This position is located within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) with two vacancies located in Pascagoula, MS.

Duties

As an Equipment Specialist (Marine), you will perform the following duties:

• Operates a small research vessel up to 100 GRT in support of various SEFSC fishery independent surveys and research projects navigating the vessel, standing watch, setting and maintaining speed and course, using navigational aids and devices to compute position, and coordinating the activities of members of the vessel and scientific crew. Performs vessel maintenance and routine upkeep including regular inspections and maintenance of engines, hydraulic, and electrical systems, hull, deck equipment, navigation equipment, fuel and water systems, safety equipment, and sampling/fishing equipment to ensure safe reliable operation.
• Lead outreach and training activities with both industry and law enforcement providing training and conducting workshops on legal specifications of conservation gear. Researches, develops, and designs updates to maintenance and equipment, and develops and maintains maintenance plans.
• Oversees or participates in the construction and fabrication of gear and operational support equipment, essential vessel systems components, and general structural modifications utilizing experience in reading blueprints, manuals, and manufacturing documents.
• Develops written reports and presentations for conservation gear inspection trips and outreach activities related to conservation gear support.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). This system replaced the Federal GS pay plan and structure. Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band.

The ZA-3 is equivalent to the GS-11/12.

• A one year probationary period may be required.
• Payment of relocation expenses is not authorized.
• This position is in the bargaining unit. This position is covered by 5627.

Key Requirements:

1. Applicants must be US Citizens.
2. Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
3. Selectee must provide a valid state driver's license & safe driving record.
4. A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
5. Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.
6. If you are a Federal employee applying for a promotion (under merit promotion procedures) you must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifications

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy.

EDUCATION: There is no positive education requirement for this position.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.

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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

To qualify at the ZA-3 or GS-11:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZA-2 or GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

• Participating in the fabrication, maintenance, and repair of research fishing gear and equipment;
• Assisting in providing technical guidance regarding the prevention of protected species entanglement; and
• Assisting in developing and maintaining partnerships to promote species conservation programs or strategies.

OR

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., in fields related to the position to be filled.

OR

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of education and experience as described above.

Benefits

A career with the US government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.