SURFACE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC INSPECTOR Job in Mead, NE

Vacancy No. NE-12849572-AR-26-012 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $32.63 to $38.07 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/11/2025 Close Date 9/26/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Mead, NE


Summary

This National Guard position is for a SURFACE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC INSPECTOR, Position Description Number D1285000and is part of UTES #2, Nebraska Army National Guard.

This job is open to

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Clarification from the agency

Nebraska National Guard Area 1 applicants ONLY

Duties

As a SURFACE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC INSPECTOR, WG-5801-11, duties include:
(1) Inspects a large variety of heavy-duty mobile equipment (i.e., combat, tactical, etc.) and automotive vehicles (i.e., attack tanks, large cranes, tank retrievers, fire trucks, bridge transporters, armored vehicle launched bridges, bulldozers, road graders, crawler tractors, power shovels, self propelled earth compacting equipment, self propelled artillery, etc.). May also inspect heavy artillery, small arms, powered support and other equipment or components of equal or lesser complexity. May assist higher-graded inspectors to perform inspections on equipment repairs.

(2) Inspects complex, interrelated mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic and electrical systems, equipment and their components while in operation or in a standby condition. Inspects and performs tests to braking, steering, and differential systems, which are mechanically integrated with the transmission; to large engines, which directly power multiple hydraulic and pneumatic systems; to intricate fuel injection systems; to turret stabilization systems; and to other systems combined in a single, complex mechanical assembly. Uses specially designed testing methods and test equipment such as computerized test sets, precision gauges, electronic sensors, injector test stands, engine scopes, etc., to assure that tolerance and safety factors have been met.

(3) Inspects equipment to determine repairs needed. Utilizes established Maintenance Expenditure Limits (MEL) to evaluate economic feasibility of repair(s). Considers a variety of factors such as cost and availability of parts, man-hours, and impact of time constraints on the mission to assess whether repair is economical. Recommends to a higher echelon to condemn equipment when the repair costs exceed the established MEL. Prepares lists of needed repairs, parts, and man-hours authorized. Performs in-process inspections to assure that equipment is being repaired in accordance with pertinent requirements. Performs final inspection, certifying that equipment is in satisfactory operating condition, or rejects the work and returns the equipment to the repair shop with specific reports prescribing additional repairs.

(4) Serves as inspector on Command Maintenance Evaluation Teams (COMET) and/or as a member of Maintenance Assistance and Instruction Teams (MAIT).

(5) Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Military membership in the Nebraska National Guard Membership is required.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Obtain/maintain the level of security clearance/background check required
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Direct Deposit is mandatory
  • Individuals with military incentive bonuses may be subject to recoupment.

Qualifications

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is a Title 32 excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.

FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING ELIGIBILITY TO JOIN THE NEBRASKA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PLEASE CONTACT THE LOCAL RECRUITING OFFICE AT 402-309-7458.

OPEN AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: AREA 1 ONLY

DEFINITION OF AREA(S) OF CONSIDERATION:
AREA 1: Current permanent and indefinite technicians of the Nebraska Army or Air National Guard; and current Title 5 employees of the Nebraska Military Department who are military members of the Nebraska National Guard.
AREA 2: All Drill Status/M-Day members and temporary technicians of the Nebraska Air or Army National Guard.
AREA 3: Current military service members who are willing and eligible to become members of the Nebraska Air or Army National Guard.
AREA 4: All qualified candidates eligible and willing to become a member of the Nebraska National Air or Army National Guard prior to the effective date of hire.

MILITARY REQUIREMENTS:

Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the Nebraska Army National Guard. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.

Military Grades: Maximum: E9/CW3; Minimum: E6/WO1; Military Grade inversion within the full time work forces is not permitted. The military grade of the full time supervisor must equal or exceed the military grade of the personnel supervised.

Compatibility will be followed in accordance with 32 USC 709(b) and 10 USC 10216

Compatibility requirements must be met prior to appointment to the position. Selectee has 24 months to become qualified in a compatible military assignment.

Security Clearance/Background Check requirements:
In order to comply with US DOD requirements and ensure the safety and security of the missions, programs, property and personnel of the Nebraska Military Department, employees must obtain the appropriate background investigation and maintain the level of security clearance assigned to their respective work.

Failure to obtain, within one year of appointment, and maintain the designated type of security clearance/background check required for the respective work may result in a job offer being rescinded, separations of employment, or other actions as may be deemed in the best interest of the agency.

Prior to appointment individuals must meet the security clearance requirements for the position or submit the required documents of the Nebraska National Guard, Personnel Security Manager for processing the appropriate investigation. Required forms: SF86, PSIP Initiation Form, Fingerprints, OF306 and Application/Resume.

Nebraska National Guard Personnel Security Manager - Please send all inquires to ng.ne.nearng.mbx.persec@army.mil

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience or training which demonstrates knowledge of equipment to be able to do routine jobs, simple preventative maintenance tasks, and is able to use common tools and equipment in the line of work.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: 18 Months Experience or training leading to an extensive knowledge of the mechanical makeup, operation, and working relationships of complex interconnecting systems, assemblies, and parts for a variety of combat, tactical, commercial, special purpose vehicles, and equipment. Ability to diagnose, repair, overhaul, and modify interconnected complex systems on a variety of combat, tactical, commercial, special purpose vehicles, and equipment. Extensive knowledge of state of the art electrical, electronic, complex hydraulic, pneumatic, and other major non-mechanical systems that have a functional relationship and effect on the operation of major mechanical systems. Extensive knowledge of hydraulic lifting, loading, turning, and positioning systems and their mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic controls. Skill and knowledge to develop or improvise methods, alter parts, and make repairs in the absence of technical guidelines (such as modifying parts to fit and mesh into systems for which the parts were not designed); improvise modifications to equipment to correct recurring malfunctions; and design modifications to meet special test requirements or other special needs.

Education

No substitution of education for this position

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & NOTES:

1. Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.

2. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.

3. Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.

4. May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required.

5. The duties and responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment. You are responsible to maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal and regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission.


As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may 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.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. Your answers to the assessment questionnaire will be verified against information provided in your resume and other supporting documentation. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position.

In describing your experience, please be clear and specific, we will not make assumptions regarding your experience. If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experiences, your rating will be adjusted or you may be excluded from consideration for this position.

Your qualifications will be evaluated against general and specialized experience under the "Qualifications" section and against the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):



To preview the assessment questionnaire, please use the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12849572

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (format should include Month and Year) of employment and duties performed.
Use this link for Resume Tips.

2. Other supporting documents (optional)

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214
  • Other
  • SF-50
  • Transcript

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 online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Jon Sronce
Phone
402-309-8173
Email
jon.c.sronce.civ@army.mil
Address
NE UTES 2
1249 County Road 10
Mead, NE 68041
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

Qualified candidates will be referred to the selecting official in the following order:
1. Fully qualified Area 1 applicants


The initial cut-off date for first consideration is 11:59 pm, CST, 08 JAN 2026; applications received by this date will have the first opportunity for review. Applications received after this date will be given consideration only if there is a need for further review. If further reviews are required, they will occur weekly or until a certificate of eligibles is exhausted.


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