Marine Machinery Repairer
What you'd do
This position is part of the Facilities Management Division at Isle Royale National Park. The duty station is located at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. The incumbent of this position lives and works on-island during the operating season (approximately late April-October) and is responsible for all marine maintenance. Their work supports most automotive and equipment maintenance activities related to the operation of a large inventory of gasoline and diesel-powered equipment.
Major duties
Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Performs installation, inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, overhaul and repair of gasoline and diesel-powered marine engines, propulsion systems, and related vessel equipment. Fabricates and repairs metal and marine components, including welding, hull repairs, and the preparation and painting of boats, vehicles, and equipment. Services, repairs, rebuilds, maintains and operates generators, as well as pumps, UTVs, lawn equipment, and other small engine-powered machinery to support operational needs. Manages equipment and parts inventories, coordinates procurement and repair contracts, operates boats and heavy equipment, and assists with safety, boating, and equipment operator training programs. Conducts routine preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on wheeled and tracked motor vehicles, such as tractors and heavy equipment, to ensure safe and reliable operation. Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will work approximately 7.5 months in pay status, and you will be in a non-pay status 4.5 months (months ranging from mid-November to early April) depending on weather and workload priorities. Physical Effort: Required to occasionally lift and carry objects weighing 80 pounds or more. Bending, stretching, stooping, pushing, pulling, climbing on ladders or scaffolding, walking, running and wading may be necessary to perform all major responsibilities as assigned. Work is frequently performed in cramped areas of watercraft. Administrative work is primarily sedentary and performed in an office setting. Working Conditions: Working Conditions are extremely challenging because of the park's remoteness, the unpredictability of Lake Superior and the lack of overland transportation routes. Boats are the only practical method of transporting equipment, materials, supplies, and personnel to and through this park. These factors create a maintenance operation more complex and more difficult than is indicated by a statistical breakdown of facilities, personnel, visitation, land area, and equipment inventories. Work is primarily performed primarily in a field setting with temperatures varying from -20 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Weather conditions may include heat, cold, rain, snow, fog, smoke from wildland fires and wind. Incumbent will operate various vessels ranging in size from 12 to 70 feet in length on Lake Superior. Vessel operation occurs in varying types of weather, wind, and sea conditions mostly during day light hours. The incumbent will be exposed to smoke and fumes from vehicles and equipment, loud noises, and slippery surfaces. The position will involve exposure to hazards and risk situations relating to mechanical equipment, utility systems, tight or confined spaces, and areas requiring the use of agency-provided personal protective equipment (PPE). Occasional travel, including overnight travel, is required. The work environment includes frequent interaction with park staff, and occasionally the public, in both routine and emergency situations. Incumbent may be called out at any time of the day or night as emergencies dictate. Area information: From mid-April through October, this position is required to live and work in the park, which is approximately 70 miles by water or sea plane from Houghton, Michigan. Isle Royale is a large, remote, isolated island in northwestern Lake Superior and is 99% designated wilderness. The park offers superb recreational opportunities such as boating, kayaking, canoeing, backpacking, camping, fishing, hiking, and more. Transportation for visitors, employees, and their families, as well as mail, groceries, and other supplies/equipment are provided via the park's ship, the M.V. Ranger III. Furnished government housing is provided on the island with a bi-weekly rental deduction. There are no roads, limited amenities, and limited opportunity to travel to the mainland. To protect Isle Royale's fauna from disease, pets are prohibited. In November-April, the employee will report to work in Houghton or Calumet, MI. Houghton has a population of approximately 10,000 and is a full-service community with schools, churches, medical services, shopping, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Higher education facilities are available at Michigan Technological University. Houghton is one of several towns and villages within commuting distance on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Area housing is available for purchase in a wide range of prices from $100,000 to $500,000. Rentals range from $800 to $3,000 per month but are often more difficult to find. Winter snowfall averages between 150 and 200 inches per year creating abundant opportunities for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing in the area. For more information: www.nps.gov/ISRO
What you need to qualify
Requirements Continued - You may be required to travel overnight away from home. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. Government Charge Card: You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority. 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. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a one (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 probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications: In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. 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) Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading) Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Materials Trouble shooting 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.
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