Laborer Leader Job in Isle Royale National Park, MI

Vacancy No. MW-1543-ISRO-25-12607731-OC Department National Park Service
Salary $23.34 to $27.24 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/25/2024 Close Date 4/25/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Isle Royale National Park, MI


Summary

A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a working leader over a crew of seasonal workers tasked with performing seasonal laboring work such as bridge, trail, and campground maintenance.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)

Duties

  • Provide daily on-site leadership for a trail maintenance crew of three or more laborers and various volunteer and conservation groups.
  • Responsible for passing instructions from supervisor to crew members and plans daily assignments ensuring safe work practices and safety equipment are utilized.
  • Demonstrates proper work methods and sets the pace. Organizes tool caches and maintains adequate tool inventory for work projects.
  • Responsible for maintaining daily work sheets and time sheets for crew members.
  • Teaches and works with crew to maintain trails and campgrounds, set up and maintain tent sights adhering to park regulations as well as Leave No Trace ethics, and works on other duties as assigned. Leads crews in clearing of developed areas, trails, and campgrounds of fallen and hazardous trees, brushing, erosion control, installation of new trails, privy and shelter maintenance, bridging and signage repair, and tools and equipment maintenance.
Physical Demands: This position involves strenuous activity on a daily basis. The work requires lifting and carrying 75 to 100 lbs. of materials and equipment by hand or in backpacks, heavy pushing and pulling of wheel barrels, removal of fallen trees, and carrying or moving awkward objects such as picnic tables, 55 gallon drums, pit toilets, etc. The incumbent walks four to ten miles daily at a minimum of three miles per hour to and from work sites. During spring opening, and frequently during the season, the incumbent hikes up to 18 miles with a 60 lb. pack at a three mile per hour pace. At work sites, nearly the entire day is spent standing or walking with frequent bending, stooping, and kneeling. While operating boats, up to 8 hours a day could involve sitting.

Motorboat Operation/Instructor Certification Course: Applicant must be able to obtain a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or Motorboat Operator Instructor Certification Course (MOICC) or equivalent after entrance on duty date.

For additional information contact Isle Royale National, Park Corey Process, corey_process@nps.gov, 906-487-7150.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for male.
  • Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • Drug Testing: You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
  • Driving: You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
  • Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • Government housing is available.
  • Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) 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.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:
  • Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
  • Ability To Lead Or Supervise
  • Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Work Practices (including keeping things neat, clean, and in order)


SCREENOUT:: To meet this screen out you must have performed common tasks associated with the position of Laborer Leader with close supervision. Tasks include leading others in both trail and campground maintenance and construction, assigning immediate tasks to be performed by individual crew members, planning work assignments several days in advance, anticipate needs, evaluate site conditions, and develop strategies prior to assigning work. Taught safe work practices and techniques while ensuring proper use of equipment in the construction of foot bridges, walkways (boardwalks), unpaved trail erosion control, removal of hazard trees (rigging, felling, chainsaw operation), grading, sign repair/installation, selective brush removal, building tent pads, and installation/maintenance of privies.

You must also possess or be able to obtain a valid state driver's license prior to entering on duty. If you do not you will be deemed ineligible.

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 you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors.

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.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.

Additional information

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).

If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.

The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.

Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.

Working Conditions: Nearly all work is performed out-of-doors in all kinds of weather. Weather conditions range from snow and sleet and cold temperatures to rain and hot temperatures. Humid summer days are frequently encountered during the course of the season. Work hazards include: working on slippery or unstable surfaces, strain due to heavy lifting, falling trees and limbs, cuts from chainsaws and other power and hand tools, bruises, splinters, insect bites, working for lengthy periods in mud and water, strenuous work during hot or cold weather with the danger or heat exhaustion or hypothermia. Exposure to high noise levels and vibrations from boats or tools. Travel to and from work sites and camps is done primarily on foot and small boat and/or canoe. Travel by boat on Lake Superior is occasionally hazardous due to fog, wind, waves, etc. Biting and stinging insects are prevalent. Employee must occasionally work around offensive odors. Living conditions are isolated and crowded. Quarters are a single or a shared two-person dormitory room. Kitchen facilities are shared by as many as 10 others. The duty stations of Isle Royale are located in Lake Superior approximately 70 miles by air or water from Houghton, Michigan. The employee may be away from their quarters living in a tent in a very primitive camping situation for periods of up to 10 days at a time for all or much of the season.

The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.

Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:

  • Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
  • Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
You will be evaluated on the following competencies and/or job elements:
  • Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
  • Ability To Lead Or Supervise
  • Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Work Practices (including keeping things neat, clean, and in order)

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/25/2025:

  1. Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
  2. A complete Occupational Questionnaire
  3. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
    • Veterans Preference Documentation:
      • If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
      • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
      • If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
  4. Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 70 on the rating criteria for this position.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/25/2025.You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.

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Agency contact information

MWR HR West Team
Address
Isle Royale National Park
800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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