Become a Combined Trades Supervisor II at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Are you an experienced industrial leader with a track record of guiding multi-disciplinary trade teams? The Department of the Navy has an opening for a Combined Trades Supervisor II in the Temporary Services Shop (Code 990), located within the Production Resources Department at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. This position is a crucial supervisory role offering competitive wages, robust federal benefits, and the chance to contribute directly to the readiness of the United States Navy.

Working as a civilian supervisor for the Navy allows you to apply your technical knowledge, logistics capabilities, and leadership talent in a setting that directly supports national security. Below, we break down everything you need to know about this role, from daily duties and qualification expectations to step-by-step guidance on navigating the unique federal application process.

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About the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) is America's oldest continuously operating naval shipyard, established by order of the federal government in 1800. Situated in Kittery, Maine, right on the border of New Hampshire, PNS is renowned for its world-class submarine overhaul, refit, and modernization services.

As a civilian employee with the Department of the Navy, you will join a proud, dedicated workforce that bridges military and civilian capabilities. The Temporary Services Shop (Code 990) plays a pivotal role in shipyard operations, supplying critical support structures, power distribution, ventilation, and essential staging services to vessels during intense industrial maintenance periods. Leadership in this department ensures that hundreds of tradespeople can work safely and efficiently.

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Job Responsibilities

As a Combined Trades Supervisor II (WS-14), you will act as a high-level manager overseeing subordinate supervisors and various trade crews. You will not simply monitor daily production; instead, you will focus on strategic, long-range planning and resource coordination.

Your primary duties will include:

• Leadership & Personnel Management: Recommending promotions, temporary or permanent reassignments, and performance awards for subordinate trade supervisors. You will also hear and resolve formal personnel grievances and address complex employee relations issues.
• Quality & Safety Assurance: Regularly inspecting ongoing and completed work to ensure absolute compliance with strict technical directives, occupational safety standards, and nuclear-grade quality assurance specifications.
• Long-Range Strategic Planning: Developing, evaluating, and executing comprehensive quarterly and annual work plans that outline resource allocations, supply lines, and crew scheduling.
• Operational Collaboration: Reviewing and approving production workflows established by lower-tier supervisors, adjusting schedules dynamically to address emergency requirements, and reporting status milestones to high-level shipyard leadership.

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Requirements & Qualifications

Unlike traditional white-collar federal positions, positions within the Federal Wage System (FWS) do not demand a specific length of experience or academic degree. Instead, the focus is on the quality and depth of your practical knowledge and leadership capabilities.

The Screen-Out Element

To be considered eligible for this role, you must score a minimum of two points on the core screen-out element: Ability to Provide Production Support Services.

You must demonstrate this capability in your resume by showing:

• Experience planning trade crew utilization and industrial resources at least three months in advance.
• Success in analyzing long-range material demands and estimating the quantities of skilled personnel needed for major projects.
• Experience evaluating, adjusting, and authorizing work plans drafted by subordinate supervisors.
• The ability to monitor complex construction, overhaul, or maintenance schedules and dynamically re-allocate resources when emergent demands arise.
• A history of enforcing compliance with complex safety protocols and precise technical instructions.

Core Job Competencies

Applicants will also be assessed on their competence in:

1. Interpreting intricate technical instructions, engineering drawings, and schematics.
2. Knowledge of industrial equipment assembly, repair, and installation practices.
3. Mastering precise technical procedures requiring high-level craftsmanship.

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Salary Overview

This role is graded under the Federal Wage System as a WS-14 position. Salaries are calculated on an hourly basis and offer competitive compensation reflecting the high level of responsibility required in shipyard supervision.

Position Title	Pay System	Grade	Minimum Hourly Wage	Maximum Hourly Wage	Equivalent Estimated Annual Salary
Combined Trades Supervisor II	Federal Wage System (WS)	14	$55.13	$64.32	$114,670 - $133,785

Note: Estimated annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year and do not include potential overtime or shift differentials.

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Federal Benefits Package

Civilian service with the Department of the Navy includes an exceptional benefits package that rivals major private-sector offerings:

• Retirement Security: Dual coverage through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
• Health and Wellness: Access to a broad selection of Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans, dental and vision insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave accrue rates, dedicated sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays each year.
• Telework: This role is telework-eligible, allowing for modern flexibility when non-manual administrative duties permit.

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Critical Application Tips for Success

Applying for a federal role requires careful planning. Keep these vital rules in mind to prevent your application from being automatically rejected:

1. Enforce the Two-Page Limit: The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard enforces a strict 2-page maximum for resumes. If your resume is three pages or longer, or if the text is small and illegible, your application will be discarded immediately.
2. Avoid Vague Descriptions: Clearly define your supervisory responsibilities. Instead of saying "managed workers," write "supervised 4 lower-tier trade supervisors and oversaw a team of 45 multi-trade technicians, managing resource schedules on a quarterly basis."
3. Detail Your Dates and Hours: For each career entry, document the employer name, starting and ending dates (Month/Year), and average hours worked per week. If you have federal experience, note the pay plan, series, and grade level.
4. Utilize the USAJOBS Resume Builder: This built-in tool is the safest way to guarantee that you have included all administrative data fields mandated by federal HR processors.
5. Complete the Assessment Questionnaire: Take your time with the online assessment, making sure your resume provides physical proof of the experience levels you claim in your answers.

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Do I need a security clearance for this position?

Yes. Selected candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance. This process involves a background investigation, fingerprinting, and verification of citizenship.

What documents are mandatory when I apply?

At a minimum, you must submit a comprehensive resume (under 2 pages). Depending on your situation, you may also need to provide transcripts, a DD-214 (for veterans' preference), an SF-15 (for disabled veterans), or your most recent SF-50 (for current or former federal employees).

How will my application be reviewed?

Human Resources will review your resume against the minimum qualifications and the screen-out element. Candidates who qualify and score highly on the assessment questionnaire will have their profiles referred directly to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard hiring manager for interview consideration.

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Managing temporary service support systems at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is more than just a standard industrial job—it is a vital contribution to national defense. If you possess the planning capabilities, safety focus, and leadership skills required to lead multi-trade crews, don't miss out on this opportunity. Keep your resume under two pages, align your qualifications with the screen-out criteria, and submit your application package before the September 9, 2026 deadline.