Engineering Equipment Operator: Join the Team at Yosemite National Park

Are you looking to combine your technical expertise in heavy equipment operation with a love for the great outdoors? The National Park Service (NPS) is currently recruiting for an Engineering Equipment Operator to work in the stunning environment of Yosemite National Park. This position is vital to the infrastructure that allows millions of visitors to experience this iconic landscape annually.

Job Responsibilities

The Engineering Equipment Operator serves a critical role in utilities maintenance and road infrastructure. Daily duties include:

Operating 3,000-gallon sewage pumper trucks for septic and vault toilet maintenance.
Utilizing Vactor trucks to clear sewer lines and storm drains.
Operating heavy machinery, including dozers, excavators, backhoes, and motor graders for road construction.
Hauling heavy equipment to project sites using truck and trailer combinations.
Moving construction materials like dirt, blacktop, and riprap.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Licensure: You must have a valid driver's license and hold a Class B CDL at the time of entry, with the ability to obtain a Class A CDL within your first year.
Eligibility: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Drug Testing: As this position involves operating heavy, dangerous machinery, successful completion of pre-employment and random drug screenings is mandatory.
Documentation: Your resume must be concise (two pages max) and include clear details regarding your work history and hours per week.

Requirement	Status
Citizenship	Mandatory
Class B CDL	Entry Requirement
Class A CDL	Required within 12 Months
Physical Ability	Heavy Lifting Required

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive hourly wage between $28.48 and $33.22. Additionally, employees receive a uniform allowance and have access to the comprehensive benefits provided by the federal government, including retirement plans and health insurance options.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires precision. Follow these tips to maximize your chances:

Tailor Your Resume: Federal hiring managers look for specific keywords from the job description. Ensure your resume highlights your experience with the specific machinery listed.
Don't Forget Documentation: Include your SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee. Missing documents result in immediate disqualification.
Follow Formatting Rules: Stick strictly to the two-page limit and font guidelines provided in the vacancy announcement.

If you have the skills to maintain critical infrastructure and a passion for the National Park system, this position at Yosemite is the perfect career move. Submit your application today to help protect the legacy of our National Parks.

Why This Engineering Equipment Operator Job Matters

Power the infrastructure of one of the world's most iconic landscapes as an Engineering Equipment Operator at Yosemite National Park.

Engineering Equipment Operator Job Overview

The National Park Service is seeking skilled Engineering Equipment Operators to join the facilities management team at Yosemite National Park. In this role, you will be responsible for operating a wide range of heavy machinery—including Vactor trucks, dozers, excavators, and graders—to maintain the park's critical utility and road infrastructure. This is a unique opportunity to work in a world-renowned wilderness setting while ensuring the park remains accessible and functional for millions of visitors.

Requirements for Engineering Equipment Operator

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Must possess and maintain a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) at Entrance of Duty.
Must obtain a valid Class A CDL within 12 months of start date.
Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing.
Must successfully complete a background investigation and suitability adjudication.
Must be at least 18 years old (or 16 with specific educational requirements).
Registration with Selective Service is required for males born after 12-31-59.

Preferred Qualifications for Engineering Equipment Operator

Experience operating 3,000-gallon sewage pumper trucks.
Proficiency with Vactor Truck/Sewer Cleaner operation.
Operational expertise with Caterpillar 16/160 or John Deer 772 motor graders.
Proven history of operating heavy construction equipment such as dozers, backhoes, and excavators in challenging terrain.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly federal pay rates.
✓Uniform allowance provided.
✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of the Interior.
✓Access to federal health and insurance programs.
✓Contribution to the federal retirement system.

💡 How to Apply Engineering Equipment Operator Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Engineering Equipment Operator Job

Create a USAJOBS account if you do not have one.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Gather supporting documents such as SF-50s, performance appraisals, and CDL copies.
Complete the online application questionnaire via the provided portal.
Submit your entire application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly states 'full-time' or 'part-time' with hours worked per week.
Submit your most recent performance appraisal; if unavailable, include a written explanation.
Proofread your application to avoid any offensive or inappropriate language.
Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume, or it will be rejected.
Use standard 10-point font and 0.5-inch margins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute education for the required experience?

No, there is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System positions.

Are there physical requirements for this job?

Yes, this is a physically demanding role requiring the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, navigate rough terrain, and operate heavy machinery under varying weather conditions.

What is the work environment like?

*A: Most work is performed outdoors in varying weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.*

Is travel required?

*A: Yes, you may be required to travel occasionally within the park boundaries.*

Job from National Park Service

The National Park Service, a bureau of the Department of the Interior, is dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural resources of the United States. Working at Yosemite means you are part of a team committed to environmental stewardship and public service. Employees at the park enjoy a unique work-life balance surrounded by alpine peaks, river valleys, and some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth.