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Engineering Equipment Operator

Department of the Interior
National Park Service

Summary

These positions are located in multiple locations. Some positions are permanent full-time and some are permanent Career-Seasonal.

The primary purpose of these positions is to operate gasoline or diesel-powered engineering and construction heavy equipment.

For more park(s) information, select "Learn more about this agency" below: Please visit find a park for additional park information.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/05/2026 to 03/18/2026
Salary
$33.10 to - $46.25 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 10
Locations
Many vacancies in the following locations:
Denali National Park
Toklat, AK
Mojave National Park
Baker, CA
Mesa Verde National Park, CO
National Mall and Memorial Parks
Washington, DC
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
IM-1540-IMNR-12901694-DE
Control number
860105000

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Duties

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Some of these positions are Career-Seasonal fulltime appointments which are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will work approximately 11 months in pay status, and you will be in a non-pay status (about 1 month) for the remainder of the year.

Major Duties:

  • The position operates a variety of engineering equipment such as graders, dump trucks, loaders, backhoes, heavy trucks and trailers.
  • Position operates front end loaders to load trucks, stockpile material, clean ditches and clean up storm damage.
  • Equipment is operated at times in difficult terrain, congested roads and in extreme weather conditions.
  • Operators are responsible for pre-start inspections of equipment as well as minor repairs and preventative maintenance.
  • Operators are responsible for following safety rules and regulations.
The vehicle(s) operated by this position meet the definition of a commercial motor vehicle, and the incumbent of the position is required to possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A with endorsement.
  • It is required that applicants possess and are able to maintain a Class A CDL with Endorsement prior to entrance on duty.
  • It is required that you provide a copy of your CDL in your application packet (with picture blocked out). Failure to provide a copy of your license may result in disqualification.
Physical Effort: Heavy physical effort is required in constantly climbing in and out of different machines, pushing and pulling levers continuously while machine is in operation, and lifting such items as opening and closing tail gates on dump trucks. Work is strenuous because of the large equipment operated, the frequent adjustments made, and the adverse operating conditions. Considerable strain is caused by the constant vibration of the equipment and the jerking and jolting from operating over rough surfaces. Frequently lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds and often puts forth similar effort when pushing, pulling, turning and positioning parts, assemblies, equipment and tools.

Working Conditions:
Operation of large and complicated equipment in difficult circumstances increases exposure and risk of injury. Works both inside and outside and is exposed to hot and humid weather and/or extremely cold weather. Ice, road oils, and other items such as loose gravel and rocks create hazardous conditions. The operator is subjected to noise, vibration, dust, dirt, oils, solvents, and fumes from motors and exhausts. When working inside, must ensure proper ventilation to minimize fumes while welding and/or other fumes caused by equipment or vehicles. Worker is frequently exposed to the possibility of receiving cuts, abrasions, bruises and strains while servicing and operating equipment. Follows prescribed safety practices and uses safety equipment such as protective hearing devices and hard hats.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males
  • Selectee required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
  • You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
  • You must possess and maintain a current Class A, (CDL-A) Commercial Driver's License. You must attach a copy of your current, valid license (photo removed) with your application package.
  • Some locations require tanker and/or hazardous materials endorsements. If you do not have the required endorsements you will be found not qualified.
  • You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
  • You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. Uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays and/or overtime.
  • If you are a new employee in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
  • You may be required to travel overnight away from home on an occasional basis.
  • Government Charge Card: You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
  • Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:

  1. Ability to do the work of Engineering Equipment Operator without more than normal supervision. Engineering Equipment Operators at this level are able to demonstrate skill in operating heavy equipment to push, pull, pile and load materials. Operating front end loaders to load trucks, stockpile material, clean ditches and clean up storm damage. Operating various types of equipment and trucks on congested roadways, in inclement weather and on steep narrow roadways. (SCREEN OUT)
  2. Operation of Motor Vehicles
  3. Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
  4. Ability to Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle)
  5. Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
  6. Reliability and Dependability as a Engineering Equipment Operator
  7. Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean and in order)
Selective Placement Factor (Screen Out): This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a clear and valid, Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with endorsement. Applicants are required to submit a copy of your CDL in your application packet (with picture blocked out). Failure to provide a copy of your license may result in disqualification.

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. 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.

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 Wage Grade (WG) positions.

Additional information

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected.

The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. Click here for the Federal Wage Schedule Website to calculate location specific pay.

Relocation Expenses Reimbursed: You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy, this is dependent on the park selection.

The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

Work Schedule is determined by the park; you may be asked to work full-time, part-time, weekends, holidays, or subject to a career-seasonal appointment. The position is subject to permanent hiring status career or career-conditional status, these are not temporary or seasonal positions.

What is Career-Seasonal: Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will work from approximately 6-9 months (or more depending on the park) and you will be in a non-pay status for approximately 3-6 months (or less depending on the park). Non pay status is dependent on the location of the position being hired. NOTE: Not all available positions are career-seasonal positions; both full-time (all year employment) and career-seasonal positions are available.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.

Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:

  • Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
  • Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
  • Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
You will be evaluated on the following competencies and/or job elements:
  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
  • Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
  • Ability To Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle)
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles
  • Reliability and Dependability as a Engineering Equipment Operator
  • Work Practices (including keeping things neat, clean, and in order)

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