Duties
MAJOR DUTIES:
This Maintenance Mechanic position is assigned to the Facilities Division of Big Bend National Park and directly reports to the Supervisor for Buildings and Utilities. The incumbent will perform custodial duties daily, and occasionally in multiple location. Must have basic knowledge of cleaning products and supplies and how to safely use them. The incumbent should have basic knowledge of common building materials, paints, and petroleum products.
The incumbent will assist higher graded workers preform repairs and routine maintenance in constructing, altering, modifying, or repairing a wide range of features in buildings interior and exterior including framework, rafters, joists, insulation, sheet rock, doors, windows, and flooring. Should be able to identify common material needed for carpentry and painting work. The incumbent will be required to assist others with installing and repairing any combination of plumbing fixtures, meters, pumps, couplings, unions, and joints needed for proper operation of the plumbing systems. Incumbent may be required to use a variety of hand and power tools and must operate them safely. Carries heavy items to and around work sites. Loads and unloads supplies, material, tools, and equipment. Performs duties with oversight and/or review of work during progress or upon completion.
Operates motor vehicles and performs pre-vehicle operation inspection such as fluid levels, lights, brakes, and operational procedures, greasing moving parts, changing oil, fuel and air filters, cleaning and washing vehicles, and minor parts changing repairs. The incumbent will be exposed to a variety of seasonal weather conditions while working outdoors. Will be exposed to heat, biting insects, dust, dirt, wind, and rain. May work with hazardous chemicals and around moving equipment, paints, solvents, etc.
AREA INFORMATION:
Big Bend National Park encompasses 801,000 acres of the Chihuahuan Desert with more biodiversity than almost any other national park and a dark sky designation. Elevation in the park varies from 7825' to 185'. The climate is generally pleasant with hot summers (90-110+ degrees F.) and mild winters (30-50 degrees F.). Recreational opportunities include hiking, bird watching, photography, backcountry camping, bicycling, and river rafting. The park has a post office, gas stations, camper stores, restaurant, library, gym, and lodge.
The gateway town of Terlingua has lodging, restaurants, hardware store, small grocery and gift stores, churches and a bank. Lajitas has limited shopping, lodging, restaurants, golf course and churches. Alpine, Texas (100 miles from PJ) has most necessities, including supermarkets, variety of stores, a hospital, pharmacies, churches, a movie theater, and a university. The nearest larger cities are Midland/Odessa (225 miles) and El Paso (325 miles).
An active employee/community association sponsors social events throughout the year. Visit our website for more information: https://go.nps.gov/bigbendareainfo.
DAYCARE AND SCHOOL INFORMATION:
The San Vicente Independent School District (SVISD) and SVISD Early Learning Center (ELC), are in Panther Junction and serve those that live in Big Bend National Park. SVISD ELC, is a state-accredited daycare facility for children ages 18 months to 4 years of age. Daycare services are currently free of charge (subject to change). The SVISD elementary school, is a Texas Education Agency, A-Rated, elementary school (K-8). SVISD will include High School as well (9-12) starting in 2024. For more information about the Daycare and Schooling, contact Jessi Milam, Ed.D. Superintendent, Cell: (830) 333-1074 or SVISD School Office: (432) 244-3131. Terlingua (30 miles) has a (K-12) state-accredited school. The High School is rich in academics, extracurricular, and athletic opportunities (9-12). Alpine, TX (100 miles) has a four-year university with in-person and online graduate programs.