FUL - Engineering Equipment Operator.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); Titusville (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Titusville, FL, seeks an experienced equipment operator to perform heavy machinery tasks in land management. You will excavate, grade, and maintain equipment, ensure safe transport of machines, and apply vegetation management as needed.

The role requires a valid Class A CDL, background checks, and adherence to uniform standards. Eligible candidates will join a federal team with strong benefit packages.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment on varied terrain is essential.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specs, and elevations.
• Knowledge of maintenance and basic repairs for equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate multiple heavy equipment types on varied terrain.
• Excavate, grade, and finish earthwork to precise specs.
• Perform daily preventive maintenance and repairs on equipment.
• Transport, load, and secure heavy machinery safely and legally.
• Operate agricultural tractors for land management.
• Apply herbicides and conduct vegetation management as required.
• Interpret instructions and plans to organize work.
• Maintain equipment maintenance and service records.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Earthwork and grading

Preventive maintenance

Equipment troubleshooting

Blueprints and specs interpretation

Recordkeeping

Job description

Duties

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:

• Operate multiple heavy equipment types on varied and difficult terrain.
• Excavate, grade, and finish earthwork to precise specifications.
• Perform daily preventive maintenance and repair heavy equipment.
• Transport, load, and secure heavy machinery safely and legally.
• Operate agricultural tractors and implements for land management.
• Apply herbicides and conduct vegetation management as required.
• Interpret instructions, drawings, and specifications to plan work.
• Maintain accurate equipment maintenance and service records.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• 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
• Pre-employment and random alcohol and drug testing are required. You will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive test is received.
• Must have and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• 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 must pass a physical examination.
• 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

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

The Screen Out Elements For This Position Are

• ABILITY TO DO THE WORK OF AN ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR WITHOUT MORE THAN NORMAL SUPERVISION.
• POSSESS A VALID CLASS A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE (CDL) TO OPERATE VARIUS VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT.
• POSSESS AND ABLE TO MAINTAIN A VALID STATER DRIVER'S LICENSE.
• BE WILL ING TO WEAR AN OFFICIAL U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE UNIFORM IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH ESTABLISHED POLICY AND PRACTICE.

• Knowledge of various terrain/conditions. Understands grade levels and able to install pipes/structures at specified elevations.
• Skill in operating Heavy Equipment and Motor Vehicles.
• Ability to perform agricultural tasks such as plowing, planting crops, spraying, etc.
• Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprint reading and shooting grade elevations)
• Knowledge of Equipment repairs and how to troubleshoot breakdown issues when operating equipment.
• Work Practices (includes keeping workshop and equipment neat, clean, and in order)

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.

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

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: 50 miles from the job announcement location. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Titusville, FL. You must provide proof of residency within the defined vicinity (e.g. mortgage or property deed, lease/rental agreement, utility bill, insurance policy, etc.). See the Required Documents section for information on how to verify current residence.

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies.

EXPLORE Act Veteran Hiring Pilot Program

The Department of the Interior has created a two-year Veteran Hiring Pilot as established by the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act that aims to expand employment opportunities for Veterans (and eligible transitioning Service Members). This position has been identified as EXPLORE Act Veteran Hiring Pilot eligible. The pilot supports DOI's conservation and resource management mission by connecting qualified Veterans with career opportunities across the Department. To learn more, visit

Physical Demands

Heavy physical effort is used in the operation and adjustment of the equipment and attachments and in the performance of maintenance of facilities, equipment, and attachments. Considerable strain is caused by the constant vibration of the equipment and the jolting received from operation of the equipment over rough surfaces. Location of the controls and attachments frequently require work in awkward or strained positions. Considerable energy is needed working in small, confined spaces or elevated areas, and operating equipment over rough surfaces. Work normally requires extensive standing, walking, kneeling and bending. Lifts, carries and sets up, parts, equipment and objects or loads up to 50 pounds, unassisted, and up to 100 pounds with assistance.

Working Conditions

Heavy physical effort is used in the operation and adjustment of the equipment and attachments and in the performance of maintenance of facilities, equipment, and attachments. Considerable strain is caused by the constant vibration of the equipment and the jolting received from operation of the equipment over rough surfaces. Location of the controls and attachments frequently require work in awkward or strained positions. Considerable energy is needed working in small confined spaces or elevated areas, and operating equipment over rough surfaces. Work normally requires extensive standing, walking, kneeling and bending. Lifts, carries and sets up, parts, equipment and objects or loads up to 50 pounds, unassisted, and up to 100 pounds with assistance.

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,

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.

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.