Open to the first 50 applicants or until 08/20/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
This is a temporary position expected to last Not to Exceed 1039 hours. The typical winter season for this position will run Nov - May but can vary due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding, with an expected EOD date of Nov 26.
You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
Summary
Open to the first 50 applicants or until 08/20/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
This is a temporary position expected to last Not to Exceed 1039 hours. The typical winter season for this position will run Nov - May but can vary due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding, with an expected EOD date of Nov 26.
You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
This announcement is open to United States Citizens; U.S. Nationals; and Career transition eligibles (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL). An appointment to this position is restricted by law (5 U.S.C. 3310) to Veterans who are preference eligible if such applicants are available. If none are available, non-veteran eligibles will be considered.
The selectee of this position works as a crewmember involved in the housekeeping, minor repair, and upkeep of government roads, parking lots, facilities, and buildings. The selectee receives oral and written instructions from the Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor, or appointee, and is responsible for safely and efficiently carrying out the assigned duties and completing daily assigned work tasks. Operates and maintains light vehicles, to haul equipment, supplies and tools, or plow snow. Selectee is responsible for custodial maintenance of visitor facilities, trash collection, and recycling. Duties may also include park housing maintenance including cleaning and seasonal use readiness. This position may assist in minor repairs and maintenance duties of same locations including duties such as carpet cleaning, painting, tile floor waxing. This position may require heavy physical effort and stamina to assist with snow removal operations on sidewalks, parking lots, and visitor access locations using manual and mechanical methods. Selectee will frequently lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance, continually walking, bending, stooping, reaching, pulling and pushing. The work may be outdoors and may be in temperatures ranging from extreme cold (below zero) to warm (75F). As needed, the selectee may also work as a flagman on road projects, pick up litter, load / unload supplies / furniture, assist with building maintenance and janitorial duties. The selectee must be able to operate gasoline- or diesel-powered equipment including snow blowers, pickup truck plow, ATV plow, and/or skid steer loader after proper instruction and certification.
An appointment to this position is restricted by law (5 U.S.C. 3310) to Veterans who are preference eligible if such applicants are available.
All Custodial certificates must list the preference eligible first, then a certificate of non-preference eligible may be issued.
AREA INFORMATION: Wind Cave National Park is located in the southern Black Hills of southwest South Dakota. Climate extremes range from sub-zero temperatures during winter to over 100 degrees during summer. Medical and dental services, schools K-12, shopping, and churches of most faiths are available in Hot Springs (12 miles) and Custer (20 miles). Housing for rent or purchase is available in Hot Springs and Custer. Rapid City, SD (pop:60,000) is one hour north of Hot Springs and has a full range of services available. For more information about the Park visit our website: www.nps.gov/WICA.
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/.
Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
Government Housing: Housing may be available.
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/20/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
SCREEN OUTS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Performed the most difficult and complex laborer and custodial/janitorial tasks including ability to operate trucks and trailers weighing up to 10,000 pounds; properly loading and unloading various supplies and equipment; to perform work providing laboring assistance to others in the maintenance of buildings, grounds, roads, trails, cleaning restrooms, windows, vacuuming carpets, floors, emptying trash and recyclables; operate power equipment such as floor scrubbers, floor buffers and floor strippers; and safely use a variety of hand tools such as shovels, rakes, hammers, saws, etc. Able to safely operate these vehicles/equipment in all types of traffic and weather conditions. Utilize most hand and power tools associated with these tasks including light hand and power and cleaning custodial tools. Use plumbing wrenches and channel locks to tighten loose or leaking fittings; repairs to water heaters, washing machines, lift stations, and other miscellaneous plumbing fixtures such as drinking fountains, water refill stations, pumps, compressors and condensing coils; replace washers or gaskets, and filters. Have experience performing operator maintenance on all vehicles/equipment operated (e.g. monitoring fluid levels, and checking tire pressure). Inspect and replace backcountry trail signage, repair trail water crossings and trail erosion. Perform these duties as an expert with a high degree of independence. My supervisor assigned work orally, through work orders, or with written specifications. My work was checked to see that it met compliance with work and safety standards and policies.
DRIVER'S LICENSE: This position requires that the incumbent possess a valid Driver's License.
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.
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.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from 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. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
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.
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.
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 1040 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 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 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 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 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.
Physical Demands: Moderately heavy physical effort is required when: using ladder and scaffolds to clean walls, ceilings, windows, ceiling fixtures, etc.; operating powered equipment; removing cans of or other containers of trash; and occasionally lifts objects weighing over 50 pounds.
Working Conditions: Usually works indoors in areas, which normally have adequate, heat, light, and ventilation. Is exposed to vibration from heavy equipment and to skin irritations from strong cleaning solutions used in stripping floors, etc. Care is required to avoid serious injuries when working on ladders and scaffolds and when using heavy powered equipment. Occasionally works outdoors in possible inclement weather conditions and/or extreme temperatures.
This position operates light duty motor vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds (such as pick-up trucks, panel trucks, flatbed trucks, UTVs) on a regular and recurring basis to transport personnel, material, or equipment to work sites. The vehicles operated are drive on the basis of either specific trip assignments or regularly established schedules and standard routes throughout the park under limited traffic conditions at low speeds.
All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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.
Your resume must not exceed 2 pages.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. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into the following 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 Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
Dexterity and Safety
Vehicle Operation
Work Practices (including keeping things neat, clean, and in order)
If fewer than three eligible and available candidates per vacancy result, the agency will expand the group of candidates in accordance with the pre-announced supplement strategy and 5 CFR 332.402(f).
Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified, score at least 85 (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/20/2026:
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Your 2-page resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the qualification requirements. More information on how to write a Federal Resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
Complete Required Assessment
Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (member 4 copy) or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Parent or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.va.gov/records/ or call 1-800-827-1000. If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active-duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
Interagency Career Transition (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): You MUST submit proof of eligibility including 1) copy of the agency notice, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc.; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be well qualified. For more information visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Career Transition Programs (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 08/20/2026 to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13033963
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
Seasonal Staffing Office-Wind Cave National Park
26611 US Hwy 385
Hot Springs, SD 57747
US
Next steps
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.
Applicants will get a response from this announcement by approximately September 2026.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/20/2026:
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Your 2-page resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the qualification requirements. More information on how to write a Federal Resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
Complete Required Assessment
Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (member 4 copy) or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Parent or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.va.gov/records/ or call 1-800-827-1000. If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active-duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
Interagency Career Transition (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): You MUST submit proof of eligibility including 1) copy of the agency notice, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc.; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be well qualified. For more information visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Career Transition Programs (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 08/20/2026 to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13033963
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
Seasonal Staffing Office-Wind Cave National Park
26611 US Hwy 385
Hot Springs, SD 57747
US
Next steps
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.
Applicants will get a response from this announcement by approximately September 2026.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
