Utility Systems Repair Operator Job in Yosemite National Park, CA

Vacancy No. PW-1549-YOSE-24-12564541-DE Department National Park Service
Salary $23.54 to $36.33 Grade 5 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/4/2024 Close Date 4/4/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Yosemite National Park, CA


Summary

These positions are located in Yosemite National Park, in the Division of Facilites Division, Utilities Branch.

These are Career/Career-Conditional Full-time appointment.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

**This is an open continuous announcement, for more information look in the "Next Steps" section. ** Open to ctap/ictap eligibles; all U.S. Citizens

Duties

This announcement covers

  • Utility Systems Repair Operator-Wawona Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant (WAU)
  • Utility Systems Repair Operator-Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Treatment/Distribution El Portal (EPU)
  • Utility Systems Repair Operator-Yosemite Valley-Water treatment and distribution, sewer collection systems and lift stations
  • Utility Systems Repair Operator-Back Country Utilities (BCU) These positions are Career Seasonal, subject to non-pay from approximately November to March each year.
These positions are located in the Utilities Branch, Division of Facilities Management and Engineering, Yosemite National Park. The Park is open to travel year-round and has a visitor load in excess of four million annually. Yosemite has one of the largest and most complex utility operation and infrastructure in the National Park Service, protecting park resources and providing vital and necessary service for park visitors and operations. Facilities include: 22 wastewater treatment facilities, treating 270 million gallons of wastewater annually, 26 water systems, producing 278 million gallons of potable water annually and 5 backcountry compost toilets, removing about 14 tons of composted human waste annually. The occupant may be assigned to work in any facility or location in Yosemite National Park.

The Utility System Repairer Operator works under the supervision of a USRO Supervisor (Wastewater/Water Utilities). Responsible for assisting in the efficient repair, maintenance and operation of water and wastewater treatment plants, collection systems including lift stations, distribution systems, reservoirs, and ancillary equipment.
  • At the WG-5 level, the Utility System Repairer Operator Helper will assist journeyman operators in the efficient repair, maintenance and operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities, collection systems including lift stations and distribution systems.

The following duties are listed at the WG-08 and WG-10 level for this position:
  • Operate and troubleshoot lift station functions to include pulling and clearing clogged submersible sewage pumps and grinders, use ladder logic diagrams to determine cause and effect of control errors and equipment failure.
  • Operate water production systems to include turbine and centrifugal pumps and assist in the adjustment of Well flow control equipment such as blow-off valves, surge anticipators, as well as perform maintenance on chemical injection feed pumps and chlorine
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until April 04, 2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be October 18th, 2024, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 15th of each month when the categories for each cutoff have been exhausted. Eligible applications received after the first cutoff date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

Some positions are career seasonal. The nature of seasonal work may vary from year to year, which is generally based on budget, workload, and/or weather. A career seasonal work schedule provides for at least 26 weeks (13 pay periods) of full-time work, and as many as 26 weeks (13 pay period) of non-duty/non-pay time per year as determined by management. The non-pay time for these positions may be two weeks to six months after the first year. The first year you may expect to be in pay status from March to end of November and in non-pay status from approximately the end of November to end of February. You will have the option to continue your health coverage while in non-pay status.

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 may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State issued driver's license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly, you may be required to 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 discloses all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license.
  • 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.
  • There are positions that are required occupancy. There are several positions that are not required occupancy and there is no housing available.
  • If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
  • You will be required to complete a one-year trial period.
  • Government Charge Card: You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
  • WG-10 Backcountry career seasonal positions and WG-10 required occupancy positions in all other locations will be required to obtain a CDL within the first year of employment.
  • WG-08 and WG-10 certification requirements listed in qualifications section.

Qualifications

SCREEN OUTS - If you do not possess the required licenses specified below, you will be rated ineligible. You MUST provide a copy of each license you possess at the time of application.

There are no screen outs for the WG-05 level.

All Locations:
WG-08 and WG-10: (D-1) Water Distribution Operator License
WG-08: (T-1) Water Treatment Operator License
WG-10: (T-2) Water Treatment Operator License

Wawona and El Portal Locations you must also possess
WG-08: (WW-1) Wastewater Treatment Operator License
WG-10: (WW-2) Wastewater Treatment Operator License

In addition,to meeting the screen outs: To qualify for this position at all grade levels, 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. Knowledge of equipment, assembly, installation, repair, etc.
  3. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  4. Use of Measuring Instrument
  5. Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading)
  6. Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  7. Knowledge of Materials
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.

For the screen outs at the WG-08 and WG-10 levels the required certifications must be provided at time of your application for further consideration.
  • (WG-08 and WG-10) You must possess a California Water Distribution (minimum D-1) certification (or equivalent), Condition of employment: obtain and maintain a California (D-1) certification.
  • (WG-08) You must possess a California Water Treatment (T-1) Operators certification (or equivalent). Condition of employment: obtain and maintain a California (T-1) certification.
  • (WG-10) You must possess a California Water Treatment (T-2) Operators certification (or equivalent). Condition of employment: obtain and maintain a California (T-2) certification.
  • (WG-08) Wawona and El Portal locations: You must possess and maintain a California Waste Water Treatment Operator (WW-1) certification (or equivalent). Condition of employment: Obtain and maintain a California (WW-1) certification.
  • (WG-10) Wawona and El Portal locations: You must possess and maintain a California Waste Water Treatment Operator (WW-2) certification (or equivalent). Condition of employment: Obtain and maintain a California (WW-2) certification
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.

A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the National Park Service from another component, bureau or Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR 575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.

A Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized for a Federal employee when the employee must move, as directed by the National Park Service (NPS) either through a management directed reassignment or selection for employment, to a different location at least 50 miles away from the one where his/her position of record held at time of selection is currently located, due to a need of the NPS. A relocation incentive is not the same as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move and, as such, may be granted in conjunction with one another.

Education

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

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.

Nongovernment housing: may be available for rent or purchase in the local communities of Groveland, Mariposa, Midpines, Bootjack, Oakhurst, and Catheys Valley. El Portal is a small community bordering the west side of Yosemite National Park and 15 miles west of Yosemite Valley.

Physical Demands: Work assignments typically require moderately heavy physical effort to lift, carry, or otherwise handle items typically weighing up to 40 pounds. As the trainee learns the trade, duties may require the incumbent to maneuver into and out of specific locations while dismantling and assembling utility related equipment. Under close supervision, the incumbent may make repairs from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms where the parts of systems worked on are in hard-to-reach places. Frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, reaching, and stooping is possible. Occasionally, climbing and work in high places may be required, as well as the use of hoists, holders, and pulleys when handling large equipment.

Backcountry positions: Ability to work at elevations up to 11,000 feet and hike up to 15 miles. Position works with livestock.

Working Conditions: Work is both indoors and outdoors where the trainee may be subject to prevailing weather conditions. The incumbent may be exposed to biological hazards or diseases while cleaning equipment or shoveling sludge, and hazardous gases such as methane, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide. The incumbent may also be subject to electrical shock, loud noises, acids, and hydraulic fluids while working around motors and pumps. There is exposure to shock, burns, and strains. The incumbent follows prescribed safety practices and uses safety equipment such as face shields, gloves, hard-toe shoes, respirators, and protective clothing that may be uncomfortable to wear. The incumbent is required to attend and participate in safety meetings and training and review and follow safety regulations and policies prior to using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as goggles, rubber mats, gloves, hard hats, and respirators as the jobs require. The incumbent may be required to operate motor vehicles.

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

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 and/or job elements:
  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
  • Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprints reading)
  • Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation Repair, etc.
  • Knowledge of materials
  • Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instructions

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/04/2025:

  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.
  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 the Screen Outs. Must provide documentation of certifications.
  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 85 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 04/04/2025.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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  12. You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
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Agency contact information

Jessica Parker
Address
Yosemite National Park
5037 Stroming Road
Mariposa, CA 95338
US
Learn more about this agency

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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