Marine Investigator Opportunity with the U.S. Coast Guard in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The U.S. Coast Guard, a vital component of the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated professional to join its ranks as a Marine Investigator. This critical GS-13 position, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the safety and security of our nation's maritime environment. If you possess a strong investigative background, a commitment to upholding maritime laws, and a desire to serve, this role offers a challenging and rewarding career path.

About the U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard stands as one of the nation's five armed forces and the only one within the Department of Homeland Security. Its mission is broad, encompassing maritime security, safety, and environmental protection. From safeguarding ports and waterways to responding to maritime disasters and enforcing laws, the Coast Guard plays an indispensable role in national security. As a member of the Coast Guard civilian workforce, you contribute to these essential missions, supporting the men and women in uniform and the broader objectives of maritime safety and security.

Job Responsibilities

As a Marine Investigator at the GS-13 level, you will be instrumental in ensuring the integrity of maritime operations. Your responsibilities will span a wide range of critical functions:

• Investigative Leadership: You will perform or lead complex investigations involving all types of U.S. vessels operating globally and individuals holding U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs).
• Casualty Investigations: Guide investigative teams through high-profile investigations of significant, major, and serious marine casualties. This includes incidents resulting in fatalities, injuries, substantial property loss, or environmental damage, often extending beyond local unit jurisdiction.
• Reporting and Analysis: Prepare comprehensive investigative reports, briefing papers, and technical analyses based on findings of fact, conclusions, and safety recommendations stemming from marine casualty investigations.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as a subject matter expert in the most visible aspects of marine casualties, including participation in formal hearing proceedings such as national-level Commandant Marine Boards of Investigations and District/Unit Formal Investigations.
• Training and Curriculum Development: Oversee and conduct on-the-job training (OJT), and collaborate with Training Center (TC) Yorktown Curriculum Specialists to maintain and update advanced investigation courses, exportable training seminars, and course exercises.
• International Collaboration: Work with international investigators to conduct joint investigations of international marine casualties and accidents.
• Regulatory Interpretation: Interpret complex laws, treaties, conventions, regulations, and directives pertaining to vessel navigation, vessel inspection, vessel manning, and pollution prevention.

Requirements for Marine Investigator

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet specific qualifications by the closing date of the announcement:

Basic Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service (visit www.sss.gov).
• A one-year probationary period may be required.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license.
• Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements for the GS-12 level by the vacancy closing date.

Security Clearance:

• A Secret security clearance is required for this position.

Medical Examination:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination is mandatory.

Experience:

• To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped the applicant with the requisite ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples include:
  • Providing technical expertise and leadership in marine casualty investigations.
  • Investigating merchant mariner negligence, misconduct, and incompetence.
  • Collaborating with international investigators on marine casualty investigations.
  • Interpreting laws, treaties, conventions, regulations, and directives related to vessel navigation, inspection, manning, and pollution prevention.

Important Note: Directly copying experience statements from the vacancy announcement into your resume will not be considered sufficient demonstration of your qualifications.

Education:

• This position does not have a positive education requirement. However, if you choose to include education on your resume, ensure it is from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency. Transcripts are required if qualifying based on education.

Salary Overview

The salary for this Marine Investigator position at the GS-13 level is set between $106,437 and $138,370 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits Package

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its employees:

• Health Insurance: Access to competitive Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program options, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which includes a pension, Social Security, and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k), with agency matching contributions.
• Leave: Generous annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Potential for flexible work schedules.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for tuition reimbursement, extensive training, and career development programs.
• Other Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and potentially transportation subsidies, uniform allowances, wellness programs, and fitness centers.
• Disabled Veteran Leave: Available for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more hired after November 5, 2016.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of success in this application process, keep the following tips in mind:

• Resume Quality: Your resume is your primary tool. Ensure it is detailed, accurate, and highlights your specialized experience relevant to the duties described. Limit your resume to two pages and adhere to the specified font size and margin requirements. Avoid direct copy-pasting from the announcement.
• Complete Documentation: Submit all required documents by the closing date. This includes transcripts (if applicable), SF-50s (if a current federal employee), veterans' preference documents, and any other substantiating evidence for special hiring authorities.
• USAJOBS Account: Ensure your USAJOBS profile is up-to-date. The system uses this information to assess your qualifications.
• USA Hire Assessments: If required, complete these assessments promptly and within the given timeframe. Utilize the provided practice resources to prepare.
• Honesty and Accuracy: Be truthful and accurate in all information provided. Overstating qualifications can lead to disqualification.
• Follow Instructions: Carefully read and follow all instructions within the announcement and on the USAJOBS platform.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this position?	The annual salary ranges from $106,437 to $138,370.
What are the basic qualifications?	U.S. Citizenship, Selective Service registration/exemption, one year of GS-12 equivalent experience, valid driver's license, and ability to obtain a Secret security clearance and pass a medical exam.
What specific experience is most relevant?	Experience in leading marine casualty investigations, investigating mariner misconduct, international collaboration on investigations, and interpreting maritime laws and regulations is highly valued.
What documents are essential for the application?	A detailed resume is mandatory. Depending on your eligibility and how you qualify, you may also need transcripts, SF-50s, veterans' preference documents, and evidence of other special hiring authorities.
How long does the hiring process typically take?	The agency aims to extend a job offer within 60 days of the application deadline. Applicants will be notified via email of their status throughout the process.
Where is this position located?	This position is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Can I apply if I have a disability?	Yes, the Department of Homeland Security encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and offers special hiring authorities, such as Schedule A appointments. Please see the announcement for details on RA requests.
What if I need a reasonable accommodation for the assessments?	You must request any necessary accommodations and provide supporting documentation before starting the USA Hire assessments. Information on how to do this is provided within the application process.

This Marine Investigator position with the U.S. Coast Guard represents a significant opportunity to serve the nation in a crucial role. By ensuring maritime safety and enforcing regulations, you will directly contribute to the security and well-being of our coastal communities and international maritime partners. If you meet the qualifications and are ready for a challenging and fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.