Laborer (Motor Vehicle Operating) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Springfield, IL

6d

About The Position

The Laborer (Motor Vehicle Operating) performs recurring labor, groundskeeping, and basic maintenance duties and operates motor vehicles and equipment. Duties include loading and unloading supplies and materials; assisting with scaffolding, planking, and ladders; moving materials and equipment around job sites; digging trenches; painting fences; mixing and pouring concrete; stacking lumber and other materials; and performing similar physical labor. The employee also cleans public and non-public buildings when custodial staff are absent, removes trash and debris from grounds and work areas, and supports higher-skilled maintenance workers with carpentry, custodial, and grounds maintenance tasks.

On a regular and recurring basis, the employee operates light-duty motor vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds, such as pickup, panel, and flatbed trucks, to transport personnel, materials, and equipment to work sites. The position is seasonal; the typical entry-on-duty period is October through March, though timing may vary with weather, project needs, or funding. The position may be filled as a temporary seasonal appointment not to exceed 1,560 hours rather than 1,039 hours, depending on the park and program. Employment may end at any time due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

The work requires moderate to very heavy physical effort, including lifting and moving objects over 50 pounds and, sometimes, carrying 80 to 100 pounds or more with assistance. Outdoor work occurs in varied weather; indoor work may take place in offices, warehouses, loading docks, or trade shops. The employee may be exposed to temperature extremes, drafts, noise, dust, dirt, and risks of bruises, strains, cuts, and scrapes, and must follow safety procedures and use standard protective equipment.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• A favorable background investigation and adjudication are required.
• Males must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• A valid driver's license is required; the employee must be at least 18 to operate government vehicles.
• Applicants must be at least 18, or meet the specified conditions for employment at age 16 or 17.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Must possess the knowledge and abilities for the job-related factors: performing the work without more than normal supervision; interpreting instructions and specifications; using and maintaining tools and equipment; work practices; dexterity; and safety.
• Must meet the screen-out requirements for performing the work without more than normal supervision and possessing a valid driver's license.
• Applicants must meet the qualification requirements by the announcement closing date of 11/02/2026.
• Must be physically fit and able to exert moderate to very heavy physical effort, including moving objects over 50 pounds and sometimes carrying 80 to 100 pounds or more with assistance.
• Must participate in direct deposit.
• May be required to occupy government quarters, wear a uniform, work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shift work, complete training, operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload supplies and materials from trucks, trailers, and dollies.
• Assist with erecting scaffolding, planking, and ladders.
• Move materials, supplies, and equipment around job sites using hand trucks, wheelbarrows, and dollies.
• Dig ditches and trenches; paint metal and wood fences; mix and pour concrete or cement; and stack or move building and maintenance materials.
• Perform custodial and janitorial duties in public and non-public buildings when custodial staff are absent or as backup support.
• Clean grounds and work areas, pick up trash and debris, and empty trash cans into central dumpsters.
• Assist higher-skilled maintenance workers with carpentry, custodial, and grounds maintenance tasks.
• Operate light-duty motor vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds to transport personnel, materials, or equipment to work sites.
• Follow safety procedures and use standard safety equipment.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance is provided.
• Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a range of benefits; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed