Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Helper

U.S. Department of the Interior; Yosemite Lodge (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of the Interior seeks a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator to support operation, maintenance and repair of water and wastewater treatment and distribution systems in the Yosemite area.

The role may be filled at WG-5, WG-8, or WG-10 levels, with increasing independence and responsibility as experience grows within the program. Duties include assisting journeyman operators across mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and related disciplines, supporting storage and distribution

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)

Major Duties

As a Utility Systems Repair Operator, you will perform duties related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of water and wastewater treatment and distribution systems. This position may be filled at the WG-5, WG-8, or WG-10 level. At the lower grade levels, duties are performed under closer supervision and with assistance from higher-graded operators. As experience increases, duties are performed with greater independence and responsibility. 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 a 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.

Education

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

Requirements

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:

1. Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school;
2. Have completed a formal vocational training program;
3. Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education;
4. 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

Evaluations

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. Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non‑preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service‑connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into the following categories:

• Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
• Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
• Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.

Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)

• Ability To Follow Oral Directions
• Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprints reading)
• Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Ability To Work as a Member of a Team
• Dexterity and Safety
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation Repair, etc.
• Knowledge of materials
• Reliability and Dependability
• Shop Aptitude and Interest
• Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic)
• Use of Measuring Instructions

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations.

Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/16/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement: 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: USAJOBS Help Center - Career Transition Programs (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL). 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