Launch Your Career: Maintenance Mechanic at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Are you a skilled mechanic with a passion for the outdoors and environmental conservation? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is looking for a dedicated Maintenance Mechanic to join our team in the beautiful setting of Warm Springs, Oregon. This is more than just a repair job; it is an opportunity to support the critical infrastructure that protects our nation's fish and wildlife populations.
Job Responsibilities
As a Maintenance Mechanic, you will be the backbone of our hatchery operations. Your daily tasks will include:
- Mechanical & Electrical Repair: Maintaining pumps, boilers, chillers, and heating systems.
- Infrastructure Maintenance: Working on plumbing, carpentry, and welding tasks for site buildings and utilities.
- Heavy Equipment Operation: Using backhoes, tractors, and snowplows across varied terrain.
- Operational Support: Assisting with fish cultural duties, including monitoring fish rearing units.
- Safety Compliance: Serving on the Safety Team to ensure all facilities meet federal health standards.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must hold a valid driver's license.
- Ability to obtain a CDL.
- Ability to perform heavy physical labor (lifting up to 100 lbs).
Salary Overview
This position is compensated based on the Federal Wage System (WG) scale.
| Position Level | Hourly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Maintenance Mechanic (WG-10) | $32.80 - $38.27 |
Benefits
- Health & Wellness: Access to federal health insurance plans.
- Financial Security: FERS retirement benefits and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, including federal holidays.
- Development: Continuous training and growth opportunities.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure every experience is documented with hours per week.
- Adhere to Limits: Keep your resume to exactly two pages.
- Be Precise: Connect your past experience directly to the 'job-related factors' listed in the announcement.
If you have the mechanical expertise and the desire to make a tangible difference in natural resource management, we encourage you to apply. Start your journey with the Department of the Interior today.
Why This Maintenance Mechanic Job Matters
Ready to launch a hands-on career preserving our nation's natural legacy? Join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a Maintenance Mechanic in the scenic landscapes of Warm Springs, Oregon.
Maintenance Mechanic Job Overview
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a skilled and versatile Maintenance Mechanic to play a critical role in the operations of a local hatchery. In this position, you will serve as the primary technician responsible for the upkeep of infrastructure, water temperature control systems, and heavy equipment. You will work in a dynamic environment, balancing indoor technical repairs with extensive outdoor fieldwork, ensuring that our fish rearing facilities operate at peak efficiency to support vital conservation efforts.
Requirements for Maintenance Mechanic
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Ability to pass a background investigation and adjudication.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must register for Selective Service.
- Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
- Must be willing to wear a required uniform.
- Successful completion of E-Verify employment verification.
- Submission of a two-page maximum resume.
Preferred Qualifications for Maintenance Mechanic
- Demonstrated experience in electrical, plumbing, and carpentry maintenance.
- Proficiency in repairing complex equipment such as boilers, chillers, and pumps.
- Experience operating heavy machinery, including backhoes and front-end loaders.
- Skilled in welding and engine diagnostics.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay with potential for annual increases
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance options
- ✓Generous retirement programs including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation time, and sick leave
- ✓Uniform allowance provided
- ✓Access to ongoing professional development and career training
💡 How to Apply Maintenance Mechanic Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Maintenance Mechanic Job
- Review the full job announcement and gather all required documentation (SF-50s, transcripts, performance appraisals).
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages and meets the 10-point font and margin requirements.
- Click the Apply Online button and complete the required assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents through the USAJOBS portal.
- Submit your final application package before the closing date of October 26, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must explicitly state your hours worked per week (e.g., 40 hours) to receive credit for experience.
- Do not exceed the two-page limit; extra pages will not be read.
- Focus your resume on the job-related factors, specifically describing your experience with tools and mechanical systems.
- Double-check that your most recent SF-50 is attached if you are a current federal employee.
- Ensure your resume supports every answer you provide in the assessment questionnaire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use education to substitute for experience?
No. For this Federal Wage System position, education cannot be substituted for the required technical experience.
What is the work environment like?
The work is 95% outdoors and 5% indoors. You will be exposed to all weather conditions, potential heights, confined spaces, and varied terrain.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period to evaluate your performance and conduct.
Will I need to work weekends?
Yes, the position may require work during non-standard hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation benefits are not offered for this position.
Job from U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service
The Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are committed to managing and conserving the natural resources of the United States. By joining this team, you become part of a legacy that balances scientific advancement with hands-on stewardship of American lands.