Deckhand

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for certain competitive positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Performs a variety of deckhand tasks in connection with the making-up and breaking up of tows, dredging, snagging, tending floating plant, revetment construction operations, channel patrol activities, and the general maintenance and housekeeping of floating plant.

Open Date: 12/31/2025 - Closing Date: 01/14/2026

Salary: $21.76 to $25.41 per hour (Pay scale & grade: XF
6)

Location:

Vicksburg, MS (1 vacancy)

Remote job:
No

Telework eligible:
No

Travel Required:

50% or less (may be expected to travel)

Relocation expenses reimbursed:
No

Appointment type:
Multiple

Work schedule:

Full-time

Service:
Competitive – Promotion potential:
None. Job family (Series): 5788 Deckhand

Supervisory status:
No

Security clearance:
Not Required

Drug test:
Yes

Financial disclosure:
No

Bargaining unit status:
Yes

Announcement number: CERG--DHA

Control number:

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

• Secures floating plant with manila and synthetic lines, cables, wire straps, rachets, etc.
• Hand signals boat operator, pilot, supervisor, equipment operators or other deckhands when vision is obscured or limited.
• Makes slings, tow lines, stabilizing straps, mooring lashings by weaving, interweaving cable and rope parts; splices cable and rope; ties sailor knots and uses cable clamps to splice and repair broken lines.
• Performs housekeeping and maintenance tasks such as washing down decks, chip‑painting paint and rust from bulkheads, timber heads, cavels, deck equipment, and painting.

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination via background investigation.
• Position meets criteria for random drug and alcohol testing under Department of Army Drug‑free workplace program.
• Valid State Driver’s License required.
• MUST be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• MUST successfully complete and pass a pre‑employment physical.
• Work both inside and outside during a variety of weather conditions and climates, including extremes of heat, cold, and heavy rainfall.
• Work may involve long periods of standing, lifting, climbing, and walking.
• Duty location is wherever the Dredge Jadwin is located.

Who May Apply: U.S. Citizens

• Minimum Qualification (Screen Out Element):
  Ability to do the work of a Deckhand without more than normal supervision. Duties include channel patrol activities, outboard motor operation, deck equipment repair, general maintenance and housekeeping on a floating plant. Failure to meet this element results in ineligibility.
• Physical Effort:
  Handling heavy cables, equipment, and machinery; making and breaking tows; washing, scrubbing, cleaning, chipping, painting surfaces. Heavy lifting up to 40 pounds may be required. Long periods of standing, lifting, climbing, crouching, and walking.
• Working Conditions:
  
  Inside and outside in varied weather; exposure to paint fumes; risk of cuts, bruises, eye injury from chipping paint and rust; danger of slipping from floating plant into water; on‑shore work may involve mud, dirty or cramped situations.

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre‑Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship required.
• One year trial/probationary period may be required.
• Direct Deposit of Pay required.
• Selection subject to DOD referral system for displaced employees.
• If retired from federal service and interested as a reemployed annuitant, see reemployed annuitant information sheet.
• This is a Career Field position.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Payment of PCS costs is not authorized.
• Position covered by AFGE bargaining unit.
• All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
• The duty location is wherever the Dredge Jadwin is located.
• This announcement will use Expedited Referral Process; resume will not be reviewed for qualifications until a selection is made.
• This announcement may be used to…