Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Job in Estes Park, CO

Vacancy No. IM-1539-ROMO-25-12791629-ST Department National Park Service
Salary $25.75 to $34.41 Grade 7 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/12/2025 Close Date 9/26/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Estes Park, CO


Summary

This Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO) position is located in Rocky Mountain National Park in the Facilities Maintenance Division. The USRO will install, maintain, and repair utility systems, monitor systems, and ensure safety and compliance.

This is a Career Seasonal position. Please see Duties section below for additional information.

For questions or additional information about this position, please contact hiring manager Colby Birchfield at colby_birchfield@nps.gov.












This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All current or former career/career- conditional federal employees with competitive/reinstatement eligibility; Eligible applicants under: Veterans' Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA); CTAP/ICTAP within the local commuting area; Special Hiring Authorities; Current or former time-limited employees under PL- 114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA); All former PLC members meeting PLC requirements.

Duties

Career-Seasonal: This position is designated as Career-Seasonal. Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. In this position you will work from approximately April through December, and you will be in a non-pay status for the remainder of the year unless other work exists that can be assigned to during this period. Though non-pay time may be reduced, you will still be placed in non-pay status for a minimum of 1 pay period each year in accordance with NPS policy.

Housing: Government housing may be available on a temporary or permanent basis, but it is not guaranteed. Housing assignments are made though a bid process.

Grade Level: Position may be filled at either the WG-7 or WG-9 grade levels. If filled at the WG-7 level, employee will be in a trainee position with full performance level of WG-9.

Major Duties: WG-4742-7

  • Assist in Maintenance and Repair: Work under close supervision to maintain, test, troubleshoot, and repair various utility systems including electrical, plumbing, wastewater, and water treatment.
  • Operate Motor Vehicles: Safely operate motor vehicles to transport materials and equipment, under guidance.
  • Perform Routine Tests: Conduct routine tests and record results for water and wastewater treatment processes, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards, with supervision.
  • Support Project Administration: Assist in utility-related projects by performing data entry, purchasing supplies, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, under the direction of a supervisor.
  • Follow Safety Protocols: Adhere to prescribed safety practices and use appropriate safety equipment to ensure a safe working environment, while learning and applying safety regulations.

Major Duties: WG-4742-9
  • Install and Maintain Utility Systems: Install, maintain, test, troubleshoot, upgrade, repair, and calibrate a variety of utility systems including electrical, plumbing, wastewater treatment, water treatment, and air conditioning equipment.
  • Perform Complex Repairs: Independently diagnose and repair electrical equipment, plumbing systems, and treatment plant operations, ensuring compliance with Federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Operate and Monitor Systems: Operate and monitor utility systems to ensure optimal performance, including making necessary adjustments and performing routine maintenance.
  • Ensure Safety and Compliance: Follow prescribed safety practices and use appropriate safety equipment to ensure a safe working environment, while ensuring all operations comply with relevant regulations and policies.

Area Information: Established on January 29, 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. The park embraces 415 square miles of pristine, uninhabited mountains in north-central Colorado and, as such, is one of the most spectacular, yet easily accessible high mountain areas in North America. With elevations ranging from 7,800 feet at park headquarters to 14,259 feet at the summit of Longs Peak, the park has glacier-sculptured valleys, rugged gorges, alpine lakes, and vast areas of alpine tundra. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, stays above tree line for 11 miles and reaches 12,183 feet in elevation. Elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, coyotes, and smaller animals are found throughout the park, as well as threatened and endangered species, such as the Greenback Cutthroat Trout and Boreal Toad. Due to the park's easy accessibility to the Front Range communities of Colorado, Rocky experiences over 4 million visitors annually. This position will be filled on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The nearest community is Estes Park, CO, which has K-12 schools, a post office, restaurants, medical facilities, and grocery stores. Denver, CO which has a major airport, cultural events, and several professional sports teams is less than a two-hour drive away.

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/obtain and maintain a current Class B (or higher) Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement. To qualify at the WG-9, CDL is required by entrance on duty. For WG-7, you will be required to obtain/maintain the CDL as part of your training program to reach full performance level.
  • You must obtain/possess various Water licenses and certificates. See Qualifications section below for details by grade.
  • 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.
  • If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
  • You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 2 nights per month. You may be required to obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
  • 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 Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT) Operate, maintain, and monitor a water treatment system. Inspect, activate, deactivate, maintain, and repair a potable water distribution system. Ensure water meets the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and State Department of Public Health and Environment standards to include testing, adjusting and using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Repair and maintain all facets of a potable water treatment facility including repair work on plumbing fixtures, service lines, and valves. (Full performance level)
  2. Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprints reading)
  3. Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  4. Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation Repair, etc.
  5. Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic)
  6. Use of Measuring Instructions
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.

REQUIRED WATER LICENSES: You MUST include a copy of these licenses with your application packet. Failure to include copies of required licenses will result in disqualification.

Licenses to qualify for WG 07:
By closing date of announcement for the WG 07 level, the candidate must have either a Colorado Water Treatment class D and/or a Colorado Water Distribution grade 1 license (or other state equivalent).

During the training period, the candidate is expected to obtain a Colorado Water Treatment class C license, Colorado Water Distribution grade 1, and a Colorado Class B CDL with tanker endorsement.

Licenses to qualify for WG 09:
By closing date of announcement for the WG 09 level, the candidate must have a Colorado Water Treatment class C license, a Colorado Water Distribution grade 1, AND a Colorado Class B (or higher) CDL with tanker endorsement. Other states' equivalent licenses are also acceptable.

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.

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.

Physical Effort: Work assignments require moderately heavy physical effort to lift, carry, or otherwise handle items typically weighing up to 40 pounds. Duties require the trainee to maneuver into and out of specific locations while dismantling and assembling utility related equipment. 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 typical. Occasionally, climbing and work in high places may be required, as well as the use of hoists, holders, and pulleys when handling large equipment.

Working Conditions: Work is both indoors and outdoors where the incumbent may be subject to prevailing weather conditions. The trainee 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, goggles, rubber mats, hard hats, respirators, and protective clothing that may be uncomfortable to wear. The incumbent is required to attend and participate in safety meetings and trainings and review and follow safety regulations and policies prior to using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 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.

Documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, submission of ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA. Performance documentation can be obtained by contacting the supervisors for the positions you served in during your 24 months. If they did not complete performance appraisals ask them to provide a statement of performance for each period of service. The statement must specify the dates for each employment period and your level of performance (dates should match the dates on the SF-50s).

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 who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are highly qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

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.
  • Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instructions


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, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/26/2025.

  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. Merit Promotion Eligibility Documentation such as:
    • Federal employees must submit a copy of their latest SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" reflecting career or career-conditional status in the competitive service (Tenure 1 or 2), shows position title, series, grade and an additional SF-50 showing highest permanent grade ever held, if not reflected on your latest SF-50. Examples of acceptable SF-50s include: Promotion, Within Rate Increases (WRI/WGI), or Appointment SF-50s. Do not submit an Award SF-50 as it does not provide the needed information.
    • Former federal employees separated from Federal Government over a year ago must submit their separation Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) that reflects career or career-conditional status in the competitive service (Tenure 1 or 2) and shows position title, series, grade. Please do not submit an Award SF-50 as it does not provide the needed information. Your last Federal performance appraisal plan for your last position must reflect a rating of Fully Successful or equivalent.
    • Veterans Preference Documentation (e.g. DD-214, SF-15, VA Letter as appropriate)
    • Documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations, for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.
  4. Performance Appraisals and Awards: IMPORTANT!
    • All applicants MUST submit their most recent performance appraisal showing the official rating of record and signed by a supervisor or, if one is unavailable, a statement as to why it is not available (including if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level).
    • Failure to include required performance documentation will result in disqualification.
  5. Documentation that you meet Selective Factors. REQUIRED: see Qualifications section above for details.
  6. If applicable, documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan . See Next Steps section below for details.
  7. If applicable, Noncompetitive or Special Hiring Authority. 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.
  8. 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.

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.

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 09/26/2025. 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.

  1. Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
  2. Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
  3. Select or add the resume you want to use for this application. Click here on how to build a resume in USAJOBS.
  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.
  11. While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
  12. You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
    • To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
    • Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.
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.

Agency contact information

Ethan Baer
Address
Rocky Mountain National Park
1000 Highway 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
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.

ICTAP/CTAP Clearance : 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). }}


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