Demo

Maintenance Worker (Trails)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Soldotna, AK Full Time
POSTED ON 10/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/4/2027

Summary

The mission of the Fish and Wildlife Service is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing enjoyment of people. The National Wildlife Refuge System exists to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the U.S. for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about this agency


This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This position is being filled using the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) local hiring authority (16 USC 3198). Any U.S. Citizen who has special knowledge or expertise regarding the natural or cultural resources, by reason of having either lived or worked in or near Alaska Public Lands may apply. Your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near Alaska Public Lands. See Qualifications section for eligibility requirements.


Duties

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 7, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Soldotna, Alaska.

At the full performance level (WG-05) the major duties of the Maintenance Worker position include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Coordinates transporting camp and work supplies, construction materials and trail crew laborers by foot boat, truck, fixed wing and rotary aircraft.
  • Coordinates the maintenance and construction of public use trails including the trail drainage features, boardwalks and trail bridges.
  • Removes downed trees, rockslides, surface outcroppings, and debris from trails.
  • Uses hand and power tools safely and effectively in performing assigned work including chainsaws and crosscut saws.
  • Maintains hand and power tools used in performing assigned work.


Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Direct Deposit participation required.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.
  • Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
  • You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to travel overnight away from home primarily during the months of May through September. During this timeframe you may be required to travel up to two weeks per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
  • You will be required to undergo a CNACI background investigation due to working with youth.
  • You must be at least 18 years of age or older to operate government vehicles.
  • Eligible for conversion to competitive service after two years and upon meeting all requirements



*Additional Requirements located under Qualifications*

Qualifications

Requirements Continued...

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

This trial period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.

Upon completion of your trial your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/13/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Special knowledge or expertise concerning Alaska public lands natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof is required. Local knowledge of the resources and the typical conditions that affect the work to be accomplished will be applied in the performance of duties.

-AND-

To be eligible your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived and/or worked in or near Alaska public lands.

-ALSO-

The following are the competencies identified for this position. Applicants are not required to address these competencies in a separate document but are encouraged to include in their resumes experience related to these competencies:

  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading)
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.
  • Use of Measuring Instruments
  • Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Special knowledge or expertise concerning the natural or cultural resources of public lands and the management thereof.
  • Knowledge of weather, river channels and conditions, snowmobile trail conditions, and travel routes to safely travel on or near a refuge or other public lands in a variety of conditions.
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 the required special knowledge or expertise as outlined in this announcement.

Additional information

Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.

This is an excepted service appointment, that confers competitive status after two years and upon meeting all performance and OPM qualification requirements.

Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as permanent appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will work for approximately late February through late November, and you will be in a non-pay status for the remainder of the year.

First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Physical Demands: Exerts heavy physical effort frequently while performing trail construction and maintenance work, including bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and using hand and power tools.

Frequently lifts and carries objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Carries and rolls rocks and logs and uses rock bars and similar tools to move or position rocks weighing several tons.

Frequently uses hammers and other hand tools to crush, break, or shape rock and performs extensive shoveling and similar strenuous manual work.

Frequently walks long distances, up to 15 miles per day, while performing assigned trail work, including work in remote areas for extended periods.

Work Environment: Works and lives for extended periods in isolated backcountry areas in close contact with small groups of employees and
other personnel.

Performs work outdoors in remote and mountainous terrain at elevations up to 6,000 feet and under extremes of weather conditions.

Performs trail work in dusty and potentially hazardous conditions. Encounters hazards associated with moving and handling rock; working in and around rockslide areas; falling and bucking trees; and working in and around machinery.

Participates in established safety programs designed to safeguard visitors, employees, the environment, facilities, equipment, and vehicles.

Observes work and camp activities for unsafe conditions and practices affecting volunteers, Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) participants, Student Conservation Association (SCA) participants, and regular crew members, and follows established safety procedures while performing assigned work.

All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.

The duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

Alaska currently does not have a state income tax.

All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selectee.


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.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents, questionnaire responses). If your application package does not clearly reflect having lived and/or worked within Alaska public lands, does not clearly reflect special knowledge of the natural and/or cultural resources of Alaska public lands, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible' or 'not qualified'.

Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

Veterans' preference will be based solely on the claimed preference. Your eligibility will not be changed based on the documentation provided. If you are uncertain which preference to claim, you can learn more by visiting the VetGuide.

Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.


Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/13/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement:

  • Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. More information on how to write a Federal Resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
  • Complete all required assessments.
  • To be eligible, your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near Alaska public lands as described in the Qualifications section of this announcement.
  • Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (member 4 copy) or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Parent 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.va.gov/records/ or call 1-800-827-1000. 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.
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.

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.


How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application.

There are multiple options for applying to this position, please see application options and instructions below:

To apply online: You must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/13/2026 - unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement to receive consideration. You must provide documentation to support your eligibility claim.

The application process is as follows:

  • Click the Apply Online button.
  • Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13077638
  • Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
  • To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
  • To view the announcement status or your application status, visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.


To apply via mail: Mailed applications must be postmarked by the closing date of the announcement. If your application is postmarked by the closing date, it must be received in a sealed envelope no later than seven calendar days after the closing date. The seven-day waiting period may be extended if weather delays mail delivery.

Applications may be mailed to:
National Park Service
Alaska Regional Office
Attn: Human Resources
240 W. 5th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501

Applications must include the vacancy announcement number. If you are applying to multiple vacancy announcements, you must submit a separate application for each vacancy.

Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.

Agency contact information

Laura Lasell
Email
laura_lasell@ios.doi.gov
Address
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
1101 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99503
US

Next steps

Please refer to your USAJOBS account for application status; the Human Resources Office cannot respond to individual status inquiries.

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application. If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview.

You can find your path with the Department of Interior at https://careers.doi.gov/.

Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.


Overview

Accepting applications
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Soldotna, AK
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$28.50 - $33.21 per hour

Pay is subject to annual review and adjustment.

Pay scale & grade
WG 5
Promotion potential
None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
50% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent - Career-seasonal *See Additional Information section for an explanation of Career-seasonal appointments.
Occupations and job series
  • 4749 Maintenance Mechanic
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
  • Credentialing
  • Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CAXB-26-13077638-DE-LL
Control number
886948600

Benefits:

Vacation & Paid Time Off, Health Insurance

Salary : $29 - $33

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