Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck)

This vacancy is for a GS-2101-12, Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck) located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, NMC MARINER EXAMINATIONS BRANCH in location negotiable after selection.

You will serve as a Merchant Mariner Evaluation Specialist (Deck) and be responsible for providing advice and administration on the regulatory provisions and controls for the examinations of the merchant mariner credentialing program with specific emphasis on merchant marine personnel examinations and the development of knowledge-based competency examinations and examination systems. Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team. Typical work assignments include: Aids in the development and revision of merchant marine deck examination questions by researching technical publications and regulations to create examination materials that reflect current maritime practices. Assists with item analysis by reviewing test item data, providing feedback to training providers based on analysis results, and helping to update test items as directed by senior staff. Addresses internal and external inquiries regarding credentialing and examination policies, responding to comments and challenges on exam questions under the guidance of senior staff on complex issues. Contributes to the examination creation and maintenance process by assisting with assessment structures, utilization, and disposition to support an effective and economical assessment program. Working with senior specialists, helps to reconcile inconsistencies in examination processes, monitors performance metrics, and suggests improvements related to identified trends. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Reasonable Accommodation Information Open Continuous: You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. Upon application, you may be provided a testing window to complete additional assessments. This testing window may stipulate a completion deadline before the announcement closes. It is your responsibility to complete the additional online assessments within the timeline provided to remain in consideration for this vacancy announcement. Failure to complete the online assessments within the testing window for this announcement will not preclude you from being considered for and completing the online assessments during a testing window on a future announcement. NOTE: This announcement has an open period until 11/17/2026, with applicant cut-off dates every 30 days. Applications received that meet the eligibility and qualification criteria may be referred for further consideration based on the following cut-off dates: Thursday, September 17, 2026, Monday, October 19, 2026 AND Tuesday, November 17, 2026