Summary In this role, you will perform skilled maintenance, repair, construction, and heavy-equipment work supporting the Service's conservation mission. You will operate, maintain, and troubleshoot electric and gas-powered pumps, transport equipment and trailers with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), support land and habitat projects, and keep facilities, systems, vehicles, and refuge lands safe and functional. Responsibilities Maintain and repair buildings, facilities, and utility systems by diagnosing issues and completing electrical, plumbing, roofing, heating, cooling, welding, carpentry, cement and brickwork, and structural repairs using hand and power tools. Operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment and vehicles such as: bulldozers, excavators, road graders, skid steers, backhoes, wheeled and tracked loaders, backhoes, wheeled equipment/vehicles, and specialized equipment to complete land-management, earthmoving, levee repair, canal and ditch cleaning, culvert replacement, and other water-infrastructure projects. Use a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to transport heavy equipment and trailers between the refuge's three workstations, ranging from 50-200 miles apart and separated by water, by safely hauling equipment over commercial highways, maneuvering large vehicles in tight locations, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local transport requirements. Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot electric and gas-powered pumps and water-control infrastructure to manage water levels across refuge wetlands, including operating and adjusting dams, valves, and flow-control structures to support habitat and wildlife needs. Support wetland habitat management and restoration aligned with refuge conservation objectives by applying herbicides and insecticides, conducting pest-management activities, operating tractors and implements on steep or uneven terrain. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Direct Deposit participation required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment. Must possess and maintain a valid State Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or obtain one within 6 months of appointment; to operate vehicles and equipment; positions requiring a CDL are subject to Department of Transportation medical, physical, drug, and alcohol testing requirements. Pre-employment and random drug testing are required. You will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received. Will be required to obtain and maintain a Pesticide Applicators License to perform herbicide, insecticide, or pest-control duties. Must wear the official Service uniform and comply with all Service Uniform Policy requirements; a uniform allowance is provided. Must maintain certifications for all equipment operated, including heavy equipment, vehicles, tools, and machinery. May serve as a collateral duty firefighter and maintain the mandatory physical readiness standards associated with wildfire suppression or prescribed burning duties. You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority. You must be at least 18 years of age or older to operate government vehicles. Additional Requirements located under Additional Information Qualifications Qualifications: All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-09/03/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors: Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision (SCREENOUT) Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation Repair, etc. Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprints reading) Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Materials If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. Your resume must support your response to the assessment questionnaire, and if it does not, your application will be marked as not eligible. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements to be considered qualified for this position. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions. Additional Information Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Physical Demands: Considerable physical effort is required to operate and maintain facilities, equipment, and attachments. Work involves confined or elevated spaces, rough surfaces, and awkward or strained positions. Duties require extensive standing, climbing ladders or scaffolding, bending, stooping, kneeling, and working in tiring, cramped areas. Occasional unassisted lifting of 50-100 pounds is required using proper procedures. Working Conditions: Work occurs in an office (5%) and outdoors (95%), in all weather conditions. Outdoor work involves running water, fumes, dust, grease, dirt, ladders, scaffolding, electricity, and moving equipment pa
