific specialized experience is required and cannot be substituted solely by education.
What happens if I forget to attach my transcripts?
Failure to provide required transcripts by the closing date will lead to disqualification from the selection process.
What is the cutoff for applications?
*A: The announcement remains open until November 11, 2026, with evaluation windows occurring every 30 days.*
Can I apply if I am a veteran?
*A: Yes, the U.S. Coast Guard strongly encourages veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply via specialized hiring authorities.*
Job from U.S. Coast Guard
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Coast Guard are committed to the security and safety of the nation's waterways. By managing the Merchant Mariner Credentialing program, we ensure that those operating our vessels have the skills, knowledge, and integrity required for the complex challenges of modern maritime operations.