Become a Shipwright with the U.S. Pacific Fleet in Garden Island

Are you a master of the trade looking for a career that takes you around the world? The U.S. Pacific Fleet is offering a unique opportunity for an experienced Shipwright to join our team in Garden Island, Australia. This position is perfect for tradespeople who excel in high-precision work and want to support the maritime capabilities of the United States Navy.

Position Responsibilities

As a Shipwright, you are the backbone of dry dock operations. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Dry Dock Support: Laying out, building, and repairing essential support structures for ships undergoing maintenance.
Alignment Precision: Establishing reference points above the waterline to ensure ships are perfectly aligned for docking.
Staging: Constructing and modifying complex staging systems required for safe ship repair.
Tool Operation: Utilizing a wide array of power equipment, hand tools, and measuring instruments to achieve exact specifications.

Qualifications and Requirements

This position requires a high level of hands-on skill. Because this is a trade position, your success is measured by your actual ability to perform the work. A critical "screen-out" element exists: you must demonstrate the ability to complete these tasks without requiring excessive supervision.

Requirement	Description
Experience	Must demonstrate technical competence in shipwright trades
Tools	Proficiency with measuring and marking instruments
Independence	Capability to work without more than normal supervision
Education	Not strictly required; skill is prioritized over degrees

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive hourly wage between $30.07 and $35.07. Beyond the hourly rate, employees assigned to foreign posts in Australia may be eligible for various allowances, including:

Foreign Transfer Allowance
Temporary Quarters Allowance
Living Quarters Allowance

These benefits are designed to ensure your transition to Australia is supported while you maintain your career as a federal employee.

Application Tips for Success

Use the Resume Builder: This ensures you capture the exact data HR needs, such as hours per week and salary levels.
Highlight Your "Screen-Outs": Explicitly detail your ability to handle dry dock structural layouts. If your resume does not clearly reflect this, you may not be referred.
Submit All Documents Early: Do not wait until the final day. Ensure all certifications and veteran paperwork are included to maintain your eligibility.

This 36-month assignment in Garden Island is a rare opportunity to pair your technical expertise with a globally significant mission. If you are a dedicated Shipwright ready for an international challenge, we encourage you to review the requirements and submit your application today.

Why This Shipwright Job Matters

Embark on a unique professional journey as a Shipwright with the U.S. Pacific Fleet at the strategic Garden Island naval facility in Australia.

Shipwright Job Overview

The Department of the Navy is seeking a skilled Shipwright to support critical fleet maintenance operations at Garden Island, Australia. This position plays an essential role in ensuring naval readiness by constructing, repairing, and maintaining structural support systems for vessels in dry dock. You will work within a specialized environment where technical precision meets high-stakes maritime logistics.

Requirements for Shipwright

Ability to perform work without requiring more than normal supervision.
Expertise in laying out, building, and repairing support structures for ships in dry docks.
Proficiency in producing calculations using standard arithmetic and geometry.
Ability to operate standard machine tools, power equipment, and hand tools used in the shipwright trade.
Must be able to interpret instructions, specifications, and blueprints.
Must meet OPM qualification standards for Trade and Labor Occupations.

Preferred Qualifications for Shipwright

Prior experience working in naval or commercial maritime dry dock environments.
Demonstrated ability to establish reference points for ship alignment.
Proven experience in erecting and modifying complex staging for marine ship repair.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Overseas allowances (as applicable per Department of State regulations).
✓Comprehensive Federal benefits package.
✓Professional development and training opportunities.
✓Relocation incentives may be available.
✓36-month tour of duty.

💡 How to Apply Shipwright Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Shipwright Job

Create or update your profile on the official federal employment portal.
Prepare a detailed resume, limited to 2 pages, highlighting relevant experience.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Upload all necessary supporting documents, including SF-50s or veteran documentation if applicable.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Utilize the Resume Builder tool to ensure all mandatory employment dates and salary details are included.
Be specific about your technical proficiency in your resume to ensure you meet the screen-out elements.
Double-check that your documents are legible and clearly labeled before uploading.
If claiming veteran or spouse preference, ensure all specific DD-214 or supporting letters are attached to avoid disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected duration of this position?

This position entails a 36-month tour of duty at the Garden Island location.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Relocation incentives may be authorized for eligible selectees to help offset costs associated with moving to Australia.

Are there specific requirements for military spouse or family member applicants?

Priority consideration is given to qualified military spouses and family members residing in the commuting area. Applicants may apply 30 days prior to arrival, though preferences only activate upon arrival at the location.

What is the security clearance level?

*A: This position requires a Secret level security clearance.*

Can I apply if I am not currently in Australia?

*A: Yes, the position is open to qualified applicants. Military spouses and family members may apply 30 days prior to their arrival.*

Job from U.S. Pacific Fleet

The Department of the Navy is one of the world's most dynamic organizations. We bridge the gap between civilian expertise and military mission support. Working with the Pacific Fleet means you are part of a global team dedicated to protecting freedoms and maintaining naval readiness. Our civilian roles offer stability, competitive pay, and the opportunity to work alongside world-class professionals in unique locations.