Small Craft Operating Worker I

Bureau of Reclamation; Yuma (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bureau of Reclamation in Yuma, AZ invites applications for a position based in the Yuma Shop, Maintenance Management Office, to assist journey level operators in maintaining and operating a variety of equipment including boats, dredges, pumps, and mobile vehicles. The role emphasizes safety, reliability, and working according to established procedures.

The appointment features a probationary period with evaluation on performance, conduct, and alignment with agency goals, with emphasis on

Qualifications

• Ability to perform the work with supervision as required and follow established procedures.
• Ability to safely drive and operate a variety of motor vehicles and mobile equipment.
• Ability to interpret instructions and specifications related to mobile equipment operation.
• Ability to maintain reliability, dependability, and good work practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist journey level operators in maintaining and operating small craft, boats, dredges, pumps, barges, and vehicles.
• Operate a range of motor vehicles and mobile equipment in accordance with safety standards.
• Maintain neat, clean, and orderly work areas and follow agency procedures.

Skills

Supervision

Drive Safely

Interpret Instructions

Operate Safely

Motor Vehicle Operation

Reliability

Work Practices

Job description

This position is based in the Yuma Shop, Maintenance Management Office, Yuma Area Office, Lower Colorado Basin (LCB) of the Bureau of Reclamation. The purpose of the position is to assist journey level operators in performing a variety of tasks involved with the maintenance and operation of small craft, single and double propeller boats, dredges, booster pumps, anchor barges, front loaders, excavators, bulldozers, diesel pumps, and operating a variety of motor vehicles.

Requirements Continued...

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:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/14/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

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

• Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
• Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Related to Mobile Equipment Operation)
• Ability to Operate Safely (Non-motor Vehicles)
• Operation of Motor Vehicles
• Reliability and Dependability
• and Work Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat, Clean, and in Order)

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.

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.