Launch Your Career as a Marine Machine Mechanic with the DOT

Are you a skilled mechanic with a passion for maritime engineering? The Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) is currently hiring for a Marine Machine Mechanic (Assistant Engineer) to work out of Massena, New York. This role is a vital component of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s commitment to maintaining safe and efficient maritime infrastructure.

Job Responsibilities

The Marine Machine Mechanic serves as a critical Assistant Engineer aboard the corporation’s fleet, including tugs and specialized barges. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Preventative Maintenance: Conducting scheduled and on-demand inspections of all mechanical and electrical machinery.
Technical Repair: Troubleshooting, repairing, and overhauling propulsion equipment, generators, motors, and auxiliary systems.
Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring all vessel operations meet industry and government safety regulations.
System Management: Working with hydraulics, plumbing, refrigeration, heating, and fire suppression systems.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate the ability to perform work without close supervision. Requirements include:

U.S. Citizenship.
Eligibility for a TWIC card and USCG Medical Certificate.
A valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with required endorsements.
A passing grade on a pre-appointment physical and a drug test.

Salary and Grade Comparison

Grade Level	Requirements	Compensation (Hourly)
WG-09	Entry-level technical experience	$34.88 - $43.25
WG-10	Mid-level technical experience	$34.88 - $43.25
WG-11	Advanced technical/management	$34.88 - $43.25

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement programs, life insurance, and paid time off. You will also be working for an organization consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in the federal government.

Application Tips

Respect the Resume Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
Documentation is Key: If you are applying for WG-10 or WG-11, you must upload your USCG credentials and TWIC card. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
Detail Your Work: Use clear dates and specific titles to describe your mechanical experience.

If you are ready to apply your mechanical expertise to a mission-driven maritime career, this position offers the perfect blend of technical challenge and public service. Apply today to contribute to the safe passage of commercial vessels across the Great Lakes system.

Why This Marine Machine Mechanic (Marine Assistant Engineer) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job Matters

Launch a high-impact career on the Great Lakes with the Department of Transportation as a Marine Machine Mechanic, where your technical expertise keeps vital waterway infrastructure moving.

Marine Machine Mechanic (Marine Assistant Engineer) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job Overview

The Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation is seeking a skilled Marine Machine Mechanic (Assistant Engineer) to maintain, operate, and repair a diverse fleet of vessels, including Z-drive tugboats, buoy barges, and gate lifters. This role is essential to the safe and efficient operation of the Seaway throughout the shipping season and the winter maintenance period. You will act as a key technical authority, ensuring propulsion and auxiliary systems meet strict government and industry standards while working in a dynamic, mission-critical environment.

Requirements for Marine Machine Mechanic (Marine Assistant Engineer) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test and be subject to random testing.
Must undergo and pass a background security investigation.
Must possess or be eligible for a TWIC card.
Must obtain/maintain a valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with required endorsements.
Must be able to pass a pre-appointment physical examination including a functional capacity test.
Must be registered for the Selective Service if applicable.

Preferred Qualifications for Marine Machine Mechanic (Marine Assistant Engineer) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees)

Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing marine propulsion systems and auxiliary machinery.
Ability to interpret technical schematics, blueprints, and engineering drawings.
Proven proficiency in mechanical and electrical systems, including hydraulic, refrigeration, and fire systems.
Technical experience with Z-drive systems and specialized maritime floating plants.
Demonstrated ability to perform assigned duties with minimal supervision.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal hourly wage.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Participation in the federal retirement system.
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
✓Professional development and training opportunities within the Department of Transportation.

💡 How to Apply Marine Machine Mechanic (Marine Assistant Engineer) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Marine Machine Mechanic (Marine Assistant Engineer) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job

Register and create a profile on the official federal job application portal.
Prepare a concise resume, strictly limited to two pages, detailing relevant experience and dates.
Gather required documentation, including USCG credentials, TWIC cards, and past SF-50 forms if applicable.
Submit your application and complete the required assessment questionnaire.
Monitor your status through your applicant dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit as per OPM guidelines.
Clearly define your experience with specific position titles, hours worked per week, and dates.
Attach all required USCG certifications and physical documentation at the time of submission to avoid disqualification.
Focus your resume narrative on specific technical skills that mirror the job duties listed.
Review your application package for completeness before the final deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote-eligible position?

No. This position requires physical presence at the site in Massena, New York, and aboard vessels, making it ineligible for telework.

What happens if I don't obtain the required USCG credentials within the specified timeframe?

Failure to attain the required credentials within the allotted 18 to 30 months (depending on the grade) will result in disciplinary action, up to and including potential dismissal.

Is there travel involved?

Yes, the position involves working on vessels in inland waterways, which requires overnight stays.

Does this position have a probationary period?

Yes, a one-year probationary period is required for new appointments.

Job from Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

The Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation is an operating administration of the Department of Transportation. Its mission is to operate and maintain the U.S.-controlled portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway, ensuring that vessels pass safely through the locks and channels that serve American industries. Working here means joining a team dedicated to operational excellence, infrastructure resilience, and the economic health of the nation.