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Field Unit Local Hiring Authority (FUL) - Seasonal Maintenance Workers (Trail)

Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Cowpens National Battlefield

Summary

This position is located in Cowpens National Battlefield, in the Facilities and Maintenance Division.

This position is being filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority (FUL). See below under Additional Information for further eligibility guidance.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/20/2026 to 05/11/2026
Salary
$25.12 - $29.29 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 7
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Gaffney, SC
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Temporary - Not to Exceed 1559 Hours
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
SE-1628-COWP-26-12939695-DE
Control number
865785900

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This position is being filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority and is open to U.S. citizens and nationals who meet all eligibility requirements, including permanent and exclusive residency within the defined vicinity of the field unit as described in this announcement. Under this authority, veterans' preference and traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply.

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Duties

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Additional Summary:

The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for these parks is April - October, but the season may be extended or reduced due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: June 14, 2026

Major Duties:

  • Masonry: Performs masonry work, primarily dry stone, in the construction, stabilization, and maintenance of historic and non-historic structures, primarily on the park trail system. Masonry tasks include the maintenance, repair, and construction of walls (both single and multi-tier), bridge abutments, causeways, riprap, trail tread, and other similar structures using primarily dry-stone techniques. Obtains and transports materials by human power, equipment (such as Bobcat loader) or rigging equipment (such as high line setup). These tasks are normally performed under the direction of a higher graded work leader or supervisor. The incumbent must be able to work with a great deal of independence once a work leader or supervisor has given direction and technical guidance. Uses a variety of tools associated with the mason trade: single and double jacks, rock bars, line levels, string lines, tape measures, rock drills, and related attachments, chisels, cement mixers, trowels, etc.
  • Carpentry: Performs carpentry work, primarily using heavy log and rough-sawn lumber, on trail structures such as log checks, foot bridges, multi-use bridges, and boardwalks. Log work tasks involve the use of a chainsaw to fell, buck, notch, and/or shape native and pressure treated logs in the maintenance and construction of multi-use structures, foot bridges, water bars, retainer steps, crib walls, and steps. Incumbent also extensively uses chain saws in clearing trails of downed trees and brush. Builds accessible trails which includes construction techniques to meet ADA (ABAAS) guidelines. Incumbent is knowledgeable in using, maintenance, and repairing chain saws, gas powered and electric powered drills, timber tongs, draw knives, wood chisels, scribes, calipers, and other tools associated with log work. Measures, cuts, and installs dimensional lumber using on-site measurements, verbal and/or written directions, blueprints, or from simple plans and specifications. Uses a wide variety of tools associated with the carpentry trade: hand saws, power saws (circular saws, jig saws), power and hand drills, hand planers, power planers, generators, and hand tools.
  • Rigging: Performs rigging operations including planning, selecting, assembling, and installing weight handling gear such as wire ropes, cables, slings, and chains used to lift, move, and position a variety of large and heavy equipment, large rocks, trees, beams, and a variety of other materials used in trail construction projects including bridge and rock wall construction. Objects to be moved are usually in locations inaccessible to cranes or other mobile materials handling equipment and may be moved hundreds of feet across creeks and/or up/down steep terrain. Incumbent must be knowledgeable in the strengths, capabilities, and working load limits of equipment and materials used in rigging operations to include wire ropes, grip hoists, anchor systems, wire rope clips, knots, shackles, hooks, block and tackle. Incumbent is knowledgeable in maintaining and repairing rigging equipment, recognizing unsafe equipment and removing unsafe equipment from service.
  • The incumbent of this position performs trail maintenance and repair efforts at Cowpens National Battlefield in Gaffney, SC, Kings Mountain National Military Park in Blacksburg, SC, and Ninety-Six National Historic Site in Ninety-Six, SC.
  • The incumbent must be self-directed and able to perform duties with minimum supervision. Work includes tasks associated with trails such as:
    • Carpentry repairs using simple measurements and hand tools.
    • Motor vehicle and equipment operation.
    • Chainsaw operation to including limbing and bucking downed trees, and clearing trails.
    • Using hand tools such as pick and shovel to repair tread of trail (natural, aggregate, and paved surfaces).
  • The incumbent is a member of the parks group maintenance team reporting directly to the Superintendent.

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 will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • 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 will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
  • You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 7 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
  • 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.
  • Ability to lift 50 plus pounds.

Qualifications

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

  1. Ability To Lead Or Supervise (SCREEN OUT)
  2. Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  3. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  4. Use of Measuring Instruments
  5. Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading)
  6. Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  7. 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. 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.

ICTAP/CTAP: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(2) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating, and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP/ICTAP eligible. If you are selected for Federal employment, you will be required to fill out a Declaration of Federal Employment, OF-306, prior to being appointed to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. Failing to answer all questions truthfully and completely or providing false statements on your application may be grounds for not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. Also, you may be punished by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, section 1001).

Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1560 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).

If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1560 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1560 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.

The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1560 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1560 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.

Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.

Additional information

This position will be filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority. Eligibility is limited to applicants who reside within the defined local commuting area at the time of application. For this announcement, the local commuting area is the area from which individuals can reasonably commute to the duty station under normal conditions. The defined vicinity for this position is within 75 miles of the respective duty location. Residency will be verified during the hiring process.

  • Field Unit Local Hiring for Gaffney, South Carolina is defined as 75 miles from the Cowpens National Battlefield Administration Building located at 338 New Pleasant Road Gaffney, SC 29341.

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.

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

Physical Demands: Heavy physical effort is required in bending, lifting, and using hand and power tools in trail work.
Examples of typical strenuous activity include:
--Frequently lifts and carries objects weighing over 100 pounds, must carry and roll rocks and logs, move rocks of several tons with rock bars, use hammers to crush or shape rock, and use shovel extensively.--Frequently hikes up to 20 miles daily and must be able to do so while carrying a backpack, power and/or hand tools.

Working Conditions: Incumbent must have the ability to live and work effectively in backcountry areas in close contact with small numbers of people for extended periods of time. Incumbent must live and work out-of-doors on projects in various terrain up to 13,000 feet elevation in all extremes of adverse weather conditions. Trail work is dusty, and hazardous conditions may exist when moving rocks and logs, working in and around rockslide areas, working around stock, working around explosives, falling and bucking trees, and working around machinery.

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.

Applicants will be evaluated based on how well they meet the qualification requirements for the position.

Upon receipt of a completed application package, the Servicing Human Resources Office will review your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement.

Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages. Resumes longer than two pages will not be reviewed. Applicants may submit only one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine qualifications and eligibility. If more than one resume is submitted, only the most recent submission will be reviewed.

This position is being filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans' preference procedures do not apply. The Servicing Human Resources Office will determine whether applicants meet the qualification and eligibility requirements described in this announcement. Applicants who meet these requirements may be referred to the selecting official on a certificate of eligibles for consideration.

Applicants must certify that they maintain a permanent and exclusive residence within the defined vicinity of the field unit(s) listed in this announcement. Residency eligibility will be verified during the hiring process.

If your resume is incomplete or does not demonstrate that you meet the qualification requirements or specialized experience described in this announcement, you may be determined ineligible or not qualified for further consideration.

Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations.

Your resume will be reviewed for evidence of the following competencies:

  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
  • Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprints reading)
  • Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation Repair, etc.
  • Knowledge of materials
  • Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments

National Park Service

Please visit find a park for additional park information.

Agency contact information

Andres Del Rio
Email
andres_delrio@ios.doi.gov
Address
Cowpens National Battlefield
338 New Pleasant Road
Gaffney, SC 29341
US

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