Tractor Operator (Seasonal)

Summary The typical defined season is not to exceed 6 months between Apr-Oct but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April-May 2027. Open to the first 70 applicants or until 11/16/2026 whichever comes first. Responsibilities Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: On a recurring basis, operates farm type tractors and towed or attached equipment to maintain grounds and roads medians and/or perform farming functions. Frequently operates towed or attached equipment from the seat of the tractor through hydraulic or mechanical Controls. Equipment operated may include mowers, plows, harrows, chippers, sprayers, disks, post hole diggers and backhoes making multiple hydraulic and mechanical connections between the towed and or attached equipment and the tractor. Incumbent works on level or rolling terrain in such areas as open fields, parks, or along roadways. Physical Effort: Incumbent operates tractors in all types of terrain (steep and level) and along roadways. Incumbent must be able to do heavy to strenuous lifting (50 pounds), stooping, bending, climbing and working in cramped positions. Working Conditions: Work location is outside, potentially in extreme temperatures. Incumbent must be capable of sustained physical effort under these conditions. Dirt, dust and marginal ranges of air pollution are present. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Direct Deposit participation required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit Home | E-Verify 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. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed. Use find a park to contact specific parks for more information on government housing. Occupancy of government quarters may be required. You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. You may be required to travel overnight away from home. You may have to obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. You 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 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, 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) Operation of Motor Vehicles Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order) Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation) Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Ability To Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle) Reliability and Dependability as a Tractor Operator 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. Education There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions. Additional Information Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement. 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 salary range on this vacancy does not grant an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. Visit DCPAS Wage and Salary to calculate locality pay. Temporary Appointment: This is a temporary seasonal appointment not to exceed 1039 hours. The appointment is expected to end upon completion of the season's work. 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 1039 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 combined total of 1039 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1039 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 1039 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1039 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM. This position may be filled under a temporary seasonal appointment not-to-exceed 1560 hours rather than 1039 hours depending on the park and program Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations. 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,