Maintenance Mechanic Career Opportunity: U.S. Army in Hilo, Hawaii

Are you a skilled tradesperson with expertise in electronic repair, heavy machinery operation, and precision welding? The Department of the Army is hiring a full-time Maintenance Mechanic (WG-10) at the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) in Hilo, Hawaii. Offering a hourly wage between $38.45 and $44.88, this position provides a unique opportunity to serve in a vital support capacity while living and working in one of the world's most unique environments.

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About the Agency: U.S. Army, Pacific & Pohakuloa Training Area

Civilian employees play a critical role in supporting the United States military. By bringing specialized technical capabilities that complement active-duty forces, federal civilian personnel help maintain overall operational readiness.

This position is based with the Mission Support Element Hawaii TSS Division at the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) on the Big Island of Hawaii. Spanning over 108,000 acres on the high plateau between the volcanic peaks of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai, PTA is the largest U.S. Department of Defense installation in the Pacific region. The training center hosts complex tactical exercises, housing advanced targetry systems, remote communications infrastructure, and specialized military training facilities.

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Job Responsibilities & Daily Operations

As a Maintenance Mechanic, you will be responsible for keeping range training systems fully operational under demanding outdoor conditions. Daily duties combine electronic troubleshooting, mechanical fabrication, and heavy equipment operation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Targetry & Electronics Maintenance: Installing, maintaining, repairing, troubleshooting, and overhauling complex electronic target devices, Very High Frequency (VHF) transmitters and receivers, remote cameras, battery and solar charging setups, public address systems, and intercom equipment.
• Prototype & Training Aid Assembly: Assisting in building and deploying custom remote-controlled firing devices and electronic scorekeeping mechanisms tailored to specific military training scenarios.
• Precision Welding & Metal Fabrication: Performing light to heavy gauge precision welding using jigs and fixtures to assemble or repair structural target components.
• Equipment Operation: Operating motor vehicles and heavy engineering machinery, such as crawler and wheel-type tractors equipped with bull or angle blades, to maintain access routes and position training equipment.
• Technical Instruction: Providing guidance and instruction to range users on the proper operation of radio remote-control target equipment, simulators, and electronics.

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Core Qualification Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific minimum criteria known as the Screen-Out Element. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of a Maintenance Mechanic without more than normal supervision.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Experience maintaining complex commercial range targetry systems and electronic accessories.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, specifications, and instructional manuals.
• Mastery of welding techniques and metal fabrication practices.
• Practical experience using precise measuring instruments and trade tools.
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate heavy engineering equipment and utility vehicles.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• Physical Effort: Regularly lifting and carrying heavy target mechanisms weighing up to 95 pounds. Work involves frequent bending, stooping, standing on concrete, and working in tight or awkward spaces.
• Working Environment: Duties are performed outdoors across rugged terrain in diverse weather conditions. Tasks take place in electronics shops, range facilities, and impact areas with potential exposure to unexploded ordnance (UXO). Staff must exercise strict adherence to safety standards regarding electrical risks, tools, and hazardous environments.

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Job Overview & Position Details

Below is a quick reference summary of the position details, location, pay scale, and key parameters:

Position Characteristic	Job Details
Job Title	Maintenance Mechanic
Pay Grade	WG-10 (Federal Wage System)
Hourly Salary Range	$38.45 – $44.88 Per Hour
Duty Location	Hilo, Hawaii (Pohakuloa Training Area)
Hiring Agency	Department of the Army / U.S. Army, Pacific
Position Type	Permanent / Full-Time
Relocation Expenses	PCS Allowances May Be Authorized
Security Clearance	Not Required (Suitability/Fitness)
Drug Test Required	Yes
Resume Length Limit	Maximum 2 Pages (Strict Standard)

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Comprehensive Federal Benefits

Federal civil service positions provide a robust benefits suite designed to support long-term financial security and work-life balance:

1. Competitive Pay: Wage Grade 10 rates tailored to local Hawaii pay scales.
2. Health Benefits: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program with widespread plan coverage.
3. Retirement Plans: Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension combined with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which includes up to 5% agency matching contributions.
4. Paid Time Off: Accrual of annual leave, paid sick leave, and 11 official federal holidays per year.
5. Career Alignment: Integration into Logistics Career Program 17, providing avenues for professional development within the Department of Defense.

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Application Steps & Best Practices

Applying for a federal skilled-trades position requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application package passes administrative review:

1. Verify Eligibility

This announcement is open under specific hiring authorities, including current federal employees, military spouses, 30% or more disabled veterans, VEOA eligibles, ICTAP candidates, and land management employees. Confirm which category applies to you.

2. Prepare a 2-Page Resume

Critical Note: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes longer than two pages will be immediately rejected without review. Ensure your resume highlights:

• Employer names and exact start/end dates (Month/Year).
• Hours worked per week.
• Direct descriptions of experiences matching the screen-out criteria (VHF equipment, solar power, welding, heavy machinery).

3. Gather Required Documentation

• Trade License/Certification: You MUST include a copy of your relevant job license or certification. Failure to attach this document results in automatic disqualification.
• Proof of Eligibility: Include DD-214 copies, SF-50s, or military spouse documentation as applicable.

4. Complete the Online Questionnaire

Submit all materials through USAJobs prior to the closing deadline of November 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

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This Maintenance Mechanic position in Hilo, Hawaii, offers skilled technicians an exciting career opportunity with competitive pay ($38.45–$44.88/hr) and federal benefits. If you possess hands-on experience in electronics repair, precision welding, and heavy machinery operation, prepare your 2-page resume and required certifications to apply before the November 2, 2026 deadline.