Engineering Equipment Operator

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service•Austwell, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, is hiring an Engineering Equipment Operator (WG-5716-10) at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Austwell, Texas. The position supports construction, maintenance, and habitat management projects by operating and transporting heavy equipment; maintaining and repairing equipment, vehicles, facilities, and systems; and coordinating refuge projects. The operator also helps protect natural resources, promotes safe work practices, and maintains accurate work and equipment records. The work is performed approximately 95% outdoors and 5% in an office setting. It involves strenuous physical effort, frequent equipment adjustments, and working in awkward positions, confined spaces, elevated areas, and rough terrain. Exposure to noise, vibration, dust, fumes, grease, dirt, moving machinery, temperature extremes, hazardous materials, and other workplace hazards is possible. The position requires use of personal protective equipment. Employees may need to lift and carry up to 50 pounds without assistance and up to 100 pounds with assistance. The stated pay range is $33.57–$39.25 per hour. First-time federal hires normally start at step 1. The position requires a valid driver's license and a valid Class A CDL, drug testing, a physical examination or statement of physical ability, and maintenance of physical fitness standards. Employees must wear a uniform, complete required training, and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority. Appointment is subject to a background investigation and a one-year probationary period.

Requirements

Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
Pass a background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
Serve a one-year probationary period; continued employment after the period requires written agency certification.
Have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
Possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Complete pre-employment and random drug testing; a verified positive drug test precludes appointment.
Complete a physical examination or provide a statement regarding physical ability, and maintain physical fitness standards throughout employment.
Wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
Complete required training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and ability to perform the work of an Engineering Equipment Operator without more than normal supervision (screen-out factor).
Meet the job-related factors: operation of motor vehicles; ability to drive safely; work practices; ability to interpret instructions and specifications related to mobile equipment operation; ability to operate safely (non-motor vehicle); and reliability and dependability.
Meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and an average of at least 2 points on all job elements to be considered qualified.
Describe relevant experience and training in the application and resume; the resume must support assessment-questionnaire responses.
Education cannot substitute for experience for Federal Wage System positions.

Responsibilities

Operate heavy equipment, including excavators, bulldozers, graders, skid steers, loaders, dump trucks, specialized tracked equipment, agricultural tractors with implements, and herbicide spraying equipment, for construction, maintenance, and habitat management projects.
Transport oversized and heavy-haul equipment and materials in accordance with established safety requirements.
Diagnose malfunctions, replace defective parts, and perform preventive maintenance on heavy and specialized tracked equipment, vehicles, boats, generators, and small engines.
Troubleshoot and repair building and facility electrical, plumbing, carpentry, roofing, masonry, welding, and heating and cooling systems.
Coordinate with refuge staff to plan and complete land management, construction, maintenance, and repair projects with minimal supervision.
Follow environmental compliance requirements and minimize impacts to wildlife habitat during project activities.
Train and mentor employees and volunteers, ensuring safe work practices and proper use of tools, equipment, and protective gear.
Maintain accurate maintenance, equipment, and work records by updating logs and entering data into approved electronic systems.