Utility Systems Operator Helper (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Yosemite National Park, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Utility Systems Operator Helper supports the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities and collection systems, including lift stations, distribution systems, composting toilets, and comfort stations. The position is seasonal, with an anticipated entry-on-duty period from May through July that may vary based on weather, project needs, or funding; the anticipated entry-on-duty date is May 2027.

Work includes janitorial duties at composting toilets, comfort stations, and remote toilet facilities; routine composting-toilet maintenance; checking ventilation fans; and recording daily operating information. The employee also prepares chlorine solutions, takes and records chlorine residual and turbidity measurements, collects and transports bacteriological samples, monitors water-treatment plant gauges and controls, and assists with septic-tank maintenance and sludge pumping.

The position services facilities in remote locations, usually outdoors and sometimes indoors. Work may involve steep mountainous terrain, backpacking, adverse weather, elevations up to 11,000 feet, and exposure to machinery, chemicals, sewage, and other hazards. Government housing is available. Telework is suitable only during an emergency or natural disaster.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Meet the Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Be at least 18 years old, or at least 16 and meet one of the stated education, vocational training, school-authority, or student-work conditions.
• Hold a valid driver's license and submit the required Motor Vehicle Operator's License and driving records from all states where licenses have been held.
• Be physically fit and able to perform the work, including the stated lifting, hiking, and terrain demands.
• Meet at least level 2 on the screen-out factor, Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision, and an average of level 2 across the listed job-related factors.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret instructions and specifications; dexterity and safety; knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, and repair; operation of water treatment systems; technical practices; and use of measuring instruments.
• Participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
• Be prepared to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shift work if required.
• Be prepared for overnight travel away from home, potentially up to 10 nights per month.
• Submit detailed descriptions of relevant experience and training in the application; qualification is evaluated on the quality of experience, and no specific length of experience is required.
• Follow prescribed safety practices and use required personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

• Support efficient operation of water treatment facilities and collection systems, including lift stations, distribution systems, composting toilets, and comfort stations.
• Perform janitorial duties at composting toilets, comfort stations, and remote toilet facilities.
• Perform routine composting-toilet maintenance, including raking piles, adding bulking agent, removing trash, and removing composted end-product.
• Check composting-tank ventilation fans for proper operation.
• Record daily information, including pile temperature, liquid level, visitor count, bulking agent added, and toilet paper added.
• Prepare chlorine solutions from stock according to procedures; obtain and record daily chlorine residuals and turbidity measurements on water reports.
• Collect routine bacteriological samples and transport them to the laboratory.
• Monitor gauges, meters, and control panels at water treatment plants.
• Assist with routine septic-tank maintenance, including mixing and inspecting solids and assisting the operator with sludge pumping.
• Travel between and service widely separated facilities in remote locations.

Benefits

• Government housing is available.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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