Second Officer

Announcement opens continuously from 10/01/2025, with periodic cut-offs.

Average Annual Salary: $246,791 + up to a $51,902 BONUS

This is the average annual salary not the base pay featured in the job opportunity announcement. All calculations include CIVMAR total take-home pay (including overtime, penalty, etc.).

A recruitment incentive is authorized for eligible selectees and requires a service agreement. Please visit:  for details. Incentive is paid as a lump sum at the beginning of employment with the Command. Mixed Work Schedule, VEOA candidates and Annuitants selected for employment are not eligible for recruitment incentives.

The Second Officer is a Civil Service Mariner (CIVMAR) employed by the Navy to serve the Military Sealift Command (MSC) onboard naval auxiliaries and hybrid-manned warships worldwide, in peace and war. MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations. MSC provides on-time logistics, strategic sealift, as well as specialized missions anywhere in the world, in contested or uncontested environments.

Serves as a member of the Deck Department under the supervision of the First Officer. Assists the Master and First Officer in carrying out their responsibilities and duties and performs such duties that may be assigned, including assuming command of the ship in their absence. Responsible for the dual function as Navigator and Operations Officer.

As the Navigation Officer, directly accountable to the Master for the navigation responsibilities of the ship. Serves as the direct supervisor of all Watch Officers and Watch Teams both at sea and in port. Prepares a comprehensive voyage plan and briefs the Master and watch officers ensuring that the classified nature of the mission and specific information on ship’s voyages, movements and position are not indiscriminately revealed.

As the Operations Officer (OPSO), responsible for the scheduling of operational tasking and harbor movements, naval message operational traffic, tactical maneuvering coordination and communication underway, and Helicopter Control Officer (HCO). Member of the Master’s Staff and Safety Council. The OPSO is the designated position replacing the Military Detachment Officer-in-Charge. He is the direct supervisor of the Operation Chief. The OPSO provides key information to the Master and Watch Team concerning ship schedule, maneuvering and flight operations.

The OPSO also works in conjunction with the Cargo Officer and CIVMAR Supply Officer to ensure all cargo evolutions are within the capability of the ship’s manning and ROC & POE.

Maintains Naval Warfare publications library and associated naval guidance and instructions.

Scheduling of harbor movements for Arrivals, Departures, Shifts, and Cargo fuel loading dates/times with MSFSC SEALOG AOR, Battle or Strike Group Commander and Port Operations to include Harbor Pilots and tugs is an intricate responsibility of the OPSO and a primary concern to the Master.

When acting as the senior watch officer, ensures that all standard navigation day’s work is performed by all watches and that operational checklists are maintained. Ensures event records on the bridge coincide with engine room records by synchronizing clocks at noon each underway day and after each time change increment. Maintains assigned berthing compartment in a neat, clean, and orderly manner.

OPSO is responsible for maintaining verbal communications over Fleet Tactical radio circuit during operational underway re-fueling to all customer-receiving ships; and to ensure direct communication with the navy customers in real time Command Chat as necessary. Responsible for ensuring the daily AKAI-6 CALL SIGNS and customer ship JANAP CALL SIGNS are provided to…