Engineering Equipment Operator

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Los Banos (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

You will serve as an Engineering Equipment Operator with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, operating gasoline or diesel powered heavy equipment to complete Service Projects at various locations. You may travel overnight up to 5 nights per month and must obtain a government travel card.

First time hires normally start at the step 1 rate of $39.52–$46.03 per hour. Responsibilities include operating, servicing, and repairing equipment, keeping maintenance records, and installing/repairing

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment on land management projects.
• Wamiliarity with safety protocols and record keeping.
• Ability to follow engineered drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy equipment to excavate, backfill, grade, or level earth per specifications.
• Perform daily maintenance and service of equipment and check attachments.
• Maintain maintenance records and operate water control structures and pumps.
• Serve as safety instructor for other employees in related areas.
• CDL required; obtain and maintain CDL within 1 year of appointment.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety procedures

Documentation

Job description

Open: August 24, 2026 — Closes: September 4, 2026

Summary

You will serve as a Engineering Equipment Operator to operate gasoline or diesel powered engineering and construction heavy equipment to complete a variety of Service Projects at various locations. You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 5 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. $39.52 - $46.03 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: Operates heavy equipment to excavate, backfill, grade, or level earth to exact specifications on such projects as breaking new ground for trails, roads, canals, tunnels, or construction sites from engineered drawings to achieve land management and facility operation goals. Services, checks, and fuels equipment before operation, checks and services attachments to be used. Performs daily preventative maintenance and makes repairs and adjustments to equipment and attachments to equipment. Keeps up to date written maintenance records for all equipment operated. Maintains, operates, and adjusts water control structures including pumps and dams. Measures, monitors and documents all water use and levels, control structures, wells, and pumps. Serves as a safety instructor for other employees and volunteers in the operator's areas of knowledge (e.g. heavy equipment operation, off road utility vehicle operation, etc.). Installs, maintains, and repairs building and facility electrical systems such as lighting and power fixtures, wiring, fire or water alarm systems, and emergency power systems. Performs routine preventive maintenance on heating systems and refrigeration and air conditioning units. Maintains, repairs, or constructs a variety of structures and surfaces of brick, block, stone, and other related materials. Operates various electric resistance welding machines to join, repair, modify, or fabricate a variety of parts or components. Commercial Driver's License: Duties of this position require the employee to have and maintain a valid State Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate various vehicles and equipment. Incumbents who do not possess a CDL at the time of appointment must obtain and maintain a valid CDL within one (1) year of their appointment date. Positions requiring a CDL are subject to physical examination and drug and alcohol testing requirements as established by the Department of Transportation (49 CFR 391.41 (b)(l)(b)(13)).