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Merchant Marine Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Navy

MARINE SURVEYOR

Norfolk, VA

$75K/yr

Coast Guard licensed marine engineer in the merchant marine. * For GS-11 (or equivalent), applicants must have sailed under a 2nd Assistant license for at least 1 year. * For GS-12 (or equivalent ...

Military Sealift Command

MARINE SURVEYOR

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$75K - $98K/yr

Coast Guard licensed marine engineer in the merchant marine. * For GS-11 (or equivalent), applicants must have sailed under a 2nd Assistant license for at least 1 year. * For GS-12 (or equivalent ...

GovFirst

Ferry Crewmember

Surry, VA · On-site

Required to obtain a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) with AB or QMED endorsement within two (2) years of hire. * Existing Merchant Marine credentials or endorsements are a plus. Required Work ...

GovFirst

Ferry Crewmember

Surry, VA

Required to obtain a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) with AB or QMED endorsement within two (2) years of hire. Existing Merchant Marine credentials or endorsements are a plus. Required Work ...

Kokosing

Welder (Marine)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Merchant Marine and Able-Bodied Seaman credentials preferred. * Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) preferred. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here ...

Kokosing

Welder (Marine)

Colonial Heights, VA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Merchant Marine and Able-Bodied Seaman credentials preferred. * Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) preferred. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here ...

PRWT Services, Inc.

Ferry Crewmember

Surry, VA · On-site

$18/hr

Merchant Marine Credentials, any endorsement Other Requirements: * References and verification of work history * DMV records check * Fingerprint-based criminal history records check * Drug screening ...

QED SYSTEMS, INC.

$32 - $45/hr

Merchant Marine Academy * Military Class A or C Schools Security Clearance * Must be a U.S. Citizen and will be subject to a security investigation * Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret ...

QED SYSTEMS, INC.

Diesel Planner/Estimator

Norfolk, VA

$32 - $45/hr

Merchant Marine Academy * Military Class A or C Schools Security Clearance * Must be a U.S. Citizen and will be subject to a security investigation * Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret ...

QED Systems, Inc.

Diesel Planner/Estimator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$32 - $45/hr

Merchant Marine Academy * Military Class A or C Schools Security Clearance * Must be a U.S. Citizen and will be subject to a security investigation * Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret ...

QED Systems, Inc.

Diesel Planner/Estimator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$32 - $45/hr

Merchant Marine Academy * Military Class A or C Schools Security Clearance * Must be a U.S. Citizen and will be subject to a security investigation * Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret ...

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Merchant Marine information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$26

$37

How much do merchant marine jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant marine in Virginia is $26.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.16 and $31.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work as a merchant marine?

A Merchant Marine needs strong seamanship, navigation, and mechanical knowledge, often supported by completion of maritime academies and possession of relevant licenses such as those issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Familiarity with shipboard machinery, navigation systems like ECDIS, and safety protocols is essential. Adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving are valuable soft skills for thriving in the dynamic maritime environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe operations, efficient voyages, and effective collaboration under challenging conditions at sea.

What are the typical working conditions and schedule like for merchant marines?

Merchant Mariners often work on ships for extended periods, typically following a rotational schedule such as several weeks or months at sea followed by time off. The work environment can be demanding, involving long shifts, confined living quarters, and exposure to varying weather conditions. Daily responsibilities include operating and maintaining the vessel, performing safety drills, and collaborating closely with other crew members to ensure smooth shipping operations. Despite these challenges, the role offers unique opportunities for travel, camaraderie, and career advancement within the maritime industry.

Is it hard to get a merchant marine job?

Getting a merchant marine job can be competitive and requires relevant certifications such as STCW and maritime training. Experience, physical fitness, and the ability to work long hours in challenging environments are also important factors in securing employment in this field.

What exactly do the merchant marine do?

The merchant marine is composed of civilian ships and personnel that transport goods, cargo, and passengers across international and domestic waters. They operate and maintain ships, often requiring certifications and training in navigation, safety, and seamanship, and work in various environments including ports and open seas.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Marine jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Merchant Marine jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Merchant Marine jobs in Virginia?

For Merchant Marine jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Merchant Marine jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Merchant Marine jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Merchant Marine jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Merchant Marine job openings:

Merchant Marine jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,155 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

MARINE SURVEYOR

Norfolk, VA • On-site

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)external

$75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
All vacancies are located in the Assistant Port Engineer Branch (N757) in Norfolk, VA.Qualifications:Basic Requirements
This series covers technical positions supervising, leading, or performing work involving surveying Government-owned and/or operated vessels, or privately-owned and operated merchant vessels, to determine their condition and the extent of work necessary for the vessels and their components to meet specified requirements. The work requires applying a practical knowledge of:
  • preparing specifications, including estimates of labor and material costs, to cover work determined to be necessary as a result of surveys; and
  • inspecting and accepting the work accomplished to place the vessel in the condition specified.

Experience Requirements
Specialized Experience (for all positions): per OPM
Applicants must have had 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression. Specialized experience is responsible work in the maintenance and repair of ocean-going vessels that demonstrated the ability to survey and inspect such vessels for the purposes of classification, appraisal, determination of general conditions and fitness for operation, and determination of the extent of damage sustained and type and cost of repairs and reconditioning required. This experience may have been gained in marine surveying or other work such as:
  • Seagoing experience as a U.S. Coast Guard licensed marine engineer in the merchant marine.
    • For GS-11 (or equivalent), applicants must have sailed under a 2nd Assistant license for at least 1 year.
    • For GS-12 (or equivalent), applicants must have sailed under a 1st Assistant license for at least 1 year.
  • Experience in a ship repair yard or in the engineering department of a steamship company serving in positions such as marine superintendent or port engineer.

Specialized Experience (for all positions): per Agency
GS-12:
In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Experience interpreting commercial regulatory bodies such as the American Bureau of Shipping, United States Coast Guard, American Petroleum Institute, America Society of Testing Materials, and MARPOL requirements and their standards, policies and procedures as they apply to the operation and maintenance of a combined commercial and military fleet of ships.
  • Experience supporting the alteration, improvement, maintenance and repair of assigned ship classes.
  • Experience supporting the liaison process between sponsors, design agents, shipyards, and contractors on maintenance, repair, funding and scheduling for matters impacting assigned ship classes.
  • Experience conducting ship checks to verify the work item technical requirements and regularly work with the ships force to troubleshoot systems and technically analyze the cause of casualties.

GS-11:
In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Experience utilizing a wide range of shipboard main and auxiliary systems.
  • Experience utilizing vessel operations and maintenance both in a commercial and military environment.
  • Experience reviewing plans, specifications, preliminary technical reports, design drawings, specifications for ship maintenance and repairs, and alterations.
  • Experience communicating on equipment and system life cycle issues.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/marine-survey-technical-series-0873/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:There is no educational substitution for a GS-0873-12.
There is no educational substitution for a GS-0873-11.Employment Type: OTHER

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