Launch Your Career at Sleeping Bear Dunes: Seasonal Maintenance Worker Opportunity
Are you looking for an opportunity to trade the office desk for the great outdoors? The National Park Service (NPS) is currently seeking dedicated, physically fit individuals to join the team at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire, Michigan. This seasonal Maintenance Worker (Custodial) role is a fantastic way to gain federal experience while directly contributing to the preservation of one of America's most iconic landscapes.
About the National Park Service
The National Park Service, a bureau within the Department of the Interior, is tasked with the vital mission of preserving the natural and cultural integrity of the National Park System. Our employees are stewards of the land, educators for visitors, and protectors of history. Joining the NPS team means contributing to a legacy that ensures future generations can enjoy the natural wonders of our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Maintenance Worker, you will be the backbone of park operations. Your daily tasks will be diverse, ranging from facility upkeep to grounds maintenance. Key duties include:
- Facility Sanitation: Cleaning and servicing vault toilets, public restrooms, and visitor centers.
- General Repairs: Performing minor plumbing, carpentry, and painting tasks to keep park facilities in working order.
- Groundskeeping: Managing trash collection, debris clearing, and landscape maintenance.
- Equipment Support: Operating light-duty motor vehicles and utilizing hand and electrical power tools safely.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $23.44 - $27.35 per hour |
| Location | Empire, Michigan |
| Job Type | Seasonal / Temporary |
| Max Hours | 1039 (typically) |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Physical Fitness: The role requires the ability to lift and move heavy objects (up to 100 lbs with help).
- Age: Minimum age of 18 (or 16 with specific school/vocational certification).
- Documentation: Successful completion of background and suitability checks.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $23.44 to $27.35. While this is a seasonal appointment, it provides an excellent entry point into the federal workforce. Employees will receive a uniform allowance and are eligible for the direct deposit of wages. Note that government housing may be available but is not guaranteed for every successful candidate.
How to Apply
- Prepare: Ensure your resume is no more than two pages and captures your relevant experience.
- Apply Online: Visit the official federal hiring portal to complete your application profile.
- Assess: Answer all mandatory questionnaire items accurately.
- Submit: Ensure your submission is completed before the October 26, 2026, deadline.
Becoming a seasonal Maintenance Worker at Sleeping Bear Dunes is more than just a job; it is a chance to give back to the environment. If you are reliable, hardworking, and ready to protect our natural heritage, we encourage you to submit your application today.
Why This Maintenance Worker (Custodial) (Seasonal) Job Matters
Join the National Park Service in beautiful Empire, Michigan, and play a hands-on role in preserving the natural majesty of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Maintenance Worker (Custodial) (Seasonal) Job Overview
The National Park Service is seeking motivated individuals for seasonal Maintenance Worker (Custodial) positions at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This role is essential to the visitor experience, involving custodial duties, grounds-keeping, minor facility maintenance, and operational support to keep our park resources pristine for future generations.
Requirements for Maintenance Worker (Custodial) (Seasonal)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must be at least 18 years old (or 16 with specific educational/vocational certification)
- Ability to perform heavy physical labor, including lifting objects over 50 lbs
- Favorable background investigation and adjudication
- Selective Service registration for males born after 1957
- Willingness to wear a uniform and comply with NPS standards
Preferred Qualifications for Maintenance Worker (Custodial) (Seasonal)
- Hands-on experience with facility maintenance and janitorial tasks
- Proficiency with hand tools, power equipment, and measuring instruments
- Ability to interpret technical specifications, blueprints, and instructions
- Experience with basic carpentry, plumbing, or painting repairs
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Uniform allowance
- ✓Direct Deposit participation
- ✓Valuable federal work experience
- ✓Potential for government housing (not guaranteed)
- ✓Access to a range of federal career paths
💡 How to Apply Maintenance Worker (Custodial) (Seasonal) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Maintenance Worker (Custodial) (Seasonal) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully
- Prepare a resume that is no more than two single-sided pages
- Create or update your profile on the official federal hiring portal
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire
- Submit your resume and all supporting documentation before the closing date
- Monitor your status via the online dashboard
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; excess pages will not be reviewed.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details how your past experience matches the job-related factors listed.
- Do not include personal photographs or Adobe portfolio files.
- Double-check that all required supporting documentation, such as DD-214s or SF-50s, is uploaded correctly.
- Submit your application well before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on October 26, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is government housing provided?
Housing is not guaranteed. Please contact the specific park directly to inquire about local government housing availability.
What is the physical intensity of this job?
This role requires moderate to heavy physical effort. You may be required to lift items over 50 pounds and carry up to 100 pounds with assistance.
Can I submit my application via email?
No. The Department of the Interior does not accept hard-copy or email application packages. You must apply through the online portal.
What is the work environment like?
*A: You will be working in all weather conditions. Expect frequent exposure to temperature extremes, dust, noise, and outdoor elements.*
How will I be evaluated?
*A: Candidates are ranked using category rating procedures, considering your experience level and how well your resume supports your questionnaire responses.*