Laborer (MVO) (Seasonal) Job

Vacancy No. NPS-IRA-25-12720070-DE Department National Park Service
Salary $20.46 to $23.87 Grade 5 to 5
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/7/2025 Close Date 4/21/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Mitchell County, NCRoanoke County, VA


Summary

These positions may be filled for a six-month seasonal period, but can vary due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April-July 2025, Not to Exceed: 1039 Hours.


The duty stations for the park are Blue Ridge Parkway Mitchell County, North Carolina or Blue Ridge Parkway Roanoke County, Virginia.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens; CTAP, ICTAP, RPL, veteran eligibles. TEMPORARY seasonal positions NTE 6 months (1,039 hours) work in a service year. Dates of employment will vary between park sites depending on funding, weather conditions and visitation. Within regulatory limitations, the length of initial appointment may be shortened or extended depending on work availability and funding. For information about work season, government housing availability, and rate of pay, please review the "Duties" below.

Duties

TEMPORARY seasonal positions are not to exceed 6 months (1,039 hours) work in a service year. Dates of employment will vary between park sites depending on funding, weather conditions and visitation. Within regulatory limitations, the length of initial appointment may be shortened or extended depending on work availability and funding.

The incumbents serve as Laborers for the Blue Ridge Parkway. This announcement is recruiting for four positions to be filled at two duty stations: the Vinton Maintenance Yard located in Roanoke County, Virginia and the Gillespie Gap Maintenance Yard, located near Spruce Pine, North Carolina. The primary purpose of the position is to perform laboring duties that require moderately heavy physical effort requiring the use of common hand tools and power equipment involving any or all of the following duties. In order to accomplish the laborer duties, the incumbent must on a regular and recurring basis operate light duty motor vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds (such as pick-up trucks, panel trucks, flatbed trucks, etc.) to transport personnel, material, or equipment to work sites over Federal, state, and county roads and city streets in all traffic conditions.

Area/Duty Station Information
The Blue Ridge Parkway extends 469 miles along the crest of the southern Appalachian Mountains through North Carolina and Virginia between two eastern national parks - Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains. For more park information, log on to: http://www.nps.gov/blri.

Vinton, Virginia - The duty station is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Vinton Maintenance Area, which is located near Roanoke, Virginia.
Mitchell County, North Carolina (Gillespie Gap) is approximately 3 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 50 miles northeast of Asheville, NC, and 40 miles southwest of Boone, NC. All goods and services are available the area and the surrounding communities.


Major duties:

  • Operate heavy power equipment such as lawn mowers, portable snow blowers and all types of hand tools (such as shovels, rakes, lawn edging equipment, etc.) to maintain buildings, grounds, trails, etc.
  • Load and unload supplies and materials from trucks, trailers, dollies, etc.
  • Move furniture, remove and set signs, paint picnic tables and signs, rake and water lawns, trim trees and shrubbery, pick up litter and/or clean fire pits.
  • Dig ditches and trenches with pick and shovel; occasionally break up pavement, soil or concrete; mix and power concrete, asphalt and hot/cold mix; fill and level holes in damaged roads.
  • Move heavily loaded wheelbarrows and hand trucks; use heavy-type power mowers including adjusting blades, cleaning and oiling.
  • Cut heavy trees with axe or chainsaw; stack heavy logs, lumber and sacks of cement, etc., or perform other duties requiring similar judgment and comparable physical effort.
  • These positions must on a regular and recurring basis operate light duty motor vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds (such as pick-up trucks, panel trucks, flatbed trucks, etc.) to transport personnel, material, or equipment to work sites over Federal, state, and county roads and city streets in all traffic conditions.
  • Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid state driver's license and be at least 18 years old.
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.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
  • Required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Please click on the duty location links listed under "Duties" section for specific requirements.
  • PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS: Please click on the duty location links listed under "Duties" section for specific requirements.
  • 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.
  • You will be required to complete a one-year trial period.
  • You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
  • 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:
  1. Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
  2. Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  3. Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation Repair, etc.,
  4. Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic)
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.

You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies". No additional credit is given for overtime. In describing the nature of your duties (your experience), please be clear and concise. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. The Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards are available for review at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

ICTAP/CTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special prior­ity selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for these 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.

Temporary positions not-to-exceed 1039 regular hours in a service year may be terminated sooner or extended depending on management needs. Individuals selected under this vacancy announcement are eligible for the possibility of extensions or rehire in subsequent service years.

Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Effective May 26, 2018, please note that a temporary seasonal employee can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of 1,039 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 1,039 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1,039 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 1,039 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1,039 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.

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.

Physical Demands: The work performed requires the exertion of moderate to very heavy physical effort. The work involves lifting and moving objects over 50 pounds, and in some cases, carrying 80 to 100 pounds (or more) with assistance.

Working Conditions: Outside work is usually performed under all kinds of weather conditions. Indoor work is often accomplished in office buildings or in well-lighted, heated, and ventilated areas such as warehouses, loading docks, or trade shops. Frequently exposed to weather and temperature extremes, drafts, noise, dust, and dirt and the possibility of bruises, muscle strains, cuts and scrapes. Work requires the employee to follow proper safety procedures and use standard safety equipment such as gloves, ear protectors, safety glasses, and steel-toe shoes to avoid possible hazards in the work area.

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

Travel, transportation & relocation expenses will not be paid. Relocation expenses will be the employee's responsibility.

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 exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
  • 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:
  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
  • Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
  • 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 the 'applicant cut-off' date (which may be sooner than 04/14/2025):

  1. Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and, indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian (current or former), please include your rank and/or grade.
  2. A complete Occupational Questionnaire
  3. Documentation that you meet Selective Factors
  4. College transcripts, if qualifying based on education
  5. 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.
  6. 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 80 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.

How to Apply

To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST when the 'applicant cut-off' is reached (which may be sooner than 04/14/2025). WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.

  1. Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
  2. Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
  3. Select or add the resume you want to use for this application. Click here on how to build a resume in USAJOBS.
  4. Select documents you want included in this application.
  5. Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
  6. Select if you want to include your demographic information.
  7. After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
  8. Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
  9. Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
    • Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
  10. Review and Submit Application.
  11. While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
  12. You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
    • To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
    • Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.

Agency contact information

Liliana Clayton
Address
NPS Inflation Reduction Act
1849 C St. NW
Washington, DC 20240
US

Next steps

Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful.

If you can go back to the Application section of your USAJOBS account, your application status will say Received if the application went through. Please note, this process may take several hours to reflect this status. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents are uploaded and legible.

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.

Alternatively, you can always check the status of your application in your USAJOBS profile.


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


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