You will serve as a Custodial Worker (Motor Vehicle Operator) Leader at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico
Please visit find a park for additional park information.
This is a Permanent, Full-time, Competitive appointment.
Open to the first 50 applicants or until 10/19/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Summary
You will serve as a Custodial Worker (Motor Vehicle Operator) Leader at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico
Please visit find a park for additional park information.
This is a Permanent, Full-time, Competitive appointment.
Open to the first 50 applicants or until 10/19/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Appointment to this position is restricted to veterans' preference eligibles unless there are no qualified preference eligibles available.
Appointments will be accepted from non-preference candidates, but they will not be considered unless the preference eligible list is exhausted.
This announcement is open to U.S. Citizens or Nationals.
Career transition eligibles (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) in the local commuting area may also apply.
This position is within the Facilities Maintenance Division at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and reports directly to the Buildings and Utilities Maintenance Supervisor.
At the full performance level (WL-05) the incumbent is responsible for leading, performing oversight, assisting in, and developing work planning for a staff that could range from 1-5 lower graded, permanent full-time WG-3566-05 custodial workers.
Major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
Lead other employees to ensure standards of service are maintained.
Assist supervisor in the hiring, onboarding, and training of new employees.
Serve as a backup to the supervisor in purchasing supplies and services to support a custodial operation.
Monitor supply inventories and coordinate with supervisor to replenish supplies.
Clean restrooms, housing, dorm areas, offices, visitor centers, and workshops.
Perform minor maintenance, repairs, and service to gas powered blowers and sprayers.
Enforce safety standards for front country and backcountry operations.
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.
You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
You may be 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.
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.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 10/19/2026 - 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 Lead or Supervise (SCREEN OUT)
Work Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat, Clean, and in Order)
Dexterity and Safety
Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)
Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
Your resume must show that you have assisted in leading a team in custodial services and motor vehicle operations including:
Cleaning restrooms, housing, dorm areas,
Replacing light bulbs and dispensers,
Performing minor maintenance
Operating vehicles, handling and transporting supplies and materials.
Additionally, your resume must show that you have the background to teach others in tool use related to the custodial trade, techniques and the safe handling and storage of chemicals.
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 must 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.
Physical Demands: The work requires a combination of vehicle operation and physically active custodial work. The incumbent drives between park work locations for approximately 50 percent of the workday. Custodial duties require prolonged standing and walking and frequent bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, and repetitive arm and body movement when sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, vacuuming, cleaning fixtures, handling refuse, and operating powered custodial equipment.
The incumbent regularly walks through public-use areas, corridors, stairways, ramps, and other park facilities. Work in the cavern requires daily access by elevator and periodic walking along the cavern trail, including walking down the trail approximately once each week to clean handrails. Some portions of the trail may be sloped, uneven, or slippery. The incumbent occasionally lifts and carries custodial supplies, refuse, tools, and equipment. Items weighing more than 50 pounds are not regularly lifted independently and are moved with assistance from another employee or by using available mechanical means.
The incumbent infrequently uses stepladders no higher than eight feet. Ladder use may require reaching and working overhead but does not regularly involve climbing extension ladders or scaffolding.
Seasonal snow and ice removal may require shoveling snow, spreading sand by hand, or operating a walk-behind snow blower. This work occurs only a few times per year, if at all, and is not a regular physical demand.
Working Conditions: The work is performed in offices, public-use areas, restrooms, storage and custodial areas, park vehicles, outdoor locations, and the cavern. The incumbent moves frequently between climate-controlled facilities, the dry surface environment, and the cavern environment.
Outdoor work may be performed in temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit during winter and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during summer. The cavern is approximately 725 feet below the surface and remains near 55 degrees Fahrenheit with approximately 89 percent humidity. The cavern is accessed by elevator and is not designated as a confined space. Some portions of the cavern trail may be wet, uneven, or slippery.
The incumbent regularly operates Government vehicles on park roads and public highways and is exposed to ordinary traffic and vehicle-operating hazards. Occasional snow or ice may create slippery driving and walking conditions.
The incumbent uses cleaning chemicals in accordance with Safety Data Sheets, manufacturers' instructions, and established park procedures. Required gloves, eye protection, or other personal protective equipment is used when handling or mixing cleaning products.
The incumbent occasionally cleans bodily fluids or biological material in accordance with the applicable park standard operating procedure. Appropriate disinfectants, disposal procedures, and personal protective equipment are used. The position is not regularly exposed to hazardous atmospheres, confined space hazards, or uncontrolled hazardous materials.
Ethics: 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 and in accordance with hiring positions restricted to veterans. 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 Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)
Ability to Lead or Supervise
Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
Dexterity and Safety
Work Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat, Clean, and in Order)
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.
Veterans' preference will be based solely on the claimed preference. Your eligibility will not be changed based on the documentation provided. If you are uncertain which preference to claim, you can learn more by visiting the VetGuide.
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.
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 (ET) on 10/19/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement:
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(s).
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 10/19/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement 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/13080628
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.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM 88220
US
Next steps
Please refer to your USAJOBS account for application status; the Human Resources Office cannot respond to individual status inquiries.
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.
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 (ET) on 10/19/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement:
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(s).
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 10/19/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement 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/13080628
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.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM 88220
US
Next steps
Please refer to your USAJOBS account for application status; the Human Resources Office cannot respond to individual status inquiries.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
