Engineering Equipment Operator

U.S. Department of the Interior; Austwell (TX); On-site; USD 46,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks an Engineering Equipment Operator at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Austwell, Texas. The role operates excavators, bulldozers, loaders and other heavy equipment to support construction, maintenance and habitat projects.

Responsibilities include transporting equipment, performing preventive maintenance, coordinating with refuge staff, and mentoring volunteers while enforcing safety and environmental standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment: excavators, bulldozers, graders, skid steers, loaders, dump trucks, and specialized tracked equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repair of heavy equipment, vehicles, generators, and small engines.
• Assist with land management, construction, maintenance, and repair projects with minimal supervision.
• Ensure environmental compliance and minimize wildlife habitat impact during project activities.
• Train and mentor employees and volunteers on safe work practices and tool/equipment use.
• Maintain accurate maintenance and work records and logs.

Job description

Summary

This position is an Engineering Equipment Operator, WG-5716-10, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, stationed at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Austwell, Texas (Region 2). Salary Range Information (Per Annum): $33.57 - $39.25 per hour *First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Major Duties

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Operate heavy equipment, such as excavators, bulldozers, graders, skid steers, loaders, dump trucks, specialized tracked equipment, agricultural tractors with implements, and herbicide spraying equipment, to support construction, maintenance, and habitat management projects. Transport oversized and heavy-haul equipment and materials in accordance with established safety requirements. Maintain and repair a variety of equipment, such as heavy equipment, specialized tracked equipment, vehicles, boats, generators, and small engines, by diagnosing malfunctions, replacing defective parts, and performing preventive maintenance. Perform building and facility maintenance by troubleshooting and repairing electrical, plumbing, carpentry, roofing, masonry, welding, and heating and cooling systems. In coordination with Refuge staff, plan and complete land management, construction, maintenance, and repair projects with minimal supervision. Protect natural resources by following environmental compliance requirements and minimizing impacts to wildlife habitat during project activities. Train and mentor employees and volunteers while ensuring safe work practices and proper use of tools, equipment, and protective gear. Maintain accurate maintenance, equipment, and work records by updating logs and entering data into approved electronic systems.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.

Requirements

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/. 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. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment. Must possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) . Pre-employment and random drug testing are required. You will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received. A physical examination will be required, or a statement regarding physical ability will need to be completed. You must maintain physical fitness standards throughout employment. You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority. 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.

Evaluations

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 \