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Engineering Technician IV – Range Boat Captain - PRTR

Job Code:	2026:0101-056
Location:	Dahlgren Navy Base, VA
FT/PT Status:	Full Time
Business Sector:	Facilities Management and Operations

Job Description

**PENDING CONTRACT AWARD**

The Range Boat Captain operates, maintains, and ensures the safe navigation of government-furnished range control vessels on the Potomac River Test Range (PRTR) in direct support of Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) weapons test and evaluation events. The Potomac River Test Range (PRTR) is the nation's largest fully instrumented overwater test range, spanning approximately 51 nautical miles across Upper, Middle, and Lower Danger Zones. The Range Boat Captain is a mission-critical role responsible for the safety of personnel aboard, the protection of civilian watercraft from weapons test hazards, and the operational readiness of assigned vessels throughout the test season.

Duties and Responsibilities

Range Operations & Safety

* Operates assigned range control vessel (international orange superstructure, white hull) during all scheduled and unscheduled test events across the PRTR danger zones
* Stations vessel at assigned range position (Upper Machodoc Creek, Lower Cedar Point, Swan Point MD, Colonial Beach VA, or as directed by Range Operations Center) prior to commencement of each test evolution
* Enforces restricted waterway boundaries under 33 CFR Part 334; intercepts and redirects civilian, commercial, and recreational watercraft that enter or approach active danger zones
* Displays red range flag and operates vessel siren/PA system to provide warning and instructions to approaching watercraft
* Maintains constant radio communication with the Range Operations Center (ROC) throughout all test events; reports contact violations, safety hazards, and range clearance status in real time
* Confirms and reports range clear status at assigned station prior to authorizing test commencement
* Executes emergency response procedures for man-overboard, vessel distress, and hazardous conditions on the river
* Monitors and records sound level data from onboard Brüel & Kjær acoustic monitoring equipment; confirms proper equipment function before underway and transmits data to ROC as required

Vessel Operations

* Conducts pre-underway and post-mission inspections of assigned vessel; verifies fuel levels, navigation lights, communication equipment, safety gear (PFDs, flares, fire extinguishers, first aid), and propulsion systems
* Maintains vessel deck log for each underway period, recording departure/return times, crew aboard, operational status, and any incidents or discrepancies
* Directs the activities of assigned Boat Riders (Laborers) during range clearance and test events
* Operates vessel safely in tidal currents, reduced visibility, and adverse weather conditions consistent with NSWCDD range operating procedures
* Transports personnel and test equipment to/from range stations and target areas as directed

Vessel Maintenance

* Performs scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) on assigned vessel in accordance with government-furnished maintenance schedules and manufacturer guidance; tasks include engine oil/filter changes, fuel system checks, bilge pump maintenance, hull inspection, running gear inspection, and electronics checks
* Identifies and reports mechanical, electrical, and structural deficiencies; coordinates with Range and Marine Maintenance sub-task personnel for corrective maintenance
* Maintains maintenance logs and records for assigned vessel; ensures all discrepancies are documented and tracked to resolution
* Ensures vessel and all associated equipment (navigation, safety, communications, acoustic instrumentation) is maintained to mission-ready status at all times

Compliance & Documentation

* Maintains current USCG Merchant Mariner Credential and all required endorsements; immediately reports any change in credential status to supervisor
* Complies with all NSWCDD, NSF Dahlgren, and TRAX safety, environmental, and security policies including range safety officer directives
* Completes all required OPSEC, security, and facility access training as directed
* Supports preparation of boat operations schedules, range clearance logs, and after-action reports as required
* Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Skills and Qualifications

* High School Diploma or GED required
* Minimum seven (7) years of progressive experience operating vessels 30 feet or larger on inland or near-coastal restricted/navigable waterways
* Minimum three (3) years of experience in U.S. government, military, or DoD range/test range marine operations OR equivalent experience operating in USCG/Navy-controlled restricted waterway environments
* Demonstrated experience conducting pre-/post-underway inspections and performing basic preventive maintenance on small patrol-class vessels
* Experience directing the activities of subordinate crew members
* Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC): Master of Self-Propelled Vessels, Inland Waters, Up to 100 Gross Tons
* USCG Radar Endorsement, Inland Waters
* Valid U.S. driver's license
* Typical schedule follows NSWCDD range testing calendar; may include early morning departures, extended hours during heavy test periods, and occasional weekend operations
* May be required to respond on short notice for safety emergencies or unscheduled test events
* Position is on-site at NSF Dahlgren, King George, Virginia — no remote or telework option

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

* Associate's degree or vocational/technical training in marine operations, nautical science, or a related field
* Prior experience operating range control, patrol, or safety vessels at a DoD test range (NSWCDD Dahlgren, Aberdeen Test Center, Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range, Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, or equivalent)
* Familiarity with 33 CFR Part 334 danger zone and restricted area regulations on the Potomac River
* Experience with onboard acoustic monitoring equipment or other range instrumentation systems
* USCG First Aid / CPR certification or equivalent
* Military service in a Boatswain's Mate (BM), Machinery Repairman (MR), Engineman (EN), or Hull Technician (HT) rating
* Prior service on PRTR or familiarity with NSWCDD range operations procedures

Physical Qualifications

* Outdoor, on-water environment; exposed to sun, wind, rain, cold, and heat throughout the test season
* Work is performed aboard government-furnished vessels operating in active weapons test environments; strict adherence to range safety protocols is mandatory at all times
* Must be capable of working aboard small patrol vessels in open-water conditions, including tidal currents, wind, and adverse weather
* Must demonstrate physical ability to board/disembark vessels using ladders and gangways in varying sea states
* Must not be prone to motion sickness or sea sickness; duties require extended periods underway on the Potomac River
* Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs of equipment onto/off vessels
* Must be capable of standing for extended periods during underway operations
* Adequate near and distance vision (corrected acceptable) for safe navigation and lookout duties
* Must be able to communicate clearly by radio in a noisy marine environment

Terms of Employment & Eligibility Requirements

* Must be a U.S. Citizen
* Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
* Must possess a valid driver's license, without special restrictions
* Must pass a pre-employment drug screening
* Must be able to successfully complete a background check
* Must have a Secret Clearance to start and be able to obtain a Top Secret with SCI Eligibility

The above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this position. TRAX International reserves the right to make changes to the job description whenever necessary.

Other Job Information

TRAX is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and supports contributions of all individuals. TRAX is an equal opportunity employer of minorities, females, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, pregnancy, ancestry, national origin, handicap, gender identity or expression, protected genetic information, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.