Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Helper

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

Official Title of WG-8 and WG-10 positions: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

Positions may be filled in the following duty locations:

• Wawona
• Valley Utilities
• El Portal
• Backcountry - Career Seasonal (Details in Additional Information)

Duties As a Utility Systems Repair Operator, you will perform duties related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of water and wastewater treatment and distribution systems.

This position may be filled at the WG-5, WG-8, or WG-10 level. At the lower grade levels, duties are performed under closer supervision and with assistance from higher-graded operators. As experience increases, duties are performed with greater independence and responsibility.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

WG-4742-05: The incumbent will assist journeyman operators in the efficient repair, maintenance, and operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities, collection systems including lift stations and water distribution systems. Carries out simpler, recurring tasks in various trades (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC, boiler operation) under close supervision to gain experience and develop skills. The incumbent works under closer than normal supervision at the trainee level performing assignments designed to provide the competencies, skills, and experience required to perform the more complex work at the WG-08 and 10 levels.

WG-4742-08: The incumbent will work with a higher degree of independence using knowledge developed as a helper to a progress to journeyman USRO actively participating in the maintenance of conditions of plants and 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. Works with storage and distribution water systems for public and domestic use, with close supervision. Operation, maintenance, repair, and monitoring of HVAC systems, electrical systems, and wastewater lift station pumping equipment and operating conditions to determine process requirements under supervision of the supervisory plant operator.

WG-4742-10: The incumbent performs the most difficult and complex tasks of Utility Systems Repairer-Operator as an expert with a high degree of independence. Duties performed include: 1) performing maintenance and repair of complex mechanical, electromechanical, electrical and pneumatic equipment pertaining to water treatment and lift station operations; 2) installing and repairing new and existing piping systems to include: PVC, copper, ductile, HDPE, cast and/or galvanized; 3) observing and monitoring wastewater conveyance equipment and operating conditions to determine process requirements; 4) 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. The incumbent is often consulted by other employees in difficult situations. They have experience working independently with storage and distribution water systems for public and domestic use.

Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.

Qualifications

Selective Factors: Some positions in this announcement require specific certifications at the time of application. Applicants who do not possess the required certification(s) by the closing date of this announcement will be found ineligible for those positions.

Backcountry and Valley Utilities:

• WG-08: Applicants must possess a California Water Distribution Level 1 (D1) and Water Treatment Level 1 (T1) operator certification OR be eligible to transfer equivalent out-of-state certifications to California at the time of application.
• WG-10: Applicants must possess a California Water Distribution Level 1 (D1) and Water Treatment Level 2 (T2) operator certification OR be eligible to transfer equivalent out-of-state certifications to California at the time of application.

Wawona and El Portal:

• WG-08: Applicants must possess a California Water Distribution Level 1 (D1), Water Treatment Level 1 (T1), and Wastewater Treatment Level 1 (WW1) operator certification OR be eligible to transfer equivalent out-of-state certifications to California at the time of application.
• WG-10: Applicants must possess a California Water Distribution Level 1 (D1), Water Treatment Level 2 (T2), and Wastewater Treatment Level 2 (WW2) operator certification OR be eligible to transfer equivalent out-of-state certifications to California at the time of application.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-11/16/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

To qualify for this position at the WG-05 level, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:

• Reliability and Dependability (SCREEN OUT)
• Ability To Follow Oral Directions
• Ability To Work as a Member of a Team
• Dexterity and Safety
• Shop Aptitude and Interest

To qualify for this position at the WG-08 or WG-10 levels, 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 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)
• 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. Your resume must support your response to the assessment questionnaire, and if it does not, your application will be marked as not eligible. 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.

You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements to be considered qualified for this position.

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.

Requirements Continued:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

This probationary 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 1-year probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.Education There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.

Requirements

• 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/.
• You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• You may be required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• Required Occupancy positions may be filled at the WG-08 and WG-10 levels at the following duty locations: Valley Utilities, Wawona, and El Portal.
• Positions designated as Required Occupancy WG-10, the selectee must obtain and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within one (1) year of Entry on Duty.
• Positions requiring a CDL are designated as Testing Designated Positions (TDP) and are subject to random drug testing.
• WG-10 Only: The selectee must obtain and maintain a Backflow Prevention Certification within one (1) year of Entry on Duty.
• 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.
• Additional Requirements located under Qualifications

How you will be evaluated 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.

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.

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. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into the following 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 Follow Oral Directions
• Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprints reading)
• Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Ability To Work as a Member of a Team
• Dexterity and Safety
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation Repair, etc.
• Knowledge of materials
• Reliability and Dependability
• Shop Aptitude and Interest
• Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic)
• Use of Measuring Instructions

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. 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. How to apply Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, select appropriate hiring eligibilities, 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 11/16/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement to receive consideration.

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/13105205
• 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.

Eligibilities:

Please ensure you complete the Eligibility section of this application. This section determines the hiring paths under which you may be considered for this position. You will only be considered for the eligibilities you select. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read each eligibility carefully to understand the requirements and select all that apply. For each eligibility selected, you must upload the required supporting documentation. Review the eligibility descriptions to confirm you are providing the correct documents. You may select more than one eligibility, if applicable. If you do not select at least one eligibility, you will not be considered for this vacancy. To learn more about federal hiring paths, visit USAJOBS - Unique Hiring Paths.

To view the announcement status or your application status, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.

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. Other information Salary Range Information (Per Hour): First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning rate in the range for their respective grade level.

• WG-05: $21.18 (Step 1) - $24.74 (Step 5)
• WG-08: $25.42 (Step1) - $29.66 (Step 5)
• WG-10: $28.48 (Step 1) - $33.22 (Step 5)

Backcountry Duty Location Only:

Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. Non-pay periods may change in the future service years depending on the budget. Employees will be notified in advance of any changes by their supervisor. Backcountry positions operate on a career seasonal schedule. You will be in non-pay status for 14 weeks (7 pay periods) from late November to early March.

If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive. A continued service agreement may be required if it is determined you are eligible for a permanent change in duty station (PCS), recruitment, or relocation incentive.

Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.

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.

Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified, score at least 85 (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.