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Damage Control Petty Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Damage Control Officer (DCO)

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$163.81 - $200.21/hr

The Damage Control Officer is a Civil Service Mariner (CIVMAR) employed by the Navy to serve the Military Sealift Command (MSC) onboard naval auxiliaries and hybrid‑manned warships worldwide, in ...

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Damage Control Petty Officer information

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How much do damage control petty officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for damage control petty officer in the United States is $24.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a damage control petty officer?

Damage Control Petty Officers (DCPOs) are members of the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard who are responsible for ensuring the safety and readiness of their ship or unit in case of emergencies such as fires, flooding, or chemical spills. They oversee damage control equipment, conduct training, and lead response efforts during drills or actual emergencies. DCPOs are crucial for maintaining shipboard safety by performing inspections, maintaining firefighting equipment, and educating crew members on emergency procedures.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a damage control petty officer?

To thrive as a Damage Control Petty Officer, you need strong knowledge of shipboard firefighting, flood control, and emergency response procedures, typically backed by completion of Navy technical training and relevant qualifications. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, damage control systems, and hazardous material handling is essential. Leadership, quick decision-making, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing teams and responding to crises. These skills are vital for ensuring crew safety and maintaining operational readiness during emergencies at sea.

What are some typical challenges faced by a damage control petty officer, and how can one prepare for them?

Damage Control Petty Officers often encounter high-pressure situations such as responding to fires, flooding, or hazardous material incidents aboard ships. One of the main challenges is maintaining readiness and ensuring that both equipment and crew are well-prepared for emergencies at any time. To excel in this role, it's important to stay current with training, develop strong leadership skills to direct damage control parties, and practice clear communication with other departments. Proactive maintenance and regular drills are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring the safety of the vessel and crew.

What is the difference between Damage Control Petty Officer vs Fire Controlman?

AspectDamage Control Petty OfficerFire Controlman
CertificationsBasic firefighting, damage control, emergency responseFirefighting, electronics, weapons systems
Work EnvironmentShipboard damage control, emergency repairsShipboard electronics, weapons systems
Industry UsageU.S. Navy, maritime defenseU.S. Navy, maritime defense

Damage Control Petty Officers and Fire Controlmen both serve aboard ships in the U.S. Navy, focusing on ship safety and combat systems. While Damage Control Petty Officers specialize in firefighting, flooding control, and emergency repairs, Fire Controlmen focus on electronic systems related to weapons and targeting. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, making them closely related but distinct in their specific duties.

How hard is it to become a damage control petty officer in the Navy?

Becoming a damage control petty officer in the Navy requires enlisting and completing basic training, followed by specialized damage control training that covers firefighting, flooding control, and emergency procedures. Candidates must demonstrate physical fitness, teamwork, and the ability to learn technical skills, with advancement based on performance and experience.
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Damage Control Petty Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Damage Control Petty Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,962 per year, or $25 per hour.

Shipboard Damage Control Instructor

Prevailance

San Diego, CA • On-site

$40K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description:

This position is currently filled, but we are accepting applications for Ready Replacement Pool consideration.


Prevailance is seeking a mission-focused professional to support the Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC) as a Damage Control (DC) Firefighting Contractor Instructor. The instructor will deliver technical and military training, including instruction, testing, remediation, curriculum updates, administration, and safety services for formalized naval training.


Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical and military training to Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, including U.S. Navy and Allied Forces officers and enlisted personnel
  • Support curriculum updates and maintenance, testing, and remediation
  • Utilize training aids, electronic podiums, lab equipment, and other instructional tools effectively
  • Ensure adherence to safety protocols during training evolutions
Requirements:

Qualifications:

  • Graduate of the Navy Instructor Training Course (CIN: A-012-0077) or equivalent (NEC 9502)
  • At least three (3) years of technical experience in Damage Control
  • At least two (2) years of experience in a Military Training Environment
  • Strong knowledge of learning principles, presentation methods, testing, remediation, and training equipment
  • Comprehensive knowledge of safety protocols, diesel inspection processes, and shipboard firefighting and damage control procedures

Specific Qualifications:

  • Former Senior (E5–E9) Surface Ship Damage Controlman or similar rating
  • Graduate of at least seven (7) of the following courses:
    • General Shipboard Firefighting Training – SCBA (A-495-0416)
    • Shipboard Firefighting Integrated Team Trainer (A-495-0018)
    • Shipboard Firefighting / Damage Control Emergency Team Member (A-495-0021)
    • Shipboard Aircraft Firefighting (J-495-0413)
    • Air Capable Ship Helicopter Firefighting (J-495-0414)
    • Advanced Shipboard Firefighting (J-495-0419)
    • Damage Control Repair Party Team Leader (K-495-0040)
    • Shipboard Damage Control Team Trainer (K-495-0045)
    • Damage Control Petty Officer (K-495-0440)
    • AFFF Foam Generation (K-495-2179)
    • Gas Free Engineering (K-495-0051)
  • Capable of performing all high-risk training evolutions, including ascending/descending ladders, navigating narrow passageways, enduring extreme heat, and lifting up to 50 lbs

Desired Qualifications:

  • Navy Damage Controlman Chief Petty Officer (CPO) or Engineering Department Leader (e.g., EN, GS, EM) preferred
  • Experience with ATG or holding the NEC 9502 Basic Instructor designation
  • Shipboard firefighting experience
  • Current Basic EMT qualification or higher

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • NEC 9502 Navy Instructor or equivalent certification

Clearance:

  • Must be able to obtain a favorable background clearance

If you meet these qualifications and are ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply today!

Prevailance, Inc. proudly supports veterans as a member of the V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) program and the Hire Vets initiative. Recognized as a Top Workplace in 2025, Prevailance fosters a supportive, mission-driven environment for its team members. We provide a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, designed to support health, wellness, and financial security. Our benefits include:

  • Medical Insurance
  • TriCare Supplemental
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Computing Device Reimbursement Program

Prevailance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or contract. Prevailance, Inc. participates in E-Verify and is VEVRAA Compliant.