Military Sealift Command

seacomber · August 31, 2015, 6:33am

[QUOTE=“Bayrunner”]What the hell is a KSA and what does it have to do with chipping paint, working lines, and sweeping the floor? Requested of applicants regarding work experience, this job opening may be open to many applicants depending on Command needs. MERIT PROMOTION OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT Announcement # 15-123-01MP Title, Series, Grade, (Code): Damage Control Officer, WM-9914-29 (123) Base Salary: $87,356 Per annum Opening Date: September 2, 2015 Closing Date: September 16, 2015 Location: Military Sealift Command (MSC) – Various Training Locations. Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position. Who May Apply: Open to all permanent qualified Military Sealift Command (MSC) Civil Service Mariner (CIVMARS) employees. Applicants, who previously applied under 14-123-02MP, must reapply, if they wish to be considered for this position. Duties: Damage Control Officers (DCOs) conduct training based upon MSC and USCG training requirements, ship drills, ship inspections and/or casualty investigations for the MSC civil service marine workforce. They may be assigned to a MSC training center, field site, or on an Afloat Training Team. Duties include, but are not limited to developing/revising training instructions, guides, etc.; participating/conducting training courses; participating in or assisting afloat training teams; acting as safety supervisor during field exercises, conducting inspections and drills aboard ships; writing instructional, investigation and/or inspection reports with recommendations; providing technical advice on damage control issues; and/or maintaining and repairing school facilities and equipment as necessary. DCOs also represent MSC interests at conferences germane to MSC training and readiness. DCOs report to a Damage Control Leader. Candidates selected required to sail 30-45 days on annual basis during high relief request seasons and mission contingencies. When assigned to a ship, DCO comes under the administrative supervision of the ship’s Master. Everything in this Position Description is considered to be an essential function of this position. Performs all other duties as assigned. Minimum Eligibility Requirements: 1. Must possess current and valid: • USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as: Any Unlicensed Rating in the Deck Department, Able Seaman Unlimited, or Any Unlicensed Rating in the Engine Department • USCG License endorsed as: Master or Chief Mate (Any Gross Tons Upon Oceans) or Chief Engineer or First Assistant Engineer (Steam, Motor, or Gas Turbine vessels of Any Horsepower), • STCW Certificate that accompanies the USCG License. Applicants with an Engineer’s license must also possess: • A Universal EPA Ozone Depleting Substances certificate. Applicants with a Deck license must also possess: • A current Radar Observer Unlimited endorsement or certificate. • A Federal Communications Commission GMDSS Radio Operator’s License/certificate. COPIES OF CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS ARE NOT REQUIRED BUT ARE TO BE LISTED ON THE MSC PROMOTION APPLICATION FORM UNLESS DOCUMENTATION IS SUPPORTING COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCE OTHER THAN MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND EXPERIENCE. Evaluation Criteria: Applicants who meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements described above will be further evaluated. Documented knowledge, skills, and abilities, education, training, and awards contained in the application package and resumewill be reviewed and rated to determine the degree to which applicants possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below that are essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position for which applicants are being considered. 1. Knowledge of shipboard safety, antiterrorism-force protection, lifesaving, firefighting and damage control equipment, programs and procedures to conduct training and drills. 2. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to develop and write technical papers and instructional materials, to represent MSC in conferences, conduct training, drills, and inspection and investigative reports. 3. Ability to plan, organize and execute training evolutions. 4. Ability to analyze, direct and evaluate shipboard operations and training evolutions. Although not required for consideration, candidates that hold Tankerman PIC (person in charge)/DL (dangerous liquids), or the appropriate Towing credentials as specified in 46 CFR 15.805(a)(5), Towing Officers Assessment Record (TOAR), possess credentials or certificates demonstrating proficiency with unusual and technical shipboard operations systems and programs such as Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems, salvage operations, cable operations, command ship operations, or foreign naval auxiliary operations shall provide that information on the Promotion Application form. To earn the highest rating possible, you are encouraged to submit detailed information of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. Related MSC, military, and/or commercial experience, etc., will also be part of the rating process. Conditions of Employment: • All MSC Civil Service Marine positions are subject to random drug urinalysis testing and require participation in vaccine immunization program. In order to be permanently promoted for this position, the selectee must: • Meet the medical requirements, • Successfully complete the training requirements, • Be clear of any adverse or disciplinary action, • Be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearances, • Be ready, willing, and able to physically perform the duty of this position worldwide at all times, • Be ready, willing, and able to, work in a shipboard environmental conditions, and wear protective equipment worldwide at all times, and • Have overall “Good” or above evaluation ratings • Must be eligible to have access to, handle and be qualified in small arms in accordance with OPNAVINST 3591.1. How to Apply: ALL documents MUST be postmarked by the cut off or closing date of this announcement. MSC is not responsible for obtaining documents to include in your package. 1. Application packages will not contain national security classified information. Inclusion of classified information is a security violation and WILL disqualify an application from consideration and appropriate administrative or disciplinary action, up to and including removal, WILL be taken. Depending on the severity of the security violation, it may be considered a violation of U.S. criminal law under United States Code Title 18 or Title 50, and appropriate action taken. Should there be a desire to include information that was cited in a Bravo Zulu message regarding performance, the applicant can cite the message DTG and include pertinent UNCLASSIFIED comments in their resume or elsewhere in the application. No change from previous guidance. 2. In order to preclude any Privacy Act, HIPAA or other like violations, applications shall not include date of birth, full Social Security Number, references to religion, national origin, sex, race, etc., photographs, CD’s, news clippings or medical information/records. With regard to news clippings, articles, or the like - if these documents contain information, experience or accomplishments that are in direct relation to the position that the applicant is applying for, he/she may reference them with a summarized explanatory note. Where and how to do that is left to the applicant’s discretion. No change from previous guidance. 3. Application packages are to be one-sided and shall not exceed 35 pages (evaluations are excluded from this page limitation). Application packages shall not be stapled, taped, spiral bound, or placed in three ring binders. A paper clip, binder clip, or folder is recommended. Standard business format and font, to the extent practicable (i.e. Courier New, 12 pitch), is recommended. Application packages that exceed the page limitation WILL NOT be considered. No change from previous guidance. 4. As noted above, application packages SHALL NOT exceed 35 one-sided pages. The following documents are required and are to be packaged in the following order: a. Completed MSC Promotion Application. b. Resume. All resumes must show sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the specific position for which applicants are being considered in order to receive maximum credit. Resumes shall include the following information: (1) Full name. (2) Highest CIVMAR permanent position held and inclusive dates. (3) Relevant work experience within the last 5 years including paid and non paid public or private sector work experience related to the job for which applying. (4) Colleges or universities name, city, and state (with zip code), major(s), type and year of any degree received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hour). c. Summary of ship assignments including position held and dates assigned for at least the last five (5) years. However, if this information is already contained in the resume it is not necessary to duplicate it. d. Job related training courses (list courses with title and date completed only). Do not submit copies of course completion certificates. e. Job related honors, awards, and special accomplishments; for example, Military, Government, or recognized professional organizations related to the maritime field and performance awards (give date, type, and short synopsis of accomplishment but do not send documents). f. Last five (5) years of evaluations signed by supervisory chain-of-command this can include MAP Evaluations. Note that MAP evaluations submitted will be used to validate the HRMS database and will be extracted from the “package” once the MAP HRMS data is identified. Evaluations do not count against the 35 page limitation. 5. Except as otherwise stated in the advisory and the specific POA to which the applicant is responding, the overall score will be reduced if the applicant fails to submit required information according to the instructions contained in the advisory or POA. 6. Failure to submit required information to show that you meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the POA will result in the applicant being found ineligible. 7. All applications and supporting documents will become the property of MSC and will not be returned to the applicant once submitted. Applicants are encouraged to make copies prior to submission. 8. Any questions may be directed to the MSC Employment Division via email at MSC POAInbox@navy.mil. Inquiry responses will be provided within 2 business days. How To Contact Us: Completed application packages will be accepted via Regular mail, FedEx, Email, Fax, and hand-delivered. • Mail completed packages to: Military Sealift Command Attn: Marine Employment Division N121 Bldg SP-64, 471 East C Street Norfolk, VA 23511-2419 • Fax completed packages to the MSC Marine Employment Division at (757) 443-2936. • Email packages to: MSCPOAInbox@navy.mil (Subject line of email should contain the announcement number and position title.) • Hand Deliver completed packages to the MSC Marine Employment Division, Bldg SP-312, 581 A Street, Norfolk, VA 23511 NOTE: FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION REQUESTED FOR THIS POSITION WILL ADVERSELY AFFECT YOUR ELIGIBILITY. Federal job applicants who make a false statement in any part of the application could be turned down for the job; fired after beginning work; or subject to fine, imprisonment (U.S. Code, title 18, section 1001), or other disciplinary action. MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All applicants meeting minimum qualifications will receive consideration without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, lawful political affiliation, non-disqualifying disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, other personal condition unrelated to the applicant’s basic ability to perform satisfactory. Please visit http://www.msc.navy.mil/civmar/eeo.htm for more information. The agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, where appropriate. Determinations of whether an accommodation is appropriate shall be made by the agency as soon as practicable, after the initial application process and shall be made with regard to all applicable statutes and regulations. If assistance is required to complete the application process, interested applicants should send an email to MSCPOAInbox@navy.mil and/or refer to the “How to Apply” section of this announcement. MSC 2 valuation Criteria: Applicants who meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements described above will be further evaluated. Documented knowledge, skills, and abilities, education, training, and awards contained in the application package and resumewill be reviewed and rated to determine the degree to which applicants possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below that are essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position for which applicants are being considered. 1. Knowledge of shipboard safety, antiterrorism-force protection, lifesaving, firefighting and damage control equipment, programs and procedures to conduct training and drills. 2. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to develop and write technical papers and instructional materials, to represent MSC in conferences, conduct training, drills, and inspection and investigative reports. 3. Ability to plan, organize and execute training evolutions. 4. Ability to analyze, direct and evaluate shipboard operations and training evolutions. Although not required for consideration, candidates that hold Tankerman PIC (person in charge)/DL (dangerous liquids), or the appropriate Towing credentials as specified in 46 CFR 15.805(a)(5), Towing Officers Assessment Record (TOAR), possess credentials or certificates demonstrating proficiency with unusual and technical shipboard operations systems and programs such as Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems, salvage operations, cable operations, command ship operations, or foreign naval auxiliary operations shall provide that information on the Promotion Application form. To earn the highest rating possible, you are encouraged to submit detailed information of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. Related MSC, military, and/or commercial experience, etc., will also be part of the rating process.

Fraqrat · August 31, 2015, 8:24am

So when you move from OS to AB you never have to chip, paint or sweep again?

Kennebec_Captain · August 31, 2015, 8:57am

[QUOTE=Fraqrat;168025]So when you move from OS to AB you never have to chip, paint or sweep again?[/QUOTE]

No, the move from OS to AB won’t do the trick.

donkeyrattle · September 25, 2015, 6:29pm

It is definitely possible to make 100k as an AB with MSC. It just really depends on the ship. I just came off a west coast ship that was giving away lots of overtime. Base is 45k, 11k for berthing, then if you worked all overtime allowed that is an additional 68k. All together 124k, granted that is working and sleeping on the ship 365 days out of the year and assuming the overtime will be allowed all year.

BlueH20 · September 26, 2015, 12:55pm

Just curious to see if anyone here knows if MSC is currently in need or hiring 3rd Mates? I know their website says they have openings, but what’s the likelihood of getting hired? I want to work long hitches and have no obligations here at home, or lack of a home I suppose. I’ve called the Civmar support but they just say put in an application. Would anyone know?

Kennebec_Captain · September 26, 2015, 2:14pm

[QUOTE=BlueH20;169453]Just curious to see if anyone here knows if MSC is currently in need or hiring 3rd Mates? I know their website says they have openings, but what’s the likelihood of getting hired? I want to work long hitches and have no obligations here at home, or lack of a home I suppose. I’ve called the Civmar support but they just say put in an application. Would anyone know?[/QUOTE]

I don’t know the answer to your question but what I did was fill out the application and send it in. Then I continued my job hunt. Every time I found myself between jobs I’d give them a call. . Every time they’d tell me they were not hiring and I’d go to work somewhere else. My application was at least two or three years old when I called them and they hired me. They hired me as AB but within a few weeks I was working as third mate.

donkeyrattle · September 27, 2015, 4:05pm

[QUOTE=BlueH20;169453]Just curious to see if anyone here knows if MSC is currently in need or hiring 3rd Mates? I know their website says they have openings, but what’s the likelihood of getting hired? I want to work long hitches and have no obligations here at home, or lack of a home I suppose. I’ve called the Civmar support but they just say put in an application. Would anyone know?[/QUOTE]
I’ve heard a couple times recently they are short on third mates

Too_bad_steam_is_gon · October 2, 2015, 10:53pm

I worked for them back in the eighties. There was this one chief engineer who one minute would say "This is the navy, Then the next line would be “This isn’t the navy”. He cut all our overtime which is your bread and butter at MSC. A friend of mine worked for that asshole on a cable laying ship. My friend asked the chief to open the license rack and give my friend his license. My friend was quitting and was getting off the MSC ship. The chief told my friend, “You can’t quit until you get a relief, I won’t open the license rack.” My friend told the chief, “Either you give me my license out of the license rack or I will use that fire ax over there and chop it out”. The chief gave my friend his license.
Another guy (second engineer) was on a ship 10 months and could not get a relief. He asked for the captain to set him and four other shipmates adrift in the shipping lanes off the mouth of the Persian Gulf (The five all signed a waiver absolving the captain of any responsibility if he set them adrift). Sometimes you steam circles for months in a box which they called MODLOC (modified location)The food was pretty good a some ships and others we all got the shits so bad they had health inspectors come into find out why we all had the shits.
On the USNS Observation Island they were removing asbestos in the shipyard in Alameida, Ca and expected us work across from a danger tape 10 feet away from the shipyard gang pulling the asbestos off. That crazy old chief engineer told us young thirds “I’ve been sucking that shit for 40 years and it never hurt me any”.

SeaMonkey6969 · October 6, 2015, 8:42am

I applied there about a month ago because they were hiring for ABs. I have an unlimited with nav watch but got an email that stated basical they couldnt use me. Not sure why. No criminal record. I dont know how much they consider a bad credit history, but mine took a beating after the GOM fell apart last year. That or maybe they filled all the positions by the time I applied. I know a guy that spent quite a few years working there. He loved it but once he got a family he gave it up.

SeaMonkey6969 · November 8, 2015, 7:37pm

Well MSC called me about a month ago. The process is very long to get hired. They are not very organized and seem to be a lot of confusion. It was funny I got an email explaining they were no longer accepting me as a candidate. 30 days later I get and email stating they were intersted. So I think working for MSC will be the same. It is a great way to save money and get the sea time on larger vessels. Also with how bad the oil field is it is a job. It was a great post with many good points of view.

neutrino78x · November 9, 2015, 11:24pm

Shipmates, so anyone who is serving or has recently served in MSC, can you comment on this? When you go to their main web site, they list only officer jobs. But, they have this page:

https://sealiftcommand.com/payscales/wiper-advancement-program/

Is there any point to applying for that even though it is not listed as an open position? Mind you, I am not really mechnically inclined. But the wiper job sounds like Deck Division on a submarine, and I’ve done plenty of that. We removed all the nonskid off the deck (a submarine has only one deck) during one two week refit period. We didn’t have needle guns for everyone, so some of us (including me) had to use a hammer. It takes about 12-15 good hits, throwing all your body weight into it, to remove a square inch. We came in at 0600 and worked until 1800 with a 20 minute break at lunch, for two weeks, to get that nonskid off so the civilian shipyard workers could apply new nonskid. That’s Deck Division on the sub; all the new enlisted men have to spend time in deck div and time in the mess deck.

But what the Engine Utilityman does sounds like the job of an “A-Ganger” on the submarine, or more formally “Auxiliary Machinist Mate” as opposed to “Nuclear Machinist Mate” who work on the reactor. I was a sonar technician (STS3(SS)) but everyone is required to cross train.

Anyway…my DD-214 says I have a year of sea time (365 days). So that’s one of the requirements, along with STCW95 and RFPNW, to become an AB Seaman. So in theory if I went down to San Diego and paid that company down there $1500, I could become an AB Seaman, assuming the Puddle Pirates consider all my sea time applicable to civilian ships and/or MSC.

But I don’t have the $1500 right now so I’m interested in that wiper advancement thing because they give you the engineering equivalent of RFPNW – RFPEW – for free(I do realize this would make me a QMED as opposed to an AB…but then I could afford to take an RFPNW class later).

Yes, I’m the same guy who posted here five years ago, and had a very interesting conversation on the phone with a dude from here who answered many of my questions. But I sort of went away from the possiblity of working at sea, but now I’m going back to it.

I notice MSC has a “job fair” in San Francisco next month. I’m in the Bay Area, so I could go up there on Caltrain. I would be going mainly to ask them about doing the Wiper Advancement thing.

Long term I would probably want to do civilian ships, just because I might prefer to do one voyage a year, then spend the rest of the year doing information technology jobs or just hanging out until the next voyage. But going back with the Navy for a while to get credentials doesn’t necessarily sound bad. Plus there wouldn’t be the sleep deprivation from the submarine…I once spent four days awake doing operations on the boat. Literally. 24-48 hours without sleep was common.

Well anyway, tell me what you guys think…would that wiper advancement thing be open all the time? Or would it only be open when listed on their main page under open positions?

–Brian

Capt_Phoenix · November 10, 2015, 8:32am

Chipping and painting is also deck department. The wiper is the grunt if the engine room but also expected to apprentice under the oilers and engineers to learn how to maintain and repair equipment. (Your previous experience is what the deck department would do.)

360 days is only enough for AB Special, which won’t do you any good at MSC or on other big ships. Your only option at MSC appears to be SU (supply utility).

seacomber · November 10, 2015, 9:01am

If you want to ride a horse, you’ll have to get on it…if you’re good the gates will be open.

catherder · November 10, 2015, 10:28am

[QUOTE=neutrino78x;173247]Shipmates, so anyone who is serving or has recently served in MSC, can you comment on this? When you go to their main web site, they list only officer jobs. But, they have this page: