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Open: September 2, 2026 — Closes: September 15, 2026
Summary
Position serves as a trainee with a primary purpose to work under a journeyman level position to maintain, test, troubleshoot, repair, and calibrate utility systems that require work, wastewater treatment plant operation, and water treatment plant operation. Salary Range: First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level. WG-08: $29.20 (Step 1) to $34.06 (Step 5) per hour - Northeastern Arizona (RUS) Wage Area
Major Duties
Complete water treatment processes in accordance with Federal, state, and/or local regulations, as well as Departmental and Bureau level policy. Make and/or scheduled equipment checks to gauges, meters, electrical motors, pumps, chemical feeders, auxiliary generators, and recording and controlling devices. Collect water samples and conduct and record basic water sampling tests such as fluoride or chlorine content and ion concentration (pH) levels. Make plumbing repairs that can be accomplished by removing, cleaning, replacing, packing, and sealing defective parts of utility, supply, and disposal systems such as dirty traps, sections of broken pipe, and leaky drains. Operate one or more motor vehicles which typically have an approximate gross vehicle weight of more than 11,700 kilograms (26,000 pounds) and up to 14,400 kilograms (32,000 pounds) over public roads. At the WG-10 level, this position requires that the incumbent possess a current Colorado Class C water treatment and Level 1 water distribution license as well as a Level 1 Wastewater Collections License. Equivalent licenses from another State with which Colorado shares reciprocity are also acceptable. Licenses must be obtained before attaining the WG-10 grade level. A training plan has been devised to assist the incumbent on obtaining the required licenses. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level. You will work under closer than normal supervision at the trainee level performing assignments designed to provide the competencies, skills, and experience required to perform the more complex work at the journey level. The work increases in difficulty, complexity, and responsibility as you gain experience and demonstrate a full comprehension of the target level position. As a trainee, you must perform work under the direct supervision and oversight of a journey level position. Physical Effort: Work assignments typically require moderately heavy physical effort to lift, carry, or otherwise handle items typically weighing up to 100 pounds. Duties require the incumbent to maneuver into and out of specific locations while dismantling and assembling utility related equipment. The incumbent makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms where the parts of systems worked on are in hard-to-reach places. Frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, reaching, and stooping is typical. Occasionally, climbing and work in high places may be required, as well as the use of hoists, holders, and pulleys when handling large equipment. Working Conditions: Work is both indoors and outdoors where the incumbent may be subject to prevailing weather conditions. The incumbent may be exposed to biological hazards or diseases while cleaning equipment or shoveling sludge, and hazardous gases such as methane, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide. The incumbent may also be subject to electrical shock, loud noises, acids, and hydraulic fluids while working around motors and pumps. There is exposure to shock, burns, and strains. The incumbent follows prescribed safety practices and uses safety equipment such as face shields, gloves, hard-toe shoes, goggles, rubber mats, hard hats, respirators, and protective clothing that may be uncomfortable to wear. The incumbent is required to attend and participate in safety meetings and trainings and review and follow safety regulations and policies prior to using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The incumbent may be required to operate motor vehicles and heavy engineering equipment.