Maintenance Worker

US National Cemetery Administration; Elwood (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The US National Cemetery Administration is seeking a skilled maintenance worker for the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. The role requires the ability to perform a broad range of trades, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting, masonry, pest control, and related tasks.

Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in at least two trades and be capable of conducting repair and preventive maintenance of irrigation systems, buildings, facilities, and utilities

Qualifications

• Experience in at least two of the listed trades.
• Ability to perform maintenance on facilities and utilities.
• Familiarity with safety practices and use of hand/power tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform repair and preventive maintenance on buildings, structures, and utilities.
• Inspect and service irrigation systems and drainage.
• Operate trade-related tools and equipment to complete tasks.

Skills

Carpentry

Plumbing

Electrical work

Painting

Masonry

Irrigation systems

Job description

This position is located at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement,08/20/2026.

Candidates must demonstrate the potential to perform a broad range of building and maintenance trades, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting, masonry, pest control, asphalt repairs, and related tasks. This includes conducting repair and preventive maintenance of irrigation systems, buildings, structures, facilities, and utilities using hand and power tools. Applicants should show proficiency in at least two of these trades through work, training, or other relevant activities.

EXPERIENCE:

A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C ( www.opm.gov/qualifications/x-118c).

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT:

Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements.

• Ability to do the job without more than normal supervision.
• Must possess and maintain a valid REAL ID compliant state driver's license.

JOB ELEMENTS:

Those who meet the minimum level of experience and training for the screen-out element will then be evaluated in each of the following job elements:

• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Materials
• Technical Practices
• Without more than normal supervision

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; religions; 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.

Note

A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements:

Requires prolonged and frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, and pulling. Climbs ladders and lifts objects weighing over fifty (50) pounds. Must have a full range of upper and lower extremities. Moderate effort required in operating vehicles and tools of the trade. Stamina, dexterity, and perseverance are required in all aspects of incumbent duties. May be required to assist with loading and unloading caskets and urns while performing cemetery caretaker responsibilities.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed indoors and outdoors. Incumbent is subject to discomfort when working in unnatural positions for longer periods in all types of weather. Must work under stress and strain in dust, dirt, mud and water. Incumbent may be exposed to occupational injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, bruises, shock and dust from sawing materials, as well as other potential hazards working with machinery, saws, and electrical test equipment while performing duties in this position.

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may 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;
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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.