Maintenance Worker

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Operations

Amado, AZ, USA

USD 29.17-34.04 / hour

Posted on Aug 21, 2026

Summary

The Maintenance Worker will perform a variety of duties involved in the maintenance of the office complexes, laboratories, machine and automotive shops, dormitories, telescope buildings, and other ancillary structures at FLWO that are in 24 hour, 365 day/year operation; and the infrastructure associated with a remote site location including the mountain road and water storage systems.

Summary

The Maintenance Worker will perform a variety of duties involved in the maintenance of the office complexes, laboratories, machine and automotive shops, dormitories, telescope buildings, and other ancillary structures at FLWO that are in 24 hour, 365 day/year operation; and the infrastructure associated with a remote site location including the mountain road and water storage systems.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open 08/21/2026 to 09/04/2026
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Amado, AZ
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$29.17 - $34.04 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 08
Promotion potential
08
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time - Full Time
Travel Required
Not required - Infrequent travel, such as for specialized training, may be required.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Other
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
26-78
Control number
881130000

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals.

Duties

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  • Operate snowplows and sanders in winter weather on an unpaved mountain road.
  • Participate in grounds maintenance activities as required, including tree trimming, weeding, and grass cutting along the mountain road and at the administrative complex, while operating and maintaining related tools and equipment.
  • Collaborate with scientific, support staff and Ridge Telescopes’ staff to troubleshoot and resolve issues across telescope systems and facilities.
  • Determine and implement appropriate repair methods for components such as telescope seams, dome structures, rotation motor assemblies, and telescope instrument changes.
  • Operate heavy equipment such as forklifts, man lifts, front-end loaders, backhoes, cranes, etc. in open areas and on level, hilly and/or mountainous terrain to move earth, rocks, sand, stumps and other equipment.
  • Transport safely the optical, scientific equipment and liquid nitrogen Dewars required for telescope instruments’ operation from base camp to the summit.
  • Perform routine operational support tasks in accordance with work orders, schedules, and manufacturer instructions, including delivery and pickup of materials between facilities.
  • Conduct fueling and minor servicing of vehicles and heavy equipment and serves as an alternate driver for transportation of goods to and from Tucson in accordance with established procedures and manufacturer instructions
  • Remove debris and rocks from culverts (150) along the mountain road and clears fallen rocks following rainstorms and high winds, performing work with minimal supervision while coordinating with coworkers to maintain safe road conditions.
  • Assess maintenance and repair requirements and carry out work on vehicle and equipment systems with minimal supervision
  • Perform other related maintenance duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must successfully complete a background investigation.
  • May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
  • Must participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds for salary payments
  • Use of respirator and annual respirator fit testing and training required.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.

Applicants must have a valid driver's license.
Annual physical examinations are required to be certified for using a respiratory system for a limited number of tasks.

An annual respirator fit testing and training is required.

Heavy physical effort will be required in constantly reaching, bending, turning and moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to handle different sets of controls to operate tools, equipment, and vehicles. Due to the nature of some duties, the incumbent is required to work in awkward positions, on ladders and scaffolds, and will handle objects weighing up to 50 pounds.


Working Conditions: Duties at the Ridge telescopes and on other areas of the mountain are recurring. The environment can be extreme, and range from dry heat to bitter cold. Travel to the Ridge or higher over a mountain road an be hazardous, and involve exposure to snow and rain, lightning, and flash floods.

Qualifications

Your overall experience and training must indicate that you have the minimum knowledge, skills, abilities needed to perform the duties of this position. Specialized Experience includes: performing 2-4 of the following trades carpentry, painting, electrical, and plumbing, welding and roofing; ability to perform trades under minimal supervision; ability and skill in operating two- and four-wheel drive passenger cars, trucks, forklifts, front-end loaders, backhoes, cranes, man lifts, etc. on unpaved, steep, mountainous roads, and experience using most hand and power tools associated with the trades.


There is no substitution of education for experience for this position. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Additional information on the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations can be found on OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/x-118c/index.html.

Additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options. Please see Benefits at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/fed/table.html for a complete description.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications below.

Applications will first be evaluated to determine whether the following screen out element is met:

  • Ability to perform the work of a maintenance worker with minimal supervision (screen-out).

If an applicant meets the screen-out element, the following Competencies will be evaluated:

  • Broad knowledge of multiple trades, including carpentry, plumbing, painting, electrical repair, and general maintenance
  • Broad knowledge of multiple trades, including carpentry, plumbing, painting, electrical repair, and general maintenance
  • Ability to troubleshoot issues across several systems and determine appropriate repair methods
  • Knowledge of building codes, safety regulations, and proper material selection
  • Ability to interpret work orders, blueprints, sketches, and manufacturer instructions

Applicants who meet or exceed the screen-out element will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria:

Best Category - Meets the screen-out element and excels in most of the job related elements above.

Better Category - Meets the screen-out element and satisfies most of the job related elements above.

Good Category - Meets the screen-out element, but does not satisfy most of the job related elements above to a substantive degree.

This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-veterans within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no veteran in that category is passed over to select a non-veteran in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied.

Veterans who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.

Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the announcement questions will not be considered for this position.

Important Note:
Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience.

Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options. Please see Benefits at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/fed/table.html for a complete description.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required Documents

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Your application package must include the following documents:

  • Detailed resume
  • Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran. Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter.
  • Copy of a valid State Driver's License

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note:

  • You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
  • You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
  • The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
  • If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.

Agency contact information

Stephanie Javier
Phone
617-495-7074
Email
stephanie.javier@cfa.harvard.edu
Address
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
160 Concord Ave
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States

Next steps

You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.

Additional Information:

The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.

A recruitment bonus may be paid.

Required Documents

Help

Your application package must include the following documents:

  • Detailed resume
  • Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran. Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter.
  • Copy of a valid State Driver's License

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Help

Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note:

  • You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
  • You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
  • The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
  • If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.

Agency contact information

Stephanie Javier
Phone
617-495-7074
Email
stephanie.javier@cfa.harvard.edu
Address
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
160 Concord Ave
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States

Next steps

You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.

Additional Information:

The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.

A recruitment bonus may be paid.

See more open positions at Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute