Engineering Technician IV – Range Boat Captain - PRTR

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 Potomac River Test Range (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.

• Operates assigned range control vessel (international orange superstructure, white hull) during all scheduled and unscheduled test events across the PRTR danger zones
• Stations vessel at assigned range position (Upper Machodoc Creek, Lower Cedar Point, Swan Point MD, Colonial Beach VA, or as directed by Range Operations Center) prior to commencement of each test evolution
• Enforces restricted waterway boundaries under 33 CFR Part 334; intercepts and redirects civilian, commercial, and recreational watercraft that enter or approach active danger zones
• Displays red range flag and operates vessel siren/PA system to provide warning and instructions to approaching watercraft
• Maintains constant radio communication with the Range Operations Center (ROC) throughout all test events; reports contact violations, safety hazards, and range clearance status in real time
• Confirms and reports range clear status at assigned station prior to authorizing test commencement
• Executes emergency response procedures for man-overboard, vessel distress, and hazardous conditions on the river
• Monitors and records sound level data from onboard Brüel & Kjær acoustic monitoring equipment; confirms proper equipment function before underway and transmits data to ROC as required

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

• Performs 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
• Identifies and reports mechanical, electrical, and structural deficiencies; coordinates with Range and Marine Maintenance sub-task personnel for corrective maintenance
• Maintains maintenance logs and records for assigned vessel; ensures all discrepancies are documented and tracked to resolution
• Ensures vessel and all associated equipment (navigation, safety, communications, acoustic instrumentation) is maintained to mission-ready status at all times

• Maintains current USCG Merchant Mariner Credential and all required endorsements; immediately reports any change in credential status to supervisor
• Complies with all NSWCDD, NSF Dahlgren, and TRAX safety, environmental, and security policies including range safety officer directives
• Completes all required OPSEC, security, and facility access training as directed
• Supports 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 restricted/navigable waterways
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in U.S. government, military, or DoD range/test range marine operations OR equivalent experience operating in USCG/Navy-controlled restricted waterway environments
• Demonstrated experience conducting pre-/post-underway inspections and performing basic preventive maintenance on small patrol-class vessels
• Experience directing the activities of subordinate crew members
• Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC):
  Master of Self-Propelled Vessels, Inland Waters, Up to 100 Gross Tons
• USCG Radar…