Engineering Equipment Operator.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment, such as excavators, bulldozers, graders, skid steers, loaders, dump trucks, specialized tracked equipment, agricultural tractors with implements, and herbicide spraying equipment, to support construction, maintenance, and habitat management projects.
• Transport oversized and heavy-haul equipment and materials in accordance with established safety requirements.
• Maintain and repair a variety of equipment, such as heavy equipment, specialized tracked equipment, vehicles, boats, generators, and small engines, by diagnosing malfunctions, replacing defective parts, and performing preventive maintenance.
• Perform building and facility maintenance by troubleshooting and repairing electrical, plumbing, carpentry, roofing, masonry, welding, and heating and cooling systems.
• In coordination with Refuge staff, plan and complete land management, construction, maintenance, and repair projects with minimal supervision.
• Protect natural resources by following environmental compliance requirements and minimizing impacts to wildlife habitat during project activities.
• Train and mentor employees and volunteers while 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.

Requirements

• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• 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.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Must have a current or obtain within 6 months a CDL license or registration.
• Pre-employment and random alcohol and drug testing are required. You will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive test is received.
• A physical examination will be required, or a statement regarding physical ability will need to be completed. You must maintain physical fitness standards throughout employment.
• You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• You must be at least 18 years old or at least 16 years old and:
  • Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or
  • Have completed a formal vocational training program; or
  • Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or
  • 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.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement (08/24/2026). To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:

• Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
• Ability to Operate Safely (Non-motor Vehicles)
• Work Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat, Clean, and in Order)
• Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
• Operation of Motor Vehicles
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Related to Mobile Equipment Operation)
• Reliability and Dependability as an Engineer Equipment Operator

If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which specifically prepared you for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all job elements to be considered qualified for this position.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Physical Demands

Very strenuous heavy physical effort is required in the operation and frequent adjustment of large pieces of equipment and attachments, often under adverse operating conditions. Location of the controls and attachments frequently requires work in awkward or strained positions. Additional physical requirements may include tasks involving ladders, confined spaces, lifting, stooping, bending, and twisting. Considerable energy is needed working in small, confined spaces or elevated areas, and operating equipment over rough surfaces. Work normally requires extensive standing, walking, kneeling, and bending. Lifts, carries, and sets up parts, equipment, and objects or loads up to 50 pounds unassisted, and up to 100 pounds with assistance.

Working Conditions

Work is accomplished both in an office setting (5%) and outdoors (95%). Due to operations of large and complicated equipment, often in rough terrain, the operator is exposed to injury resulting from equipment overturning and is subject to noise, vibration, dust, fumes, grease, dirt, and moving parts of equipment and machinery. Work performed outside is in a variety of settings where steep terrain, extremely uneven, rocky, and slippery footing is normal. Temperature extremes are common. Employee is regularly exposed to the possibility of shock, cuts, scrapes, bruises, falls, falling material, or injury from equipment associated with power equipment or hazardous materials. Work demands conformance to safety requirements including the use of personal protective equipment such as protective clothing, hard hats, hearing protection, safety glasses, goggles, gloves, steel-toe heavy leather boots, respirators, and other protective items. Serious injury may result from getting caught in operating equipment or from collisions with automobiles when operating on or near public roads.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.