About this role
Job SummaryThe incumbent works primarily on the backcountry and front country trails. The primary purpose of the position is to assist journeyman level tradesmen in all areas of trails maintenance in the park unit.
QualificationsTo 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 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) Use of Measuring Instruments SCREEN OUT: Perform common maintenance work with one trade such as masonry, carpentry, painting and other trades appropriate to perform trail construction and maintenance. Utilize common hand tools to perform simple maintenance tasks in trail construction and rehabilitation work; operate motorized utility terrain vehicles (UTV), 4x4, and utility vehicles. Experience includes the use and maintenance of proper tools to complete the task. Perform the strenuous work required by this position such as carrying heavy objects weighing up to 100 pounds and hiking mountainous terrain up to 12 miles per day. Work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. 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.
Major DutiesTemporary maintenance workers perform a variety of building and utility maintenance and general maintenance duties for the Buildings and Utilities, Road, Trails and Grounds, Platte River Campground, and the Manitou islands. Work will include: Roads, Trails, & Grounds- You may be assigned to assist carpenters, tree workers, and motor vehicle operators with projects related to carpentry, trail construction, road work, painting, sign and fencing installation, masonry, mowing, and routine maintenance of tools and equipment. May be required to drive pickup trucks and other vehicles up to 1 ton in a variety of traffic situations and road conditions. May operate various types of power equipment. General Maintenance: You may be assigned to clear trees from trails, hike up to 8 miles a day with pack and tools while performing trail maintenance; Work with journeymen to perform minor repairs, including some plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work; pick up litter at visitor use areas; maintain campgrounds, roads, trails, grounds, and associated facilities such as parking lots, viewpoints, signs, fire pits, picnic areas, etc., and otherwise maintain park facilities. These positions require that you operate light pickups, electric carts, small tractors, woodchippers, mowers, chainsaws, and other types of small power equipment and hand tools. Identifies and corrects job safety and health hazards. Follows prescribed safety practices and uses safety equipment such as protective hearing devices, hard hats, seat belts, steel-toed shoes, respirators, and protective clothing as required by the work being performed. Cut-off Dates: This is an open continuous announcement, in which applications are collected over several months, and have multiple cut-off dates. Applications received by the initial cutoff date will be considered first. **INITIAL CUT OFF IS Monday, January 12, 2026** Applications will be considered throughout the open period of the announcement however additional referral certificates will only be issued when a hiring official exhausts current certificate and/or additional vacancies need to be filled. For more information regarding the park or the position please contact: Indiana Dunes National Park Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreRequirementsU.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males. Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. Driver's License: You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. Minimum Age Requirement: 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. Government Housing: Housing may be available.