Launch Your Maritime Career as a Third Mate with USACE

Are you a dedicated mariner looking for a role that combines technical expertise with service to the nation? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is hiring a Third Mate Dredge Control Officer for our specialized hopper dredge fleet based in Portland, Oregon. This is a unique opportunity to join a team responsible for maintaining the safety of our country's critical waterways.

Job Responsibilities

As a Third Mate, your primary responsibility is the safe and efficient operation of our hopper dredges. Your daily duties will include:

Navigation & Safety: Maintaining strict oversight of the vessel’s movement, logs, and overall safety protocols.
Dredge Control: Managing dredging equipment during active shifts to ensure material is moved efficiently from hazardous waterways to disposal sites.
Maintenance: Assisting the Chief and Second Mates in deck department maintenance, repairs, and the care of the vessel's superstructure.
Deck Operations: Managing hawsers, mooring lines, and heavy-duty deck equipment.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet stringent professional standards:

Licensure: You must possess a current USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) at the Third Mate, Unlimited Oceans level (or higher) with STCW and medical certification.
Identification: A valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) is mandatory.
Physical Capacity: The role requires you to work in varying weather, lift 45+ lbs, and possess excellent depth/color perception.

Comparison of Potential Career Progression

Feature	Third Mate (Current)	Future Potential (Grade 8)
Scope	Vessel Operation	Advanced Operational Lead
Promotion	Competitive Entry	Potential to grade 8
Primary Focus	Watch Standing	Advanced Maintenance Supervision

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive hourly wage between $49.08 and $60.01. Beyond the paycheck, federal employees enjoy:

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
A robust retirement plan (FERS).
Paid annual leave and federal holidays.
Possible recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is a strict requirement.
Documentation is Key: Ensure your USCG credentials are explicitly uploaded. If the system cannot verify your license, you cannot be rated.
Detail Your Experience: For each role on your resume, include the employer name, your specific title, start/end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.

If you have the skills to handle a hopper dredge and the drive to maintain our nation's navigation infrastructure, we invite you to apply. Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and help us build a safer, more efficient future for all.

Why This Third Mate Dredge Control Officer Hopper Dredge Job Matters

Take the helm of critical maritime infrastructure with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—where your navigation expertise ensures the safety of our nation's waterways.

Third Mate Dredge Control Officer Hopper Dredge Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a skilled Third Mate Dredge Control Officer to join the Navigation Division in Portland, Oregon. This role is pivotal to the operations of our hopper dredges, which maintain essential navigation channels for commercial and public vessels. You will play a vital role in executing complex dredging operations, ensuring vessel safety, and maintaining equipment readiness in a dynamic sea-going environment.

Requirements for Third Mate Dredge Control Officer Hopper Dredge

U.S. Citizenship
Current United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) as Third Mate, Unlimited Oceans, STCW, Medical Cert or higher
Current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)
Ability to work in extreme weather, heat, and noisy conditions
Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 45 lbs, with occasional requirements for heavier loads
Pass a mandatory drug screening
Possess color and depth perception, and ability to communicate via radio/telecommunications

Preferred Qualifications for Third Mate Dredge Control Officer Hopper Dredge

Demonstrated experience in hopper dredge operations
Proven history of safe vessel navigation and maintenance of deck equipment
Strong verbal communication skills for coordinating shipboard operations

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Life and long-term care insurance
✓Generous retirement plan including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Paid federal holidays and annual leave accrual
✓Potential recruitment, relocation, or student loan repayment incentives for highly qualified candidates

💡 How to Apply Third Mate Dredge Control Officer Hopper Dredge Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Third Mate Dredge Control Officer Hopper Dredge Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, highlighting relevant experience with specific dates and hours worked.
Gather your USCG Merchant Mariner Credential and TWIC card.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
Submit your application and required documentation by the closing date of November 10, 2026.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must be exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will result in disqualification.
Clearly label your USCG credentials as part of your upload package; failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
Avoid using acronyms or vague technical jargon; use clear, descriptive language for your professional tasks.
Verify that your application includes all required certifications before hitting the submit button.
Ensure your resume includes employer names, job titles, and specific hours worked per week for every position listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this position?

As a Third Mate, you will assist in the navigation and safe operation of hopper dredges, ensuring that critical river and ocean channels are cleared for shipping.

Are there any physical requirements for this job?

Yes. This position involves regular physical activity including climbing, standing, and lifting equipment up to 45 lbs. You must also have sufficient color and depth perception.

Can I submit a long resume?

No. Resumes must be strictly two pages or less. Any resume exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.

Is there a drug test?

Yes, this position requires a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onboard sea-going position based in Portland, Oregon.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the premier engineering, design, and construction agency for the federal government. Our Portland District manages two major hopper dredges, the Yaquina and the Essayons. These vessels are essential for maintaining navigable depths in ocean bars, rivers, and harbors. When you join USACE, you aren't just taking a job—you are joining a mission that strengthens national security, supports economic growth, and mitigates disaster risk.