Maintenance Mechanic (Seasonal)

National Park Service; Empire (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

National Park Service seeks a Maintenance Mechanic at Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore. The role includes routine and corrective maintenance of grounds, exterior structures, buildings, and equipment, using hand tools and standard processes.

Tasks span painting, electrical and plumbing repairs, light fixture replacement, and general upkeep. Applicants must meet federal qualifications, be able to lift up to 50 pounds, and potentially work on-call or shifts.

Qualifications

• Up to date knowledge to perform routine and corrective maintenance.
• Ability to interpret instructions and blueprints to perform tasks.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools and basic equipment.
• Knowledge of materials used in maintenance tasks.
• Ability to apply technical practices accurately and safely.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and corrective maintenance on grounds, structures, buildings and equipment.
• Paint, electrical, plumbing tasks as needed with appropriate tools and techniques.
• Repair plumbing such as faucet replacement and drain work.
• Replace light fixtures and outlets as part of electrical maintenance.

Skills

Screening out ability

Blueprint reading

Tool handling

Materials knowledge

Technical practices

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Basic hand tools

Common power tools

Job description

This position serves as a Maintenance Mechanic with Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore. Likely Entry on Duty: March-July 2027 Applications must be submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the 10/26/2026 to be considered. For more park(s) information, select "Learn more about this agency" below:

Major Duties

• Some of the Maintenance Mechanic Standard Duties include but are not limited to: Performs routine and corrective maintenance of grounds, exterior structures, buildings, building components, and equipment. Performs work using simple and complex measures and hand tools on such tasks as painting, electrical, plumbing, etc. Performs painting projects using appropriate tools and techniques. Performs plumbing repairs such as, faucet replacement, drain cleaning/repair. Performs electrical repairs such as replacing light fixtures and outlets.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males. Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. This position has a mixed work schedule based on the varying workload, and your work schedule is subject to change from part-time to full-time to on-call as workload dictates. Applicants must be at least (1) 18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program. Government Housing may be available. Able to lift 50 pounds.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/26/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Applicants must be physically fit and, as required in the Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Handbook X-118C, must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the job elements listed below to perform the duties of the position at the level for which they are applying. A specific length of time and experience is not required. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

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

1. Ability To Do the Work of the Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
2. Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprint reading)
3. Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
4. Knowledge of Materials
5. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)

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. 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.

If 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

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 salary range on this vacancy does not grant an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement. 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 1039 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 combined total of 1039 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1039 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 1039 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1039 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM. *This position may be filled under a temporary seasonal appointment not-to-exceed 1560 hours rather than 1039 hours depending on the park and program*. Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations. Physical Demands: Physical effort is heavy to moderate, and requires occasional lifting or handling of objects or materials up to 50 pounds, unassisted, following proper lifting procedures to avoid injury. Frequently required to stand while working, climb ladders or scaffolding, and bend, stoop, climb, and work in awkward positions. Working Conditions: Exposed to a variety of seasonal weather conditions while working outdoors (temperatures -40 to 90+ degrees). Subject to danger of falling from ladders or scaffolding. Exposed to dust, dirt, wind, and rain. May work with dangerous chemicals and around moving equipment; paints, solvents, etc. May be exposed to electrical shocks, and biting insects. The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are not suitable for telework. 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.

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.