Maintenance Mechanic

Clarification from the agency

This is a Merit Promotion announcement open to current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees serving under career and career conditional appointments, Career Transition eligibles (CTAP) and current or former time-limited employees eligible under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA).

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:

• Performs non-supervisory maintenance and repair work on grounds, exterior structures, buildings, and related fixtures' and utilities on the hatchery. Performs plumbing work involving installation, modification and repair of the utility, supply, and disposal systems and equipment such as the water filtration system, sewage system, oil and gas distribution system and water closets, tubs, fire sprinkler systems and showers. Constructs, repairs or modifies building structures and related facilities such as finished paneling, doors, windows, rafters where accuracy, spacing, and fit are essential and structural soundness and appearance are important.
• Performs electrical repairs involving replacing, tightening, splicing, soldering, and insulating defective wiring controls, equipment and fixtures, and hooking up electrical items including outlets, switches, light fixtures, regulators, and circuit breakers to installed electrical systems at the hatchery. Operates a variety of gasoline and diesel powered heavy engineering and construction equipment with wheeled or crawler-type traction and attachments. Work includes the use of equipment such as road grader, backhoes, forklift, dozers, draglines, and 40-80 horsepower farm tractors in such activities as road and dike repair, ditch clean out and construction, weed and brush mowing, force account farming, clearing tree stumps, flood debris removal, and loading/unloading materials and equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance and repair work on hatchery heavy equipment consisting of dozers and road grader. Repair work consists of replacing worn out parts (i.e. generators, alternators, carburetors, cutting edges and cables, etc.) Applies a variety of electric, gas, or other manual welding processes or methods to carry out standard welding operations such as repairing, modification, fabrication, or rebuilding of various types of metal, alloy and equipment parts. Determines proper welding techniques, procedures, and machine settings to be used; assembles and sets up parts to be welded; and makes required welds following accepted shop practices, specifications and oral or written instructions.
• Serves as a member of the Safety Team and assists with implementation and compliance with the hatcheries and residences safety and health program. Assists in all lake trout distribution activities and takes a lead role in the maintenance and repair of all distribution vehicles. May be required to assist in the biological functions of the hatchery on occasion by caring for and rearing hatchery fish.
• Responsible for operating all snow removal equipment during the winter months to provide clear and safe access on all hatchery roads. Responsible for protection and security of all government property and equipment.

Conditions of employment

• 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. To learn more, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Must have a current or obtain within 6 Months a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid State Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Must have a current or obtain within 6 Months a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC).
• Must have a current or obtain within 6 Months a Merchant Mariner Document (MMD).
• Pre-employment and random drug testing are required. You will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a probationary period to evaluate your fitness and whether your continuation of employment advances the public interest.

This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Additional Position Requirements are listed below:

• You are required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• You must be at least 18 years of age or older to operate government vehicles.
• Government Housing may be available.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/17/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.
To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:

1. Ability to perform the duties of a Maintenance Mechanic without more than the normal supervision. (SCREEN OUT)
2. Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading)
3. Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, repairs, etc.
4. Skill in use of measuring instruments.
5. Knowledge of Materials.
6. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic).
7. Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment.

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. Your resume must support your response to the assessment questionnaire, and if it does not, your application will be marked as not eligible. 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. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the 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.

How you will be evaluated

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

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.

Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

You will be assessed in the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Ability to perform the duties of a Maintenance Mechanic without more than the normal supervision. (SCREEN OUT)
• Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading)
• Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, repairs, etc.
• Skill in use of measuring instruments.
• Knowledge of Materials.
• Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic).
• Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment.

All qualified non-competitive applicants and the best-qualified Merit Promotion applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration.

DUE WEIGHT: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, you must submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration or your score may be lowered. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.

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.

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) -08/17/2026-unless otherwise stated.

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. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Your 2-page resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the qualification requirements. More information on how to write a Federal Resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
2. Complete All Required Assessments.
3. Performance Appraisals and Awards: All applicants must submit their most recent performance appraisal showing the official rating of record and signed by a supervisor. If the performance appraisal is not dated within the last 18 months OR no performance appraisal is available, you must submit a statement as to why it is not available (including if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level).
4. Eligibility Documentation:
   • Current and former Federal employees must submit latest SF-50 (i.e. Promotion, Separation, Within Grade Increase (WGI)) showing tenure 1 or 2 in block 24, grade, and if applicable, an additional SF-50 showing the highest grade or promotion potential held. Time in grade will be determined by reviewing your resume and required SF-50s. If your SF-50 showing highest permanent grade held has an effective date within the past year, your resume must clearly show that you held that grade for one year. Do not submit award SF-50s.
   • Veterans Preference Documentation: Veterans eligible under VRA (GS-11 & below only), VEOA, 30% or more Disabled, or Disabled Veterans Enrolled in a VA Training Program must submit the most recent Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions (e.g. DD-214) as listed on the SF15. If you are a Parent or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all documentation as listed on the SF15. You may request a copy of the VA letter from https://www.va.gov/records. 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.
   • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA): If you are applying under LMWFA, you must submit ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment verifying the Position Occupied code 1-Competitive Service (block 34); AND Documentation of satisfactory performance for each period of temporary employment claimed, such as, performance evaluations, memorandum of record, whereas the supervisor(s) documented an acceptable performance level for a specified rating/employment period.
   • Interagency Career Transition (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): You MUST submit proof of eligibility including a copy of the agency notice, most recent performance rating, and most recent SF-50 showing your position, grade level, and duty location. For more information visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Career Transition Programs (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents.

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