CHIEF ENGINEER

Created at: November 14, 2025 00:11

Company: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Location: Portland, OR, 97201

Job Description:

About the Position: This position is aboard a hopper dredge. The Portland District's hopper dredges Yaquina and Essayons, work to ensure a safe "highway" for ships and other vessels. The hopper dredge is a specialized sea-going vessel designed to dredge and transport dredged material from ocean bars, fast flowing rivers and isolated harbors to open-water disposal areas.
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans Current Department of Army Civilian Employees Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army) Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473 Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI) Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible Postal Service/Peace Corps and Other Unique Authorities Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible Reinstatement Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998 In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (SCREEN OUT): Chief Engineer, WJ-4742-15, Must possess a current possess a current (Essayons)-United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) with Chief Engineer 7200 Horsepower or higher Endorsement, or Unlimited Horsepower, Motor Vessel license AND a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) OR (Yaquina)-United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) with Chief Engineer 2250 Horsepower or higher Endorsement, or Unlimited Horsepower, Motor Vessel license AND a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC). Failure to meet this screen out element will result in an ineligible rating. WORKING CONDITIONS Subject to dangers caused by extreme heat, moving machinery, hot pipes, escaping steam, slippery decks, etc., although not to the same degree as subordinate workers, who are continuously exposed to such hazards, since incumbent moves from one location to another. There may be danger in event of a collision. Incumbent works regularly in areas where noise exceeds 80 decibels. Incumbent is exposed to the effects of paints, acids, and solvents. Must wear appropriate safety gear and protective clothing as required, and comply with sound safety practices. PHYSICAL EFFORT Incumbent is required to exert moderate to heavy physical effort in handling engine room equipment. Incumbent must possess color perception in order to perform troubleshooting and repair work on the full range of equipment, and be able to see by low visibility conditions. Lifts and carries equipment and supplies normally up to 45 lbs. and occasionally over 45 lbs. Work requires prolonged standing, walking and climbing, all of which can cause exertion of the lower back. The employee must maintain good lower back physical condition. You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision Screen Out Ability To Lead or Supervise Dexterity and Safety Maintenance Practices on Seagoing Vessels Technical Competence Vessel Operations
Chief Engineer aboard a seagoing, automated hopper dredge.
Supervise and Direct the operation maintenance and repair of all engine room machinery, electrical systems, and auxiliary mechanized equipment of the dredge.
Plan, lay out, and supervise daily operations.
Provide recommendations for maintenance and repair, keeps Captain informed on the status of all machinery.
Supervises licensed and unlicensed engineers and electricians.
Establish performance requirements, approves leave, oversees timekeeping, utilization of the maintenance tracking system (FEM) and all engine room operations.
Train subordinates in safe work methods and utilization of all prescribed safety equipment.
Work with port engineers for long range maintenance and annual overhaul work priorities.


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