Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Helper

National Park Service (DOI)

California

On-site

USD 29,000 - 46,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

National Park Service (DOI) is seeking a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator at WG-05 through WG-10 to support repair, maintenance, and operation of water treatment and lift stations across Wawona, Valley Utilities, and El Portal, with occasional travel to Backcountry sites.

The position requires progression through WG-05 to WG-10 levels, working under supervision to gain experience and develop the necessary skills in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and related systems within a federal utility setting.

Qualifications

Reliability and Dependability (SCREEN OUT)
Ability To Follow Oral Directions
Ability To Work as a Member of a Team
Dexterity and Safety
Shop Aptitude and Interest

Responsibilities

Assist journeyman operators in repair, maintenance, and operation of water and wastewater facilities under close supervision.
Progress to journeyman level with greater independence, participating in system operations and standard operating procedures.
At WG-10 level, perform complex mechanical, electrical, and piping tasks with regulatory compliance.

Job description

Summary

Official Title of WG-5 position: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Helper

Official Title of WG-8 and WG-10 positions: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

Positions may be filled in the following duty locations:

Wawona
Valley Utilities
El Portal
Backcountry – Career Seasonal (Details in Additional Information)

Job Details

Telework eligible: No

Remote job: No

Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

Salary: $21.18 – $33.22 per hour

Pay scale & grade: WG 5 – 10

Promotion potential: 10

Work schedule: Full-time

Travel Required: Occasional travel – You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type: Permanent

Supervisory status: No

Federal service type: This job is in the Competitive Service

Represented by a union: No

Drug test: No

Security clearance: Not Required

Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Background check type: Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required: No

Announcement number: CAHS-27-13105205-DE-LLH

Control number: 891114900

Who Can Apply

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants (Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)).

This announcement is open to U.S. Citizens or Nationals; and Career transition eligibles (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).

Duties

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.
WG-4742-05: The incumbent will assist journeyman operators in the efficient repair, maintenance, and operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities, collection systems including lift stations and water distribution systems. Carries out simpler, recurring tasks in various trades (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC, boiler operation) under close supervision to gain experience and develop skills. The incumbent works under closer than normal supervision at the trainee level performing assignments designed to provide the competencies, skills, and experience required to perform the more complex work at the WG-08 and 10 levels.

WG-4742-08: The incumbent will work with a higher degree of independence using knowledge developed as a helper to progress to journeyman USRO actively participating in the maintenance of conditions of plants and equipment; standard operating procedures for the systems; and industry skills and practices related to the materials, repair parts, diagnostic equipment, installation procedures, tools, and regulatory codes associated with each system and facility. Works with storage and distribution water systems for public and domestic use, with close supervision. Operation, maintenance, repair, and monitoring of HVAC systems, electrical systems, and wastewater lift station pumping equipment and operating conditions to determine process requirements under supervision of the supervisory plant operator.

WG-4742-10: The incumbent performs the most difficult and complex tasks of Utility Systems Repairer-Operator as an expert with a high degree of independence. Duties performed include: 1) performing maintenance and repair of complex mechanical, electromechanical, electrical and pneumatic equipment pertaining to water treatment and lift station operations; 2) installing and repairing new and existing piping systems to include: PVC, copper, ductile, HDPE, cast and/or galvanized; 3) observing and monitoring wastewater conveyance equipment and operating conditions to determine process requirements; 4) hands on work experience in the processes and regulatory compliance of water and wastewater systems; the conditions of lift stations and associated equipment; standard operating procedures for the systems; and industry skills and practices related to the materials, repair parts, diagnostic equipment, installation procedures, tools, and regulatory codes associated with each system and facility. The incumbent is often consulted by other employees in difficult situations. They have experience working independently with storage and distribution water systems for public and domestic use.

Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position’s supervisor.

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 www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.
You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work.
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 may be required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
Required Occupancy positions may be filled at the WG-08 and WG-10 levels at the following duty locations: Valley Utilities, Wawona, and El Portal.
Positions designated as Required Occupancy WG-10, the selectee must obtain and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within one (1) year of Entry on Duty.
Positions requiring a CDL are designated as Testing Designated Positions (TDP) and are subject to random drug testing.
WG-10 Only: The selectee must obtain and maintain a Backflow Prevention Certification within one (1) year of Entry on Duty.
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.
Additional Requirements located under Qualifications

Qualifications

Selective Factors: Some positions in this announcement require specific certifications at the time of application. Applicants who do not possess the required certification(s) by the closing date of this announcement will be found ineligible for those positions.

Backcountry and Valley Utilities

WG-08: Applicants must possess a California Water Distribution Level 1 (D1) and Water Treatment Level 1 (T1) operator certification OR be eligible to transfer equivalent out-of-state certifications to California at the time of application.
WG-10: Applicants must possess a California Water Distribution Level 1 (D1) and Water Treatment Level 2 (T2) operator certification OR be eligible to transfer equivalent out-of-state certifications to California at the time of application.

Wawona and El Portal

WG-08: Applicants must possess a California Water Distribution Level 1 (D1), Water Treatment Level 1 (T1), and Wastewater Treatment Level 1 (WW1) operator certification OR be eligible to transfer equivalent out-of-state certifications to California at the time of application.
WG-10: Applicants must possess a California Water Distribution Level 1 (D1), Water Treatment Level 2 (T2), and Wastewater Treatment Level 2 (WW2) operator certification OR be eligible to transfer equivalent out-of-state certifications to California at the time of application.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-11/16/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Qualification Requirements at WG-05 Level

Reliability and Dependability (SCREEN OUT)
Ability To Follow Oral Directions
Ability To Work as a Member of a Team
Dexterity and Safety
Shop Aptitude and Interest

Qualification Requirements at WG-08 or WG-10 Levels

Ability To Do the Work of the Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprints reading)
Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation Repair, etc.
Knowledge of materials
Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic)
Measuring Instructions

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

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.

Requirements Continued

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;
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 1-year probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.

Additional Information

Salary Range Information (Per Hour): First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning rate in the range for their respective grade level.

WG-05: $21.18 (Step 1) – $24.74 (Step 5)
WG-08: $25.42 (Step1) – $29.66 (Step 5)
WG-10: $28.48 (Step 1) – $33.22 (Step 5)

Backcountry Duty Location Only: Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. Non-pay periods may change in the future service years depending on the budget. Employees will be notified in advance of any changes by their supervisor.

Backcountry positions operate on a career seasonal schedule. You will be in non-pay status for 14 weeks (7 pay periods) from late November to early March.

Employees may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For more information visit: https://www.doi.gov/centers/https://careers.doi.gov.

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.

Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified, score at least 85 (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.

Benefits

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated ‘ineligible’, ‘not qualified’, or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position.

Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the “Resume” under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

Required Documents

Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Your 2-page resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the qualification requirements. More information on how to write a Federal Resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
Complete Required Assessment.
Documentation that you meet Selective Factors.
Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (member 4 copy) or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Parent or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.va.gov/records/ or call 1-800-827-1000. If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active-duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
Interagency Career Transition (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): You MUST submit proof of eligibility including 1) copy of the agency notice, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc.; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be well qualified. For more information visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/helpcenter/ctap-covid/

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials – you must remove your image from all documents.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency’s staffing offices.

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