Seasonal - Tractor Operator

Full Job Description

This position is a Tractor Operator, WG- 5705-5, with the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, located in Ridgefield, Washington.

By 03/12/2026 of this announcement, you must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Handbook X118C, Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupation.

http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/x-118c/ Although no specific amount of experience, education or training is required, applicants must meet a minimum level of ability in relation to the position and the Assessment Questionnaire in order to be rated qualified for consideration.

To be qualified candidates must meet any screen out element(s) listed at an "acceptable" level and must achieve an average rating of at least "acceptable" on all of the elements.

Only education, training, or experience acquired before the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire.

Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated.

The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements.

The screen out element for this position is the ability to perform the work of a Tractor Operator without more than normal supervision.

This experience may include: safely operating farm-type gasoline/diesel powered tractors with attachments and/or self-propelled sprayers on flat or rolling terrain.

I have performed some different operations such as planting, cultivating, mowing and hauling. I have performed operator level preventative maintenance on tractors and equipment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

This is a temporary appointment intended for seasonal work that is less than 6 months or 1040 hours from the date of appointment/service year.

It is expected this position will be terminated upon completion of the seasons work.

The agency may non-competitively rehire an eligible temporary seasonal worker in subsequent years who works less than 6 months or 1040 hours in their service year.

As a Seasonal - Tractor Operator your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: Operates gasoline or diesel powered tractors that are 75 horsepower - 100 horsepower and weigh 7,000 - 12,000 gross vehicle weight.

Operates tractor-towed mower and boom ax to trim overhanging branches in order to create fire breaks on refuge properties.

Mows grass and weeds along river banks; in wooded, range, and marshy areas; along roadways; and near open fields.

Controls attached equipment from the seat of the tractor using hydraulic and/or mechanical systems. Terrain varies from level to gently rolling.

Performs limited operator maintenance such as checking and replacing fluids, hoses, tires, batteries, and fittings.

Operates hand tools and small two cycle engines, such as chain saws, weed eaters, portable pumps, and lawn mowers.