Preservation Helper and Worker (Seasonal)
What you'd do
The typical season for these positions is October through April but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: October 2026. Open to the first 200 applicants or until 07/27/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Major duties
The Pacific West Region, Yosemite National Park is recruiting for seasonal Preservation Helper and Preservation Workers, WG-4701-5/7/8 positions intended to assist permanent staff with preservation field work Major Duties: Perform preservation carpentry including structural framing, reconstruction of windows and doors, and finish carpentry using a variety of power and hand tools. Perform preservation masonry including chiseling, mortar analysis and mixing, and repointing of historic features using hand tools. Perform preservation painting including color matching, paint mixing, and application of paints, stains, and varnishes. Perform historic preservation roofing including repairs to flashing, shingles, and architectural elements while working on scaffolding or in elevated work platforms. Perform other misc. duties related to historic preservation including plastering, metalwork, and condition assessment. Physical Demands: Duties require the incumbent to sit, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, crawl, work in uncomfortable positions, and walk over rough, uneven terrain. The incumbent wears protective clothing, gloves, face shields, and/or respirator that may be uncomfortable; and the incumbent works from ladders, scaffolds, and elevated platforms. The incumbent may be occasionally expected to lift and/or carry items up to and exceeding 50 pounds in weight. Working Conditions: Work is both indoors and outdoors. Work outside may be subject to extreme weather conditions, with wind, rain, snow, and ice, in temperatures ranging from below 0 to over 100 degrees. Depending on the geography of the park unit assigned, work may take place at elevations ranging from sea level up to 10,000 feet. The incumbent is exposed to dust, noise, vibration, cuts, and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment, and may occasionally be exposed to hazardous materials that can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and burns, as well as microbiological organisms and potentially hazardous wildlife. The incumbent is expected to wear personnel protective equipment as required and comply with all safety and occupational health requirements. Yosemite National Park, California, known worldwide for its spectacular natural beauty is the backdrop for this position. Sitting astride the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the park covers 1,182 square miles of varied wilderness ecosystems, from river valleys to alpine meadows to lofty 13,000 foot high peaks. Yosemite Valley is located 208 miles from San Francisco, 81 miles from Merced, and 94 miles from Fresno. Shopping, medical, postal and laundry services are available in the park. Elevation at the Valley floor is approximately 4,000 feet and 2,200 feet in El Portal. The park is open year-round with the majority of activities occurring during the busy season March through October.
What you need to qualify
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 Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading) Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Knowledge of Materials Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments 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. ICTAP/CTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.