Patrol Boat Captain

General Statement

Under general supervision, operates large, dual-engine powered Monitoring and Research patrol boats on the waterways and lakes; operates certain auxiliary equipment; advises on matters concerning the maintenance on the boat's hull, engines, and auxiliary equipment and performs other duties related to environmental monitoring and pollution control.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

Operates large, dual-engine powered vessels, helm units, marine engines, and auxiliary marine equipment including electrical generators, navigational radar, fathometer, sonar gear, marine radio and pumps. Maintains safe working conditions of boat; lubricates, fuels, and adjusts engine and auxiliary equipment as necessary. Supervises the work of assigned employees when they are engaged in general housekeeping of boat. Navigates boat to specific positions in open water and within confined spaces in waterways; deploys specialized equipment for spill containment or control and other technical boat operations. Maintains boat operation and maintenance logs; maintains sampling log when necessary. Maintains communications with the U.S. Coast Guard, Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, U.S. corps of Engineers, and other authorities to give and receive information on pollution control and marine activities. Trains crew members in safe boat operation.

Other Job Functions

Operates water sampling devices. Takes samples by hand, and stores samples. Oversees repair, overhaul and maintenance of hull, engines, and auxiliary equipment on boats. Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

May involve exposure to a variety of operating mechanical equipment, all weather conditions, loud noise, noxious odors and traffic.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of U. S. Coast Guard piloting rules, navigational markers, and locking procedures applicable to Lake Michigan, the Chicago River Controlling Works, and District waterways. Knowledge of operating characteristics and requirements of large dual-engine powered vessels. Knowledge of operating characteristics and procedures of auxiliary marine equipment, such as marine radios, navigational radar, and direction finding equipment. Knowledge of standard environmental sampling and sampling storage procedures.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent and four years of full-time paid experience operating government or commercial vessels on navigable waterways which includes operation and maintenance of large, dual-engine powered boats.

Substitution

Additional experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. Possession of a U.S. Coast Guard Operator License - Master Credential (25 to 100 Gross Tons) may be substituted for the required experience.

Promotional Requirement

None

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