Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Job in Highlands, NJ

Vacancy No. NE-1611-GATE-25-12769179-DE Department National Park Service
Salary $26.03 to $39.18 Grade 5 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/15/2025 Close Date 9/26/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Highlands, NJ


Summary

Located in Gateway National Recreation Area, in the Sandy Hook Unit Water Plant Operations Division.

This position is concurrently open to all Federal Employees under Announcement Number NE-1611-GATE-25-12769216-ST.

Official Title of WG-5 position - Utility Systems Repairer-Operator-Helper

Official Title of WG-8 and WG-10 position - Utility Systems Repairer-Operator.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)

Duties

  • Serves as a senior Utility Systems Repairer-Operator at Sandy Hook Unit in the Gateway National Recreation Area.
  • Responsible for the maintenance of electrical, pipefitting and air conditioning equipment as well as heating and boiler plant equipment and wastewater and water treatment.
  • Serves as the operator in charge over water and/or wastewater treatment plants within parks.
  • Occasionally perform lower-level duties in a variety of trades as well as some administrative functions.
  • Repairs and operates utility systems including steam, hot water, chilled water, filtered water, wastewater, air conditioning, heating, electrical, sewer, plumbing, compressed air, vacuum, and gas.
Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

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 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.
  • WG-08: Requires the New Jersey (NJ) T-1 Potable Water Treatment, S-1 Wastewater Treatment, W-1 Potable Water Distribution, and the C-1 Wastewater Collection System licenses, OR equivalent licenses from another state OR the selectee be able to obtain and maintain all level 1 Water/Wastewater Treatment Licenses, within 2 years of employment. Please indicate the level of certification you currently possess in your application package
  • WG-10: Requires the New Jersey (NJ) T-2 Potable Water Treatment, S-3 Wastewater Treatment, W-1 Potable Water Distribution, and the C-2 Wastewater Collection System licenses OR equivalent licenses from another state OR be able to obtain and maintain all level 1 and level 2 Water/Wastewater Treatment Licenses, within 2 years of employment and level 3 Water/Wastewater Treatment Licenses, within 3 years of employment. Please indicate the level of certification you currently possess in your application package.
  • WG-08 and WG-10: Must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (Class B or higher) with Tanker endorsement within 180 days of appointment.
  • WG-8 and WG-10: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 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.
(Requirements continued in the Qualifications Section)

Qualifications

(Requirements Section Continued:)
  • Government housing may be available.
  • You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 3 nights per month.
  • Government Charge Card: You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
  • 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 Section

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)
  2. Knowledge of equipment, assembly, installation, repair, etc.
  3. Technical Practices
  4. Use of Measuring Instruments
  5. Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc.
  6. Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment
  7. Knowledge of Materials
You will be graded on the following screen-out for each grade level:

WG05: Able to perform at least two of the Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Helper, WG-4742-05 tasks, as a helper or assistant to a journeyman level, under close supervision, such as plumbing, water treatment and distribution, wastewater treatment, collection system and lift station operations, corrective and preventative maintenance related to industrial equipment. Repair and installation of water pipes, valves, fire hydrants, and related public water system appurtenances. Utilized most hand and power tools associated with these trades. I have the ability to lift, carry and handle items weighing up to 50 pounds.

WG08: Able to perform the full range of duties and tasks of water/wastewater management under supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who reviews my work for completion. I have knowledge of processes of water and wastewater treatment and regulatory compliance of water and/or wastewater systems and the conditions of plants and equipment; Used standard operating procedures for the systems and industry skills and practices related to the materials, repair parts, diagnostic equipment, installation procedures, technical manuals, maps, tools, and regulatory codes associated with each system and facility; Worked with water storage and distribution systems for public and domestic use, with close supervision. Operated, maintained, repaired, and monitored wastewater lift station pumping equipment and operating conditions to determine process requirements with close supervision of the lead Utility Systems Repairer-Operator; Performed regulatory and process control sampling.

WG10: Able to perform the full range of duties and tasks of water/wastewater management without more than normal supervision. I have knowledge of performing routine maintenance and repair of mechanical, electromechanical, electrical and pneumatic equipment pertaining to water and wastewater treatment and lift station operations; Installing and repairing new and existing piping systems to include: PVC, copper, ductile, HDPE, cast and/or galvanized; Observing and monitoring wastewater conveyance equipment and operating conditions to determine process requirements; Hands on work experience in the processes and regulatory compliance of water and wastewater systems; the conditions of lift stations and associated equipment; standard operating procedures for the systems; and industry skills and practices related to the materials, repair parts, diagnostic equipment, installation procedures, tools, and regulatory codes associated with each system and facility.

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.

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.

Physical Demands: Work assignments typically require moderate to heavy physical effort to lift, carry, or otherwise handle items typically weighing up to 50 pounds. Duties require the incumbent to maneuver into and out of specific locations while dismantling and assembling utility related equipment. The incumbent makes repairs and installations 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 for extended periods where the incumbent 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 and heavy

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 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 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. 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.
  4. 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.

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.
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).

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

Eric Panknin
Address
Gateway National Recreation Area
210 New York Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305
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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