Become a Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator with the U.S. Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is currently seeking a highly experienced professional to fill the role of Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine). This high-impact position is designed for experts with deep knowledge of shipboard operations, marine engineering, and maritime training standards. If you are looking to pivot your maritime career into a leadership role that influences national safety policies, this position offers a unique blend of professional challenge and federal stability.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator, you will:

Conduct Analytical Studies: Maintain valid Coast Guard approval standards for mariner training.
Evaluate Curricula: Review public training submissions for technical maritime subject matter.
Assess Competency: Evaluate instructors, Qualified Assessors, and Designated Examiners to ensure they meet federal proficiency standards.
Policy Development: Collaborate on the creation of new Coast Guard policies for National and STCW endorsements.
Public Inquiry: Prepare authoritative responses to public and governmental inquiries regarding maritime qualifications.

Comparison: Traditional Maritime Career vs. USCG Evaluator

Feature	Traditional Industry Role	USCG Course Evaluator Role
Focus	Vessel Operations	Policy & Oversight
Schedule	Shipboard Rotation	Standard Federal Hours
Benefits	Industry Competitive	Federal Comprehensive Benefits
Impact	Vessel Level	National/International Standard

Requirements

To be eligible, candidates must satisfy several specific criteria by the closing date:

Education: A degree in a relevant field (Engineering, Business, Traffic Management, etc.).
Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 equivalent level.
Subject Matter Expertise: Must hold a valid First Assistant Engineer (Unlimited) MMC or possess equivalent military engineering credentials.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-13 level, with an annual salary range of $106,437 to $172,980. Compensation is subject to locality pay, reflecting the specific region of the posting.

Benefits

Beyond the salary, the USCG offers:

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental plans.
Thrift Savings Plan with government matching.
Student loan repayment up to $10,000.
Generous annual and sick leave.
Recruitment and relocation bonuses for qualified applicants.

Application Tips

Format: Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less.
Detail: Include precise start/end dates and hours per week to verify your experience.
Documentation: Do not forget to attach your unofficial transcripts; they are required to pass the minimum qualification screen.
Assessments: Be prepared to complete the USA Hire assessments after your initial application submission.

Serving as a Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator is more than just a job; it is a vital contribution to national security and global maritime safety. With a competitive salary, substantial federal benefits, and the opportunity to influence the next generation of merchant mariners, this position is a premier choice for experienced engineering professionals.

Why This Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) Job Matters

Take the helm of maritime safety with the U.S. Coast Guard as a Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator—where your engineering expertise shapes the future of global maritime standards.

Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) Job Overview

The U.S. Coast Guard, within the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking a highly skilled subject matter expert to serve as a Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine). Based in the National Maritime Center, you will lead critical analytical efforts to maintain rigorous Coast Guard approval standards for mariner training and licensing. This role is essential to safeguarding our nation's maritime interests by ensuring that both domestic and international STCW endorsements meet the highest safety and competency criteria.

Requirements for Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine)

U.S. Citizenship.
Must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
Completion of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.
Degree in a relevant field such as engineering, business administration, maritime commerce, or similar.
Must pass a background investigation for public trust clearance.
Must possess a valid U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential (First Assistant Engineer or higher) OR equivalent military EOW/Chief Engineer experience OR two years of experience as a Subject Matter Expert at the NMC.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine)

High proficiency in marine engineering systems and shipboard operations.
Expertise in interpreting and applying international maritime laws and STCW regulations.
Proven capability in drafting technical maritime materials and professional correspondence.
Strong analytical skills regarding curriculum evaluation and instructor proficiency.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
✓Health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
✓Paid federal holidays and personal leave
✓Student loan repayment program up to $10,000
✓Recruitment/relocation incentives for eligible candidates
✓Flexible work schedules and wellness programs

💡 How to Apply Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Merchant Mariner Course Evaluator (Engine) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is no more than two pages.
Submit all required documents, including transcripts and veteran documentation if applicable.
Complete the online questionnaire and required USA Hire Assessments.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Do not include sensitive personal information like your SSN or age on your resume.
Ensure your resume includes specific dates and hours worked per week for each role.
Submit your application early to accommodate potential assessment windows.
Carefully review the 'Required Documents' section; missing transcripts will lead to immediate disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a college degree mandatory for this position?

Yes, there is a positive education requirement. You must provide transcripts to demonstrate an undergraduate or graduate degree in a related field such as engineering, business, or transportation.

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No, U.S. citizenship is a mandatory requirement for this federal position.

What is the maximum resume length?

You are strictly limited to a two-page resume. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.

Job from U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard, a vital component of the Department of Homeland Security, operates around the globe to ensure the safety, security, and stewardship of our nation's waters. The Mariner Course Approvals Branch at the National Maritime Center (NMC) is tasked with maintaining the highest standards for mariner licensing and documentation. By joining this team, you become a civilian professional dedicated to protecting maritime interests.