What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Engineering Equipment Operator position at National Park Service?
Summary
The primary purpose of this position is to operate gasoline or diesel-powered engineering and construction heavy equipment. The vehicle(s) 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 Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements.
Duties
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You will operate graders, bulldozers, backhoes and other heavy engineering equipment and heavy trucks in all weather conditions; in confined areas close to buildings; on narrow gravel roads and uneven terrain adjacent to exposed drop-offs and obstructions in the performance of roads maintenance and project work. Primary work includes, but is not limited to: road grading, laying down and compacting surfacing material, road sub grade excavation and repair, culvert installation to grade, installation of septic systems, and earthwork in archeological sensitive sites. Perform preventative maintenance and repair on heavy trucks and equipment. Also may assist railroad workers, operate flanged wheeled equipment to complete ditching and excavating along the railway. Maintain, modify and repair heavy equipment. Incumbent may also perform hiking trail and grounds maintenance.
Cut-off date: This is an open continuous vacancy announcement. Applicants will be referred periodically throughout the announcement period. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period stated in the announcement. The first cut-off date is 11:59 pm EST Wednesday January 14, 2026. Initial consideration will be given to candidates whose applications have been received before the first cut-off date. Qualification requirements must be met for those applications submitted by the first cut-off date.
For additional information contact Hot Springs National Park
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:
Minimum Qualifications: perform common duties of Engineering Equipment Operator WG-5716-08. I can perform common tasks such as operating gasoline or diesel-powered engineering and construction equipment with wheeled or crawler type traction, such as road graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, wheel loader, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments. I can operate equipment to push, pull, pile, excavate, backfill, grade, or level earth and/or refuse. I can operate end loader in the process of moving dirt and materials, plowing snow and filling trucks. I can use dozer to rough in new construction sites, plow snow, rip ice, move stumps, rocks and brush, and stockpile gravel, chips, etc. I can use the grader, loader, dozer and dump truck to remove snow from roads and parking lots. I can use equipment to perform functions such as cutting, moving, digging, grading, and rolling earth, sand, stone, and other materials, and to maintain ditches, road shoulders and beds. I can load, secure and haul equipment to and from project sites using truck and trailer. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed.
Commercial Driver's License: You must possess and maintain a current Class B (or higher) Commercial Driver's License.
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.
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.
Physical Demands: Heavy physical effort is required in constantly reaching, bending, turning, and moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to handle different sets of controls to operate the equipment and attachments. Considerable strain is caused by the constant vibration of the equipment and the incumbent is frequently required to work in awkward or strained positions. The incumbent may be frequently required to lift and carry items weighing 50 pounds and put 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. When working outside, the incumbent is frequently exposed to inclement weather. 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 incumbent is exposed to the potential of injury due to the possibility of the equipment overturning, and may also be subject to receiving cuts, abrasions, bruises, and strains. While operating equipment, the incumbent is required to follow prescribed safety practices and use safety equipment such as protective hearing devices and hard hats.
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.
Help
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.
The primary purpose of this position is to operate gasoline or diesel-powered engineering and construction heavy equipment. The vehicle(s) 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 Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements.
Duties
Help
You will operate graders, bulldozers, backhoes and other heavy engineering equipment and heavy trucks in all weather conditions; in confined areas close to buildings; on narrow gravel roads and uneven terrain adjacent to exposed drop-offs and obstructions in the performance of roads maintenance and project work. Primary work includes, but is not limited to: road grading, laying down and compacting surfacing material, road sub grade excavation and repair, culvert installation to grade, installation of septic systems, and earthwork in archeological sensitive sites. Perform preventative maintenance and repair on heavy trucks and equipment. Also may assist railroad workers, operate flanged wheeled equipment to complete ditching and excavating along the railway. Maintain, modify and repair heavy equipment. Incumbent may also perform hiking trail and grounds maintenance.
Cut-off date: This is an open continuous vacancy announcement. Applicants will be referred periodically throughout the announcement period. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period stated in the announcement. The first cut-off date is 11:59 pm EST Wednesday January 14, 2026. Initial consideration will be given to candidates whose applications have been received before the first cut-off date. Qualification requirements must be met for those applications submitted by the first cut-off date.
For additional information contact Hot Springs National Park
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
- Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
- Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
- Drug Testing: 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.
- Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
- Minimum Age Requirement: 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.
- Government Housing: Housing is NOT available.
To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:
- 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
- Vehicle Operation
- Work Practices (including keeping things neat, clean, and in order)
Minimum Qualifications: perform common duties of Engineering Equipment Operator WG-5716-08. I can perform common tasks such as operating gasoline or diesel-powered engineering and construction equipment with wheeled or crawler type traction, such as road graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, wheel loader, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments. I can operate equipment to push, pull, pile, excavate, backfill, grade, or level earth and/or refuse. I can operate end loader in the process of moving dirt and materials, plowing snow and filling trucks. I can use dozer to rough in new construction sites, plow snow, rip ice, move stumps, rocks and brush, and stockpile gravel, chips, etc. I can use the grader, loader, dozer and dump truck to remove snow from roads and parking lots. I can use equipment to perform functions such as cutting, moving, digging, grading, and rolling earth, sand, stone, and other materials, and to maintain ditches, road shoulders and beds. I can load, secure and haul equipment to and from project sites using truck and trailer. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed.
Commercial Driver's License: You must possess and maintain a current Class B (or higher) Commercial Driver's License.
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.
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.
Physical Demands: Heavy physical effort is required in constantly reaching, bending, turning, and moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to handle different sets of controls to operate the equipment and attachments. Considerable strain is caused by the constant vibration of the equipment and the incumbent is frequently required to work in awkward or strained positions. The incumbent may be frequently required to lift and carry items weighing 50 pounds and put 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. When working outside, the incumbent is frequently exposed to inclement weather. 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 incumbent is exposed to the potential of injury due to the possibility of the equipment overturning, and may also be subject to receiving cuts, abrasions, bruises, and strains. While operating equipment, the incumbent is required to follow prescribed safety practices and use safety equipment such as protective hearing devices and hard hats.
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.
Help
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.