Seasonal Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

Summary

The typical seasonal period is October through March but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: October 2026.

Major Duties

Duty Locations are: Katmai National Park and Preserve (King Salmon, Alaska); Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Gustavus, Alaska).

Performs Utility Systems Repairer-Operator duties such as learning the proper methods of operation, monitoring, and maintenance of water treatment facilities, storage and distribution systems which provide between 500 and 50,000 gallons per day for public and domestic use.

Responsible for the efficient operation, maintenance, repair, and monitoring of an Activated Sludge/Extended Aeration Treatment plant with state‑of‑the‑art treatment processes under the direct supervision of the lead USRO.

Under the direct supervision of the lead USRO, the incumbent learns proper methods for operations and daily operator maintenance techniques for various kinds of water and wastewater treatment equipment.

Physical Demands: Work assignments typically require moderately heavy physical effort to lift, carry, or otherwise handle items weighing up to 40 pounds, maneuver into and out of specific locations while dismantling and assembling utility‑related equipment. Repairs may be performed from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms where parts of systems 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. Exposure to biological hazards or diseases while cleaning equipment or shoveling sludge, hazardous gases such as methane, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide, electrical shock, loud noises, acids, and hydraulic fluids while working around motors and pumps, 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. Safety meetings and training are required, and the incumbent must review and follow safety regulations and policies prior to using PPE (goggles, rubber mats, gloves, hard hats, and respirators). Motor vehicle operation may be required.

Education

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

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.

Candidate will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. A negative drug test is required prior to appointment; the position is subject to random drug testing.

Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid; relocation expenses are the employee's responsibility. The incumbent must operate a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties; a valid driver's license is required, and a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record must be submitted. All certified driving records from all states that disclose valid driver licenses must be submitted at the employee's own expense.

The incumbent must wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards; a uniform allowance will be provided.

Work may include on‑call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work.

Licensing: The incumbent must possess at least one of the following valid U.S. State or Territory licenses by the closing date of this announcement: Grade 1 Water Treatment Operators Certificate T‑1, Grade 1 Water Distribution License D‑1, or Grade 1 Wastewater Operator License.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old or 16 years old with one of the following: graduated from high school or equivalent; completed a formal vocational training program; received a statement from school authorities agreeing with a preference for employment over continuing education; or be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or part‑time during the school year under a formal student employment program.

Evaluations

Applicants are evaluated based on the following competency criteria:

• Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision (screen out).
• Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, and read blueprints.
• Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, repair, etc.
• Knowledge of materials and technical practices.
• Use of measuring instruments.

Based on experience evaluation, candidates will be placed 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, including all selective factors, and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job.
• Qualified – applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications and are proficient in some but not all of the requirements.