Painting Worker Opportunity with the U.S. Army at Sierra Army Depot

The U.S. Army is actively seeking dedicated and skilled individuals to join its ranks as Painting Workers at the Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, California. This position, operating under Direct Hiring Authority, offers a unique chance to contribute to vital national security operations while enjoying a stable career path, competitive compensation, and a balanced work-life schedule. If you possess a strong work ethic, a knack for painting and surface preparation, and the physical stamina to perform demanding tasks, this opportunity might be the perfect fit for your career aspirations.

About the U.S. Army and Sierra Army Depot

The Department of the Army, through organizations like the Army Tank-Automotive and Armament Command (TACOM), relies on a robust civilian workforce to complement its military personnel. Civilian employees provide essential skills and expertise that are crucial for supporting military operations and maintaining readiness. The Sierra Army Depot, located in the rural landscape of Northern California, serves as a key expeditionary logistical support center for the Army. It plays a critical role in ensuring that military equipment and supplies are maintained, stored, and ready for deployment. Civilian employees at Sierra Army Depot are integral to this mission, contributing their talents in various capacities, including skilled trades like painting.

The depot's location in Herlong, CA, offers a distinct living and working environment. Situated approximately 60 miles north of Reno, Nevada, and 35 miles south of Susanville, California, it provides access to both remote tranquility and nearby urban amenities. The area is renowned for its abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an attractive location for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Job Responsibilities: What You'll Do

As a Painting Worker at Sierra Army Depot, your primary role will involve ensuring the proper application of protective coatings and performing essential maintenance tasks. Your duties will encompass a range of activities crucial for preserving military assets and maintaining facility standards. Key responsibilities include:

• Applying Protective Coatings: Applying various types of paints, including gloss, semi-gloss, enamel, and lacquer, to metal and wooden surfaces. This also involves performing touch-ups to maintain a high standard of finish.
• Executing Stenciling: Performing high-precision stenciling on designated equipment and items, ensuring clear and accurate markings according to specifications.
• Surface Preparation: Preparing interior and exterior surfaces for painting, which may include cleaning, sanding, and removing old paint or rust.
• Masking and Shielding: Effectively shielding non-target surfaces with masking tapes and protective covers to prevent overspray or unintended damage during the painting process.
• Hazardous Waste Management: Managing hazardous waste accumulation sites within the shot blast facility in compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintaining blasting equipment in optimal working condition, adhering to safety standards and schedules to ensure operational efficiency and longevity.
• Vehicle Operations: Completing routine maintenance for vehicles and preparing trip tickets for operational compliance, especially if operating machinery or forklifts.
• Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate records related to work performed, materials used, and equipment status.

Requirements: Qualifications You'll Need

To be considered for this Painting Worker position, candidates must meet specific eligibility and qualification criteria. The core requirements are designed to ensure that applicants can perform the duties of the role safely and effectively, often without the need for extensive on-the-job training.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element):

• Ability to do the work of a Painting Worker without more than normal supervision: This is a critical screen-out factor. You must demonstrate through your application that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position independently.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical Stamina: Work involves prolonged periods of standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing, crawling, and crouching in strained and awkward positions. This includes climbing ladders to heights up to 15 feet.
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift, carry, and set up equipment and components weighing up to 75 pounds, and occasionally objects exceeding 100 pounds.
• Coordination and Dexterity: Good eye, hand, and foot coordination is essential for operating equipment, including blasting hoses with high working pressures.
• Endurance: Sufficient endurance to safely operate equipment for extended periods.
• Vehicle Operation: Ability to operate forklifts and other motor vehicles, which requires light to moderate physical effort in controlling hand and foot mechanisms. You must also be aware of potential strain caused by equipment vibration.

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Work is performed in shotblast booths, paint booths, and sometimes outdoors, exposing you to varying temperatures, illumination levels, and ventilation conditions.
• Hazards: Potential exposure to cuts, burns, strains, broken bones, noise, dust, flying abrasives, rust, scale, paint chips, and slag. There is a risk of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious incidents.
• Protective Gear: You will be required to wear heavy protective gear, including gloves, clothing, ear protection, air-fed helmets or hoods, respirators, and safety shoes for prolonged periods.
• Safety Compliance: Strict adherence to all established safety and health rules is mandatory. This includes observing and reporting hazards and participating in accident prevention efforts.

Other Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
• Selective Service Registration: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Proof of Citizenship: You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.

Salary Overview

This Painting Worker position offers a competitive hourly wage, reflecting the skills and responsibilities involved. The salary range for this role is between $26.73 and $31.19 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. This rate is inclusive of any applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplements, ensuring fair compensation based on the geographic location.

Benefits of Working for the U.S. Army

Choosing a career with the U.S. Army as a civilian employee comes with a comprehensive package of benefits designed to support your well-being and financial security. While specific details may vary, federal employment typically includes:

Benefit Category	Description
Health Insurance	Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program offers a variety of plans to choose from.
Retirement Plan	Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) provides a pension, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid Time Off	Generous accrual of annual leave (vacation) and sick leave, plus paid federal holidays.
Life Insurance	Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) offers coverage options.
Other Insurance	Federal Employees' Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
Work-Life Balance	Typically a Monday-Thursday work schedule (4 days on, 3 days off) promotes a better work-life balance.
Childcare Services	On-site or accessible childcare facilities may be available.
Transportation	Mass transportation options are available at minimal cost.
Training & Development	Opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

Application Steps: How to Apply

Applying for this Painting Worker position involves a structured online process through USAJOBS. Please follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is complete and considered:

1. Access USAJOBS: Go to www.usajobs.gov and create an account or log in to your existing account.
2. Complete the Online Questionnaire: Carefully answer all questions related to your qualifications, experience, and eligibility. This is a crucial part of your application.
3. Build and Upload Your Resume: Create a resume that is two pages or less. It must clearly detail your relevant work experience, including employer name, job title, start and end dates (month and year), and the number of hours worked per week. Ensure your descriptions demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks required for this position.
4. Submit Supporting Documents: Upload any additional documents requested, such as a cover letter or performance appraisals, as specified in the 'Required Documents' section of the announcement.
5. Review and Submit: Before final submission, thoroughly review your entire application package, including your resume, questionnaire responses, and supporting documents, for accuracy and completeness. Ensure all required information is present.
6. Application Deadline: Submit your complete application by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on August 12, 2026.

Application Tips for Success

To maximize your chances of being selected, consider the following tips:

• Tailor Your Resume: Align your resume content with the specific duties and qualifications listed in the job announcement. Use keywords from the announcement where appropriate.
• Be Specific and Detailed: Avoid vague descriptions. Provide concrete examples of your skills and accomplishments. Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., 'prepared surfaces for painting X number of vehicles per week').
• Address the Screen Out Element: Pay close attention to the 'Ability to do the work... without more than normal supervision' requirement. Provide specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to work independently and competently.
• Check for Completeness: Ensure all required fields are filled out and all necessary documents are uploaded. Incomplete applications are often disqualified.
• Understand the Physical Requirements: Be realistic about the physical demands. Your application should implicitly or explicitly show you can meet these strenuous requirements.
• Proofread Everything: Errors in your application can reflect a lack of attention to detail, which is crucial for a Painting Worker. Proofread your resume and all submitted documents carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Direct Hiring Authority? A: Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) allows federal agencies to non-competitively appoint eligible individuals to certain positions. This process can expedite hiring, meaning eligible candidates can be hired more quickly without a traditional competitive examination.

Q: What are the typical work hours for this position? A: The standard work schedule for this position is Monday through Thursday, from 06:30 AM to 05:00 PM, offering a 4-day work week.

Q: What is the hourly pay rate? A: The hourly pay rate for this Painting Worker position ranges from $26.73 to $31.19.

Q: What kind of physical demands are involved? A: The role requires significant physical exertion, including prolonged standing, stooping, bending, climbing, and lifting objects up to 75 pounds (occasionally over 100 pounds). Good coordination and endurance are also necessary.

Q: What are the working conditions like? A: You will work in various environments, including paint booths and potentially outdoors, facing conditions like noise, dust, and exposure to chemicals. Wearing heavy protective gear for extended periods is mandatory.

Q: Is relocation assistance provided? A: No, the U.S. Army will not pay for relocation expenses (Permanent Change of Station - PCS) for this position.

Q: What documents are essential for my application? A: Your application must include a resume that meets specific formatting and content requirements, and you must complete the online occupational questionnaire. Depending on your eligibility, other supporting documents like a cover letter might be requested.

Q: Is there a probationary period? A: Yes, a one-year probationary period is required. During this time, your performance and conduct are evaluated to determine if your continued employment advances the public interest.

This Painting Worker position at Sierra Army Depot represents a fantastic opportunity for individuals seeking a stable, rewarding career within the federal government. By contributing your skills in painting and surface preparation, you will play a direct role in supporting the U.S. Army's mission. The combination of a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, a unique 4-day work schedule, and the chance to live in an area rich with outdoor activities makes this a compelling career move. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to take on a challenging and important role, we encourage you to submit your application promptly.