Engineering Technician IV – Range Boat Captain - PRTR

Job Code: 2026:

Location:

Dahlgren Navy Base, VA

FT/PT Status:
Full Time

Business Sector:
Facilities Management and Operations

PENDING CONTRACT AWARD

The Range Boat Captain operates, maintains, and ensures the safe navigation of government-furnished range control vessels on the Potomac River Test Range (PRTR) in direct support of Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) weapons test and evaluation events. The PRTR is the nation’s largest fully instrumented overwater test range, spanning approximately 51 nautical miles across Upper, Middle, and Lower Danger Zones.

The Range Boat Captain is a mission‑critical role responsible for the safety of personnel aboard, the protection of civilian watercraft from weapons test hazards, and the operational readiness of assigned vessels throughout the test season.

• Operate assigned range control vessel during all scheduled and unscheduled test events across the PRTR danger zones.
• Station vessel at assigned range position prior to commencement of each test evolution.
• Enforce restricted waterway boundaries under 33 CFR Part 334; intercept and redirect civilian, commercial, and recreational watercraft that enter or approach active danger zones.
• Display red range flag and operate vessel siren/PA system to provide warning and instructions to approaching watercraft.
• Maintain constant radio communication with the Range Operations Center (ROC) throughout all test events; report contact violations, safety hazards, and range clearance status in real time.
• Confirm and report range clear status at assigned station prior to authorizing test commencement.
• Execute emergency response procedures for man‑overboard, vessel distress, and hazardous conditions on the river.
• Monitor and record sound level data from onboard Brüel & Kjær acoustic monitoring equipment; confirm proper equipment function before underway and transmit data to ROC as required.

• Conduct pre‑underway and post‑mission inspections of assigned vessel; verify fuel levels, navigation lights, communication equipment, safety gear (PFDs, flares, fire extinguishers, first aid), and propulsion systems.
• Maintain vessel deck log for each underway period, recording departure/return times, crew aboard, operational status, and any incidents or discrepancies.
• Direct the activities of assigned Boat Riders (Laborers) during range clearance and test events.
• Operate vessel safely in tidal currents, reduced visibility, and adverse weather conditions consistent with NSWCDD range operating procedures.
• Transport personnel and test equipment to/from range stations and target areas as directed.

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) on assigned vessel in accordance with government‑furnished maintenance schedules and manufacturer guidance; tasks include engine oil/filter changes, fuel system checks, bilge pump maintenance, hull inspection, running gear inspection, and electronics checks.
• Identify and report mechanical, electrical, and structural deficiencies; coordinate with Range and Marine Maintenance sub‑task personnel for corrective maintenance.
• Maintain maintenance logs and records for assigned vessel; ensure all discrepancies are documented and tracked to resolution.
• Ensure vessel and all associated equipment (navigation, safety, communications, acoustic instrumentation) is maintained to mission‑ready status at all times.

• Maintain current USCG Merchant Mariner Credential and all required endorsements; immediately report any change in credential status to supervisor.
• Comply with all NSWCDD, NSF Dahlgren, and TRAX safety, environmental, and security policies including range safety officer directives.
• Complete all required OPSEC, security, and facility access training as directed.
• Support preparation of boat operations schedules, range clearance logs, and after‑action reports as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum seven (7) years of progressive experience operating vessels 30 feet or larger on inland or near‑coastal…