Craft Operator

Responsibilities

• Regularly operate, navigate, dock or cast‑off, and fuel inboard, outboard, and inboard/outboard (I/O) powered vessels, including prop boats and jet boats ranging from 3 to 13 meters in length, to facilitate biological sampling of the San San Francisco Estuary.
• Maintain, service, track, and perform minor repairs on all vessels and associated equipment, including sampling gear, marine diesel and gasoline engines, drive systems, and boat trailers.
• Assure adherence to safety protocols by all personnel on board and assist in training vessel operators and other personnel.
• Load and unload cargo from small craft and launches.
• Support fish monitoring and conservation projects.

• Full‑time, typically Monday through Friday.
• Regular overtime and occasional weekend work required.
• Approximately 80 % field work, 20 % shop‑based tasks.

• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12‑31‑59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Pre‑employment and random drug testing required; a positive drug test will result in disqualification.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Obtain and maintain U.S. FWS‑approved Forklift Operator Certification.
• Obtain and maintain U.S. FWS‑approved Motorboat Operator Certification (MOCC).
• Swimming in ponds, lakes, moving water, and/or coastal aquatic environments is required.

A 1‑year probationary period may be required. During this time, the agency will evaluate the applicant’s performance, conduct, and fit with agency objectives. Employment will terminate automatically at the end of the probationary period unless the agency certifies in writing that the applicant should continue.

• Proficient in performing Small Craft Operator duties with minimal supervision, including operation of inboard, outboard, and I/O vessels; deployment and retrieval of sampling gear; maintenance of hydraulic equipment; trailering and launching vessels.
• Operational knowledge of motor vehicles and vessels.
• Ability to interpret instructions and specifications related to mobile equipment operation.
• Ability to operate safely in non‑motor vehicle and vessel contexts.
• Reliability and dependability as a Small Craft Operator.
• Good work practices, including keeping work areas neat, clean, and organized.

Volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) or other civic organizations is eligible for credit. Documented experience that directly supports job duties is preferred.

Frequent lifting and carrying of moderate‑heavy parts and equipment weighing 50 pounds or more on slippery or uneven surfaces such as moving boat decks and docks. Tasks include pushing, pulling, reaching, walking, standing, kneeling, bending, and climbing into engine compartments. Requires coordination of hands, eyes, legs, and body during simultaneous hydraulic winch and engine control operation on wet, moving decks. Incumbent must be able to operate vessels for over 10‑hour periods between harbor landings.

Work performed day and night, on open or partially enclosed boats, in all seasons and weather conditions. Exposure to sun, rain, wind, heat, cold, mosquitoes, and moderate engine noise and vibration. Possible exposure to gasoline, diesel, battery acids, and hydraulic fluids. Protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) — safety footwear, eye protection, hearing protection, head protection, approved personal flotation devices, goggles, etc.

— are required.