Become a Senior Marine Investigator with the U.S. Coast Guard
Are you ready to take your career to the next level while protecting the nation's maritime infrastructure? The U.S. Coast Guard is currently seeking a highly skilled Senior Marine Investigator to join the Sector Northern Great Lakes team in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This role is pivotal for maintaining maritime safety, enforcing federal regulations, and ensuring environmental protection within one of the most critical inland shipping regions in the United States.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Marine Investigator, your duties will be diverse and challenging. You will function as a leader within the Prevention department, providing guidance on marine casualties and ensuring that all investigations meet federal standards. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Investigating maritime accidents, including property damage, environmental spills, and injuries.
- Advising leadership on appropriate investigative levels and enforcement actions.
- Conducting merchant mariner misconduct and negligence investigations.
- Serving as the unit Drug and Alcohol Program Inspection (DAPI) auditor.
- Training junior personnel on inspection protocols and investigative techniques.
Investigative Impact
| Focus Area | Objective |
|---|---|
| Marine Casualties | Determine root causes and prevent future occurrences |
| Misconduct Cases | Ensure mariners follow safety protocols and drug policies |
| Regulatory Enforcement | Uphold federal laws and international maritime treaties |
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet strict federal requirements, including:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Professional Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent.
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
- Fitness: Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test and a comprehensive background investigation.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the GS-13 grade level. The salary range for this role is $106,437 to $138,370 per year.
Benefits
Federal employment with the DHS includes a robust benefits package designed to support your work-life balance and long-term security, including:
- Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Retirement: Federal pension plans and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Leave: Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- Flexibility: Potential for tuition assistance and professional training programs.
Application Tips
To stand out, follow these tips:
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Anything longer will be discarded.
- Document Everything: Ensure your SF-50 forms and veteran status documents are current and legible.
- Prepare for Assessments: Be ready to complete the USA Hire assessment shortly after applying.
Serving as a Senior Marine Investigator is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety of our Great Lakes and the security of our maritime commerce. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to contribute to the mission of the U.S. Coast Guard, we encourage you to submit your application through the USAJOBS portal today.
Why This Senior Marine Investigator Job Matters
Protect our nation's waterways and maritime interests with the U.S. Coast Guard as a Senior Marine Investigator.
Senior Marine Investigator Job Overview
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Senior Marine Investigator within the Sector Northern Great Lakes in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This GS-13 role focuses on investigating marine casualties, enforcing maritime regulations, and ensuring the safety and integrity of our nation's waterways. You will play a critical role in evaluating organizational factors, human performance, and environmental impacts to maintain the highest standards of maritime safety and security.
Requirements for Senior Marine Investigator
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must possess at least one full year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Must maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Must register for or be exempt from Selective Service.
- Must be able to undergo and successfully pass a background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Marine Investigator
- Experience interpreting federal laws, maritime treaties, and pollution prevention regulations.
- Proficiency in analyzing marine casualties and identifying organizational or human performance causal factors.
- Ability to manage drug and alcohol program audits for marine employers.
- Expertise in preparing and presenting cases for administrative hearings.
- Strong technical skills in data management, reporting, and office software suites.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- ✓Federal retirement plan
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Flexible Spending Accounts
- ✓Paid federal holidays and personal leave days
- ✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development
- ✓Transportation subsidies
- ✓Fitness center access
💡 How to Apply Senior Marine Investigator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Marine Investigator Job
- Register or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume limited to two pages, following specific font and margin requirements.
- Collect necessary documentation including SF-50s, transcripts, and veterans' preference documents.
- Submit your application through the USAJOBS portal before the deadline.
- Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments if prompted by email.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly defines your experience in terms of dates and hours worked per week.
- Review your resume to ensure it does not include PII such as Social Security Numbers or photos.
- Check your email frequently for assessment invitations; you generally have a 48-hour window to complete them.
- Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to practice assessment methods.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible; unreadable files may lead to automatic disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a college degree required for this position?
No, there is no positive education requirement for this specific GS-1801 position; however, you must demonstrate equivalent professional experience.
What is the security level for this role?
The position requires a Secret level security clearance.
Can I submit my application via email?
No, applications must be submitted through the official USAJOBS portal. Email submissions are not accepted.
What is the location of this job?
*A: The position is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.*
Is relocation assistance provided?
*A: Moving expenses may be authorized in accordance with federal regulations.*
Job from U.S. Coast Guard
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Coast Guard are committed to protecting American interests, securing our borders, and ensuring the resilience of our maritime transportation systems. Working as a Coast Guard civilian is a unique opportunity to serve the public, providing leadership and operational expertise in a mission-driven environment.