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Classification & Qualifications General Schedule Qualification Standards

Marine Cargo Series, 2161

Individual Occupational Requirements

Education

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- accounting, business administration, business or commercial law, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, industrial management, statistics, traffic management, transportation, motor mechanics, or other fields related to the position.

or

Experience

General Experience (for GS-5 positions): Experience related to waterfront cargo handling or cargo layout and planning operations. This experience must have provided a knowledge of cargo loading aboard ships and a familiarity with marine terminal activities.

Other: Graduation from a Deck Officer course given by a State or Federal Maritime School or possession of a Coast Guard license as Third Officer or higher may be substituted for the experience requirements at the GS-5 level.

Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Experience gained in (1) preparing preliminary cargo stowage plans, and/or (2) overseeing loading, stowage, and discharge operations to make certain that they conform to preliminary plans, or authorizing necessary changes and preparing final plans. This experience must have involved vessels of at least 5,000 dead-weight tons. It must also clearly show a comprehensive knowledge of marine rules and regulations and the ability to plan, direct, organize, and coordinate cargo handling activities; to interpret and apply policies; to investigate operations and practices and resolve problems; and to establish and maintain effective work relationships. Experience in layout planning, ship-loading, and cargo handling may have been gained during such seagoing and marine terminal assignments as service in the U.S. Navy as a cargo officer, similar service in the Merchant Marines, or employment by commercial steamship lines.