Become a Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) plays a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and security of American waterways. If you possess a background in marine engineering and a desire to shape the next generation of maritime professionals, the position of Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine) offers a unique intersection of technical leadership and public service. This career opportunity allows experienced engineers to step off the ship and into a role that influences maritime policy and competency standards.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist, you will act as a subject matter expert in engine room operations and assessment standards. Key duties include:
- Developing knowledge-based exam questions for marine engineering certifications.
- Managing the lifecycle of assessment programs from creation to administration.
- Monitoring examination metrics to identify trends and improve assessment accuracy.
- Providing technical guidance to ensure all credentialing processes comply with federal standards.
Requirements
To be considered for this high-level GS-13 role, candidates must demonstrate significant professional experience.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level |
| Certification | Must hold/have held a First Assistant Engineer (Unlimited) credential or equivalent |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Suitability | Ability to pass a background investigation |
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-13 level, with a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $163,062 per year, depending on the duty station location.
Benefits
Beyond the salary, the federal government offers a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement plans and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Student loan repayment program (up to $10,000).
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Application Tips
- Watch the Length: Your resume must be two pages maximum.
- Customize: Do not copy the job duties from this announcement; describe your own specific achievements.
- Assessments: Be ready to complete the USA Hire assessments once you receive your link via email.
- SF-50s: If you are a current or former federal employee, submit your most recent SF-50 that verifies your highest grade.
This role is an ideal transition for master mariners and senior engineers who want to apply their vast experience to a regulatory and policy-making environment. With opportunities in multiple locations and generous incentives, it is a prime choice for maritime professionals.
Why This Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine) 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 (Engine) Job Overview
The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center is seeking a highly skilled engine room expert to serve as a Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist. In this vital role, you will be instrumental in the development, management, and administration of knowledge-based competency examinations for the merchant marine industry. This position requires deep technical expertise in shipboard engineering systems and a commitment to ensuring mariners meet the highest standards of safety and proficiency. You will join a dedicated team of civilian professionals supporting the U.S. Coast Guard’s mission to safeguard maritime interests across the nation.
Requirements for Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Registration with the Selective Service (or exemption)
- Possession of a valid state driver's license
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent
- Must hold or have held a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential as First Assistant Engineer (Unlimited) or higher, or equivalent military experience as an Assistant/Chief Engineer
- Must pass a background investigation
- Submission of all required application documents by the closing date
- Adherence to the two-page resume limit
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine)
- Experience supervising engineering personnel in shipboard environments
- Proven history of managing maintenance and repair programs
- Technical writing proficiency for policy and program-level reports
- Expertise in analyzing examination metrics and recommending process improvements
- Two or more years of experience as a subject matter expert in the Mariner Training and Assessment Division
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance
- ✓Federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Flexible Spending Account
- ✓Paid federal holidays and personal leave
- ✓Student loan repayment assistance (up to $10,000)
- ✓Recruitment/Relocation incentives for eligible candidates
- ✓Employee Assistance Program
- ✓Fitness and wellness programs
💡 How to Apply Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Engine) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account to build your application packet.
- Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
- Submit your application through the USAJOBS portal by the cutoff date.
- Complete any required USA Hire assessments within the designated testing window.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any submission exceeding two pages will be automatically rejected.
- Use standard font sizes (10pt+) and margins (at least 0.5 inches).
- Clearly highlight your engineering credentials and specialized experience in your resume.
- Do not copy/paste duty descriptions from the job announcement into your resume; provide your own specific professional achievements.
- Verify that your SF-50 reflects your most recent grade and promotion for time-in-grade eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the educational requirement for this role?
There is no specific positive education requirement for this position; however, if you use education to qualify, you must provide transcripts.
Are there recruitment incentives available?
Yes, new federal appointees may be eligible for a 10% recruitment incentive (25% in Alaska or Miami) with a 12-month service agreement.
How often are applications reviewed?
This is an open continuous announcement with cutoff dates every 30 days. Applications are referred based on these cycles.
Job from U.S. Coast Guard
The National Maritime Center, part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Coast Guard, is the primary body responsible for issuing merchant mariner credentials. The agency ensures that those operating in U.S. waters have the requisite knowledge and skills to do so safely. Joining the USCG civilian workforce means becoming a vital part of a team dedicated to safeguarding the nation's ports, heartland, and international maritime interests.