Preservation Worker

National Park Service • San Juan, PR

4d

About The Position

The Preservation Worker performs preservation trade and labor work to build, maintain, restore, and preserve historic structures and landscapes. Tasks include plastering and finishing surfaces in historic buildings or homes; roofing, painting, carpentry, sandblasting, and preservation services; and operating motor vehicles. The worker removes old roofing, assists with roof repairs and installations, operates an asphalt kettle, applies coatings such as paint, varnish, and shellac, and measures, cuts, constructs, installs, repairs, and modifies wood and composite items. Other duties include digging, sweeping, cleaning work areas, maintaining tools and workshop areas, transporting people and materials, and purchasing equipment and supplies for historic preservation work.

The work takes place indoors and outdoors, including in extreme weather and at elevations that may range from sea level to 10,000 feet, depending on the assigned park. The position involves exposure to dust, noise, vibration, cuts, abrasions, hazardous materials, microbiological organisms, and potentially hazardous wildlife. Personal protective equipment and compliance with safety and occupational health requirements are required. Duties may require working in uncomfortable positions, on ladders, scaffolds, and elevated platforms, and occasionally lifting or carrying items weighing 50 pounds or more.

The position is seasonal. The typical entry-on-duty period is January through November, with anticipated entry on duty from January through March 2027; timing may vary with weather, project needs, or funding. A temporary seasonal appointment may be made for up to 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. Some positions may be covered by a union. Government quarters may be required, and housing may be available but is not guaranteed. The employee must wear a uniform; a uniform allowance is provided.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must be at least 18 years old to operate government vehicles; must have a valid driver's license when required to operate a government or private motor vehicle for official duties.
• Must meet the stated minimum age and education, vocational training, school-authority, or student-employment conditions for employment.
• Must be physically fit and demonstrate the job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the announcement.
• Ability to do the work without more than normal supervision (screen-out factor).
• Ability to interpret instructions and specifications, including blueprint reading.
• Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, and repair.
• Knowledge of materials and technical practices.
• Ability to use measuring instruments.
• Applicants must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and an average of at least 2 points across all job elements.
• Must describe relevant experience and training in the application and document experience in the resume; the resume must support assessment-questionnaire responses.
• Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
• Must wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• May be required to complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• May be required to work on call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and/or shift work.

Responsibilities

• Perform preservation trade work to build, maintain, restore, and preserve historic structures and landscapes.
• Plaster surfaces in historic buildings and homes and complete basic finishing work.
• Perform plastering, roofing, painting, carpentry, sandblasting, and preservation services.
• Remove old roofing and assist with roof repairs and installations; operate an asphalt kettle.
• Apply coating materials such as paints, varnishes, and shellacs using brushes, rollers, or spray guns.
• Measure, cut, construct, install, repair, and modify wood, composite, and wood-substitute items.
• Perform laborer and custodial duties, including digging ditches, sweeping, cleaning work areas, and maintaining tools and workshop areas.
• Operate motor vehicles to transport passengers, supplies, materials, equipment, and tools, or to tow equipment in rural or urban areas.
• Purchase equipment, materials, and supplies for historic preservation work.
• Wear required personal protective equipment and comply with safety and occupational health requirements.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a range of benefits; specific eligibility depends on position type, and applicants should contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed