Seaonal Engineering Equipment Operator Job in Baker, CA

Vacancy No. PW-1547-SR-25-12781956-DE Department National Park Service
Salary $33.59 to $39.13 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/15/2025 Close Date 8/22/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Baker, CA


Summary

The Pacific West Region is recruiting for winter seasonal Engineering Equipment Operator, WG-5716-10 positions intended to assist permanent staff.

The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is November-May, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: November 2025

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Under this announcement, we are accepting applications from: 1. All United States Citizens (U.S. Citizens) 2. CTAP/ICTAP Eligibles

Duties

The Pacific West Region is recruiting for TEMPORARY seasonal positions not to exceed 1039 hours work in a service year. Dates of employment will vary between 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.

This position serves as an Engineering Equipment Operator in any organizational unit within the National Park Service (NPS). The primary purpose of this position is to operate gasoline or diesel-powered engineering and construction heavy equipment to grade surfaces to rough specifications on all types of terrain, to include mountains and steep slopes, graded curves and shoulders, hilly forests, rocky ground, and other surfaces with similar rough features. While the position may operate equipment to grade surfaces to fine specifications on flat or rolling terrain, at this level the incumbent does not grade surfaces to fine specifications on steep or mountainous terrain. The equipment operated at this level typically include road graders, crawlers, tractors with bulldozer or angledozer blades, backhoes, front-end loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, trench diggers, skid steers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments. The incumbent may perform other duties in a variety of trades at the same or lower grade level, however the primary intent and purpose of the position is the operation of engineering equipment.

The engineering equipment operated by this position meet the definition of a commercial motor vehicle, and the incumbent of the position is required to possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements. This license must be obtained prior to being assigned operator duties. This position is subject to the requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing program and is identified as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) due to the position operating motor vehicles requiring a CDL. The incumbent is also required to wear all applicable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) associated with the job.

Engineering Equipment Operators operates heavy gasoline or diesel-powered engineering equipment to accomplish heavy construction and/or excavation work to grade surfaces to rough specifications on all types of terrain, to include mountains and steep slopes, graded curves and shoulders, hilly forests, rocky ground, and other surfaces with similar rough features. Operate heavy engineering equipment such as road graders, crawlers, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, backhoes, front-end loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, trench diggers, skid steers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments. Some of these vehicles may be equipped with attachments (e.g., blades, grapple buckets, augers, breakers, hammers, tillers, brush cutters, trenchers, rakes, compactors, rotary snow blowers, mowers, rippers, sweepers, or sanding units). May operate equipment on flat or rolling terrain to grade surfaces, compact soils, or roll to exact specifications/grade stakes set by engineers (or others) where surface conditions are relatively constant.

Operates equipment on mountainous or steep terrain to excavate, backfill, grade, or level earth to rough specifications on such projects as breaking new ground for park trails, roads, culverts, canals, tunnels, or construction sites. Operate road graders to grade and ditch and plow or clear debris and brush; end loaders to move dirt and materials, plow snow, and/or fill trucks; backhoes to dig and backfill ditches; dozers to rough in new construction sites; and/or other equipment to rip ice, sand icy road surfaces, stockpile gravel and woodchips, remove stumps, move rocks, clear brush and understory species, perform land fill maintenance, mitigate erosion, and/or remove sand, snow, or debris from roads and parking lots during winter months and following weather events. Operate a boom for placing pipe, hydrants, and other large objects in utility and road maintenance operations throughout the park unit. Hook up attachments, use booms, and/or adjust engineering equipment settings for level, angle, or depth. Load, secure, and drive equipment to and from project sites. Perform pre-trip safety inspections on engineering equipment, and document and report deficiencies to the higher-level operator and/or supervisor.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
  • Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • 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.
  • 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 must possess and maintain a currentClass A (or higher) Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with hazardous material and tanker endorsements and no air brake restriction.
  • You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • Incumbent is also required to wear all applicable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) associated with the job.
  • You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime and travel up to 2 nights per month.
  • 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 Engineering Equipment Operator, WG-5716-10 Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out)
  2. Operation of Motor Vehicles
  3. Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order)
  4. Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
  5. Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
  6. Ability To Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle)
  7. Reliability and Dependability as an Engineering Equipment Operator, WG-5716-10

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.

ICTAP/CTAP: 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. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(2) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating, and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP/ICTAP eligible. If you are selected for Federal employment, you will be required to fill out a Declaration of Federal Employment, OF-306, prior to being appointed to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. Failing to answer all questions truthfully and completely or providing false statements on your application may be grounds for not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. Also, you may be punished by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, section 1001).

NOTE:

  • Physical Demands: Heavy physical effort is required in constantly climbing in and out of different machines, pushing and pulling levers continuously while machine is in operation, and lifting such items as opening and closing tail gates on dump trucks. Work is strenuous because of the large equipment operated, the frequent adjustments made, and the adverse operating conditions. Considerable strain is caused by the constant vibration of the equipment and the jerking and jolting from operating over rough surfaces. The incumbent is required to frequently lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds, and often puts forth similar effort when pushing, pulling, turning, and positioning parts, assemblies, equipment, and tools.
  • Working Conditions: This position is required to perform work both inside and outside with most of the work performed outside. The incumbent works in rain, mud, snow, and in hot/cold temperatures and is frequently exposed to irritation or discomfort from noise, vibration, dust, dirt, fumes, exhaust, oils, heat, cold, and dampness. The operation of large and complicated equipment in difficult circumstances increases the incumbent's exposure and risk of injury. The incumbent is frequently subjected to the possibility of receiving cuts, abrasions, bruises, and strains while servicing and operating equipment. When working inside, the incumbent must ensure proper ventilation. The incumbent is required to follow prescribed safety practices and use safety equipment such as protective hearing devices and hard hats.

Education

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

Additional information

For additional information about this position, please contact:
Jeremy Petruncio, Facility Manager, Mojave National Preserve
Email: Jeremy_Petruncio@nps.gov

Government housing may be available.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. You can only submit one resume; Only the resume submitted under the "Resume" "Document Type" will be used to determine your qualifications and for rating purposes. Only one resume will be used to evaluate your qualifications. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

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 two categories:

  • 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 and/or job elements:
  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
  • Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
  • Ability To Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle)
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles
  • Reliability and Dependability as a Engineer Equipment Operator
  • 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 08/22/2025:

  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. Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. You can only submit one resume; Only the resume submitted under the "Resume" "Document Type" will be used to determine your qualifications and for rating purposes. Only one resume will be used to evaluate your qualifications. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.
  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.
    • Applicants who are eligible to be considered based on a Noncompetitive or Special Hiring Authority (i.e. Schedule A, VRA, Peace Corps, Americorp Vista, former PLC member, certain Military Spouses, 30% or More Disabled Veterans, Pathways Interns who have met the eligibility requirements for noncompetitive conversion, etc.) must submit appropriate documentation to verify your eligibility.
  4. Documentation that you meet Selective Factors.
  5. 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 90 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 below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/22/2025.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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  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.
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Agency contact information

Samantha Pafko
Address
Mojave National Preserve
2701 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311
US

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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