Launch Your Career as a Wood Worker with the U.S. Navy

If you have a passion for craftsmanship and are looking to apply your technical skills to a mission of global importance, the Department of the Navy has an exceptional opportunity for you. We are currently recruiting a dedicated Wood Worker to join the Nuclear Material Management Division at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF) in Bremerton, Washington.

Job Responsibilities

As a Wood Worker, your primary duty is the fabrication of specialized packaging for highly sensitive nuclear materials. Key responsibilities include:

Designing and constructing custom shipping crates, boxes, and bracing structures.
Interpreting complex blueprints and technical sketches for precise material layout.
Operating industrial woodworking machinery, including band saws and radial saws.
Collaborating with nuclear engineers to ensure the technical adequacy of packaging.
Mentoring journeyman mechanics on specialized construction techniques.

Requirements

Success in this role requires a high degree of technical aptitude and the ability to work independently. Candidates must demonstrate:

Ability to perform duties without excessive supervision.
Proficiency in blueprint reading and material measurement.
Extensive experience with shop tools and industrial machinery.
Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Feature	Details
Salary	$33.36 - $38.92 / hour
Location	Bremerton, WA
Security Clearance	Secret
Job Category	Wood Working (4604)

Benefits

Working for the federal government offers stability and comprehensive rewards, including:

Exceptional health insurance options.
Robust retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Accrued annual leave and paid federal holidays.
Continued investment in your professional growth and training.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your resume clearly documents your shop experience. Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to avoid missing critical details like your employment dates and hours worked per week. Be sure to address the specific job elements—such as your ability to interpret instructions—directly in your experience section.

This role offers a unique combination of skilled trade work and national security support. If you are a precise, reliable craftsman ready for a new challenge in Bremerton, we encourage you to apply and help us safeguard the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Why This Wood Worker Job Matters

Join the elite team at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as a Wood Worker, where your craftsmanship directly supports the safety and operational integrity of our nation’s nuclear fleet.

Wood Worker Job Overview

The Department of the Navy is seeking a skilled Wood Worker to serve within the Nuclear Material Management Division of the Nuclear Engineering Department at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF). In this critical role, you will design, construct, and manage specialized shipping and storage containers for sensitive nuclear reactor components. This position is vital for ensuring the secure transit and preservation of complex materials necessary for national security.

Requirements for Wood Worker

Must be able to perform assigned tasks without more than normal supervision.
Proven ability to interpret blueprints, sketches, and technical specifications.
Demonstrated skill in the safe operation and maintenance of diverse woodworking machinery and power tools.
Proficiency in equipment assembly, material layout, and precise measurement.
Ability to work in environments requiring exposure to high noise levels.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must meet all OPM qualification standards for Trades and Labor occupations.

Preferred Qualifications for Wood Worker

Experience in industrial or heavy-duty crating and blocking/bracing for heavy equipment.
Background in nuclear material handling or similar highly regulated industrial environments.
Demonstrated ability to instruct and mentor junior mechanics during high-tempo operations.
Familiarity with HAZMAT handling and industrial safety protocols.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Retirement savings program including TSP matching
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave
✓Professional training and career development opportunities
✓Support for work-life balance in a mission-critical environment

💡 How to Apply Wood Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Wood Worker Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
Draft a professional resume (maximum 2 pages) detailing relevant duties, dates of employment, and specific technical skills.
Complete the online occupational assessment questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents, such as transcripts, veterans' preference forms (DD-214), or licenses.
Submit your complete application package via the online portal before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure your federal resume contains all required fields like hours per week and pay grade.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and clearly labeled.
Focus your resume entries on the specific technical skills mentioned in the job elements.
Apply early; do not wait until the final hours to avoid potential system traffic.
Redact sensitive PII from your documents as permitted, but ensure official transcripts or credentials are fully visible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Wood Worker at PSNS & IMF?

You will design, fabricate, and assemble custom crating, blocking, and bracing structures specifically engineered to transport and store sensitive nuclear reactor components.

Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?

No, this role requires on-site presence at the facility due to the hands-on nature of the woodworking and material handling tasks.

What type of schedule can I expect?

This position may require an uncommon tour of duty, which can include evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on mission requirements.

Do I need a college degree?

*A: No, this is a trade position. We prioritize quality of experience and demonstrated technical skill over academic degrees.*

Can I apply if I don't have a security clearance yet?

*A: Yes, you do not need to possess one at the time of application, but you must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance if selected.*

Job from U.S. Pacific Fleet

The U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest naval command, covering 100 million square miles. Joining our team means more than just having a job; it means becoming part of a tradition of excellence that defends maritime interests from the West Coast to the Indian Ocean. Civilian employees at PSNS & IMF are the backbone of our operations, ensuring our fleet remains combat-ready and technologically advanced.