Chief Boatswain (Fisherman)

Who May Apply

Open to all qualified United States citizens. Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position. 

Position is onboard the NOAA Ship Henry Bigelow, homeported in Newport, RI.  Rotational assignment, approximately 60 days on and 30 days off.

Base Salary listed, salary does not reflect Overtime Earned.

Recruitment Incentive may be authorized.  OMAO is authorizing a Recruitment Bonus up to $10,000.00 for eligible applicants for a two (2) year service commitment. 

The Referral Bonus is only available to eligible NOAA employees.

Duties

The Chief Boatswain (Fisherman) is the manager of the Unlicensed Deck Department, responsible for planning all department activities, managing the budget and inventory control of the department and assisting the chain of command in mission planning and execution in relation to deck operations.  The Chief Boatswain (F) will report to the Executive Officer/ First Officer.  The Chief Boatswain (Fisherman) will assist the Safety Officer in maintaining all Safety Equipment aboard and ensuring the safety equipment is being properly utilized by crew and visiting science party personnel.    The Chief Boatswain (Fisherman) will work directly with the Chief Engineer to ensure deck equipment maintenance, repair, ship-wide work requests are being tracked properly within the Ship’s Maintenance Management System.  Responsible for ensuring all equipment is in good working order and department inventory levels are maintained at sufficient levels.  Develop departmental instructions and ensure all department personnel are trained in accordance with proper procedures and techniques.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

LICENSING AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Must Possess Able Seaman Special, Limited, or Unlimited endorsement on the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. 
2. Current STCW certificate II/4 Able Seaman, Rating Forming Part of Navigation Watch (RFPNW) Able Seaman;
3. Possess a United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with Medical Certificate. Must be Small Boat Coxswain Qualified. 
4. Must have one (1) year experience as Lead Fisherman (or equivalent).

Conditions of Employment

As a conditional of employment, your position will be a Mixed Tour position. Mixed Tour of duty is a combination of full time, part time and intermittent work schedules which allows the best utilization of resources based on the work requirements of the organization. You will be required to sign a Mixed Tour Agreement.

Once selected, you may be sent to any vessel nationwide. There is no guarantee that you will be assigned to any particular vessel or geographic location, however, your duty location will be determined by your home of record or ship’s home port. Duty locations are Norfolk, VA; Charleston, SC; Woods Hole, MA; Pascagoula, MS; Newport, OR; Kodiak, AK; Ketchikan, AK; San Diego, CA; Honolulu, HI; Newport, RI; New Castle, NH

Salary will be determined by locality and class of vessel. 

A two year Trial period may be required. 

Applicant must be able to obtain and hold a US Passport. 

Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable www.sss.gov 

Applicant must be a United States citizen of at least 18 years of age.

Must be suitable for Federal employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Physical requirements in accordance with OMAO Medical Policy.  USCG Medical Clearance examinations are required to include a pre-placement examination(s) as a condition of employment per OMAO policy.  Position is subject to Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Transportation (DOT) randomized drug testing.

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: Employee must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance for the Chief Boatswain (F) position. Position is designated as a Safety-Sensitive. 

Attend and successfully complete all mandatory training courses.

Be ready, willing, and able to physically perform the duties of this position.

Be ready, willing, and able to work in a shipboard environment and wear protective equipment.

NOTE: The tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to report to any of the scheduled appointments - fails the physical examination, fails the drug test, suitability or unable to obtain the required security clearance

Evaluation Criteria
Applicants who meet the minimum eligibility requirements described above will be further evaluated. Documented knowledge, skills, and abilities, education, training, and awards contained in the application package and resume will be reviewed and rated to determine the degree to which applicants possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below that are essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position for which applications are being considered.
 

1. Knowledge and ability to operate, maintain, train crewmembers on Fast Rescue Boats, RHIB Boats, lifeboats, launch and recovery procedures.
2. Knowledge of shipboard safety, including lifesaving and firefighting equipment, methods and techniques.
3. Knowledge and skill in operating material handling equipment, winches, forklifts, cranes, davits, etc.
4. Ability to apply knowledge of seamanship.
5. Ability to plan, organize, train, direct and assess the work of others; to include fishing operations,    i.e. trawling, repair of fishing gear and deployment of scientific equipment.
6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.