Become a Maintenance Mechanic with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Are you a skilled tradesperson looking for a stable career where your work directly contributes to public safety and infrastructure integrity? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently seeking a highly motivated Maintenance Mechanic to support the Garrison Project Office in Riverdale, North Dakota. This is a unique opportunity to join a premier federal agency and apply your journeyman-level skills to meaningful projects.

Job Responsibilities

As a Maintenance Mechanic, your day-to-day work will be dynamic and multifaceted. You will not be confined to a single trade; instead, you will operate across various disciplines to keep project facilities running smoothly. Key responsibilities include:

Multi-Craft Maintenance: Performing journeyman-level repairs in plumbing, carpentry, painting, and welding.
Electrical Work: Handling apprentice-level electrical tasks up to 110V for site utilities and buildings.
Heavy Equipment Operation: Driving and repairing loaders, excavators, forklifts, dump trucks, and semi-trailers.
Small Engine Repair: Servicing motorboats (under 26 ft), mowers, pumps, and generators.
Facility Inspection: Routinely auditing grounds and utilities to identify safety hazards or deterioration, ensuring all equipment is mission-ready.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate technical proficiency and the ability to work independently. Key requirements include:

Skill Level: Ability to perform core trade tasks at a journeyman level without excessive supervision.
Physical Stamina: Capacity to lift over 75 lbs and work in awkward, tiring, or cramped positions.
Environmental Adaptability: Willingness to perform duties in diverse weather conditions and potentially hazardous environments, including near river traffic.
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Skills Comparison Table

Skill Category	Level Required	Focus Area
General Trades	Journeyman	Plumbing, Carpentry, Welding
Electrical	Apprentice	Up to 110V systems
Heavy Machinery	Operator/Repair	Loaders, Excavators, Tractors
Small Engines	Technician	Boats, Mowers, Pumps

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive wage range of $41.98 to $48.98 per hour, commensurate with your skills and experience. As a federal position, the salary includes locality pay designed to reflect the cost of living and market conditions in North Dakota.

Benefits

Employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers benefit from a comprehensive compensation package that goes beyond a standard paycheck, including:

Robust health insurance plans.
Federal employee retirement system (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous accrual of annual leave and sick days.
Access to professional training and career growth opportunities.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires precision. To ensure your application stands out:

Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be reviewed.
Be Quantifiable: Include hours worked per week and exact dates for all relevant experience.
Avoid Acronyms: Use plain language to describe your skills so that human resources reviewers can easily understand your qualifications.

If you have the skills to maintain complex infrastructure and the desire to work for an agency that builds the future of our nation, we encourage you to apply. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers more than just a job; it offers a path to professional fulfillment and the chance to make a real difference in the Riverdale community.

Why This Maintenance Mechanic Job Matters

Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Riverdale, North Dakota, and apply your hands-on technical skills to vital infrastructure projects that strengthen our nation.

Maintenance Mechanic Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a skilled Maintenance Mechanic to join the Garrison Project Office. This role focuses on the comprehensive maintenance, repair, and upkeep of project facilities, utilities, and heavy machinery. As a key member of our operations team, you will ensure the functionality and safety of our infrastructure through diverse technical tasks ranging from facility repairs to heavy equipment operation.

Requirements for Maintenance Mechanic

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Ability to perform journeyman-level maintenance in plumbing, carpentry, welding, and painting without more than normal supervision.
Proficiency in apprentice-level electrical work (up to 110V).
Experience operating and performing routine mechanical maintenance on heavy construction equipment (e.g., excavators, loaders, dump trucks).
Competency in maintaining and repairing small engines, motorboats, and trailers.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
Willingness to work in various weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting over 75 lbs.
Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Maintenance Mechanic

Proven history of reliable journeyman-level craft performance.
Experience in large-scale facility and utility maintenance.
Advanced mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting complex hydraulic and auxiliary equipment.
Safety-conscious mindset with experience identifying and mitigating structural or environmental hazards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay with locality adjustment
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Potential eligibility for recruitment or relocation incentives
✓Job stability within a major federal department

💡 How to Apply Maintenance Mechanic Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Maintenance Mechanic Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the specific resume requirements (two-page limit).
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents, including resume and any relevant performance appraisals.
Ensure the application is submitted by the closing date of November 3, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
Be specific in your resume about your hours worked per week and exact employment dates.
Use clear, plain language and avoid internal jargon or obscure acronyms.
Double-check that all uploaded documents have cleared the USAJOBS virus scan before the deadline.
Tailor your experience description to clearly demonstrate your ability to work without extensive supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of supervision should I expect?

You are expected to perform duties at the journeyman level with only normal supervision, meaning you can handle tasks independently while following general guidance.

Is relocation assistance available?

Relocation incentives may be authorized at the agency's discretion and based on government interest.

What is the physical nature of this job?

The role is physically demanding, requiring the ability to lift over 75 lbs, work in uncomfortable positions, and operate machinery in various environmental conditions.

Is a security clearance required?

No, this position is designated as non-sensitive/low risk.

What is the probationary period?

All new hires undergo a one-year probationary period to evaluate performance and conduct.

Can I telework?

Due to the hands-on nature of this position, telework is not available.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is world-renowned for its engineering expertise and dedication to national service. From flood control to managing major environmental projects, USACE delivers innovative, efficient solutions that protect the nation and support community growth. By joining this team, you become part of a collaborative organization that values professional development and mission success.