Launch Your Career as a Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) plays a vital role in our nation's security, and at the heart of its operations is the National Maritime Center (NMC). We are currently looking for a dedicated Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist to join our team. If you are a seasoned deck officer looking to transition from sea to a specialized shore-side role, this position offers the unique opportunity to shape the standards and examinations for the next generation of merchant mariners.

Job Responsibilities

As a Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck), your primary objective is to manage the integrity and effectiveness of deck officer examinations. Key tasks include:

Examination Development: Researching regulations to draft and revise exam questions.
Quality Control: Using item analysis to ensure test questions remain relevant to current maritime practices.
Technical Support: Providing guidance to internal and external stakeholders on credentialing policies.
Continuous Improvement: Identifying performance trends and suggesting data-driven improvements to the assessment process.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet strict federal requirements:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Experience	1 year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level
Credentials	Must hold valid 2nd Mate or Master license (or military equivalent)
Education	Relevant degree or combination of education and experience
Compliance	Must pass background investigation

Salary and Benefits

This position is at the GS-12 pay grade, with a salary range of $89,508 to $145,468 per year. Benefits include generous health insurance options, a robust retirement plan (Thrift Savings Plan), paid time off, and access to fitness centers. Additionally, new federal hires may qualify for student loan repayment up to $10,000.

Application Tips

Keep it Short: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Anything longer will disqualify you.
Be Specific: Use clear dates and hours per week to quantify your experience.
Assessments: Complete your USA Hire assessments as soon as you receive the notification.

This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to influence the standards of the maritime industry. If you possess the required deck officer expertise, we encourage you to apply and help support the mission of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Why This Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck) Job Matters

Launch a mission-critical career with the U.S. Coast Guard as a Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist and help shape the future of maritime safety.

Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck) Job Overview

The U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center is seeking highly experienced maritime professionals to join the Mariner Examinations Branch as a Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck). This pivotal GS-12 role involves developing, maintaining, and administering competency-based examinations for merchant mariners. You will play a direct role in national maritime security by ensuring that credentialing standards are robust, accurate, and aligned with current industry best practices. This is an excellent opportunity for seasoned deck officers to transition their operational expertise into a high-impact federal leadership and technical oversight role.

Requirements for Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck)

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
Must hold or have held a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential (2nd Mate Any Gross Tons or higher, Master 1600 tons, or military equivalent DWO 1600 GRT or higher).
One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
Must pass a background investigation.
Must submit transcripts for education if qualifying based on academic credentials.
Resume must not exceed two pages; must include hours per week and start/end dates.
Adherence to strict formatting (10pt font, 0.5-inch margins).

Preferred Qualifications for Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck)

Extensive background in deck officer duties on large, self-propelled vessels.
Proven history of managing vessel stability and complex on-deck operations.
Experience in technical writing, such as operational logs or regulatory reports.
Expertise in mentoring junior personnel or leading technical teams.
Demonstrated ability to reconcile procedural inconsistencies and improve performance metrics.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement with matching)
✓Paid Federal Holidays and Personal Leave
✓Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development
✓Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $10,000)
✓Recruitment and Relocation Incentives for eligible candidates

💡 How to Apply Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck) Job

Create a profile on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Gather supporting documents (DD-214, SF-50, transcripts, professional credentials).
Submit your application through the official portal by the relevant cut-off date.
Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments within the designated window.
Monitor application status via the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details your deck officer experience without copying bullet points from the job description.
Double-check your document formatting; resumes over two pages will be automatically rejected.
Submit your application early to ensure you meet the 30-day cut-off cycles.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for assessments, request it as early as possible in the process.
Ensure your transcripts are legible and clearly show course titles and credit hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this role?

You will be responsible for creating, maintaining, and improving deck examinations for merchant mariners to ensure they meet federal credentialing standards.

Can I work remotely?

This position is located in the National Maritime Center's Examiner Branch. While locations are negotiable after selection, the role generally requires on-site presence or office-based duties.

Is a security clearance required?

No security clearance is required for this position; however, all applicants must undergo a background investigation.

Job from U.S. Coast Guard

The Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard work together to secure our nation's ports, waterways, and maritime interests. By joining the NMC, you become a valued member of a team responsible for the rigorous credentialing and examination of maritime personnel, ensuring that only the most qualified individuals pilot our vessels.