About This Position
This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Capitol Grounds and Arboretum, Maintenance Division, Mechanical Operations Branch. The Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic (Equipment Operator) performs automotive mechanic, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Automotive Mechanic, Equipment Operator and small engine repair work.
Qualifications
You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT required for this position. Ability to perform the work of heavy mobile equipment mechanical work without more than normal supervision. WG-8: Must possess valid state motor vehicle operator's license ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification is highly desired. WG-10: Must possess valid state motor vehicle operator's license ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification is highly desired WG-11: Must possess a valid state Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Must complete EPA approved certification for Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC) under the Clean Air Act Section 609 within six (6) months of appointment. ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification is highly desired
Major Duties
Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday (6:00 AM - 2:30 PM); Hours may change due to operational needs of management This position is designated as Emergency Essential during emergency closures. Uses a variety of equipment for snow removal and de-icing operations. (Duties below quoted at the full performance level, WG-11) Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic Tasks Requires a thorough knowledge of how heavy duty machinery, engines, parts and systems work; ability to detect faulty items, determine causes of malfunction and determine best repair methods; and skill to assemble, disassemble, repair or modify components and systems. Troubleshoots problems with heavy duty machinery, engines, parts and systems. Detects faulty items, determine causes of malfunctions and determines the best repair methods. Assemble, disassembles, repairs or modifies components and systems. Automotive Mechanic Tasks: Shares responsibility for the work performed by the Automotive Mechanics and has individually performed assignments, such as fuel delivery island management, utilizing fuel management software, inventory management, vehicle safety inspection, operating a fork lift, working on signs, performing handicap, road and lot painting, dispatching and managing vehicles and equipment, research to obtain quotes and ordering parts and equipment, preparing for special events and administrative duties. Performs duties such as ordering parts and has experience in major automotive repairs such as replacing fuel injection pump and injectors on diesel motor and fuel filters to maintain the system; hydraulic cylinder replacement on a sewer vacuum; replacement of the particulate filter on a trash truck emission system; and removal and replacement of a motor from a skid steer loader. Equipment Operator Performs all equipment operations (such as fork lift, backhoe, skid steer, wheel loader, stump grinder, ditch witch and heavy equipment rotor tiller) associated with the Automotive Shop, Small Engine Shop, Equipment Operators and Motor Vehicle Operators. Performs all equipment operations (tandem dump truck, snow plow trucks, rear packer trash truck, heavy duty truck and trailer combinations and street sweeper) of all events that require the assistance of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum staff and Motor Vehicles. Assists in the agency-wide fleet vehicle safety inspection program. Must be exceptionally skilled in safe driving in congested cities with an enormous tourist presence, traffic circles, a complex maze of narrow streets and major safety concerns, such as yielding to Capitol Police escort services for Members of Congress and foreign dignitaries, tour bus sight-seeing stop-and-go practices, emergency vehicles, tourists on Segway's, bicycles etc. Responsible for utilizing a thorough knowledge of and compliance with applicable AOC and OSHA safety rules and regulations to ensure that work progresses in a safe manner or take corrective action on unsafe conditions in managed areas. Receives training, either on the job or through classroom training to ensure proper use of all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Required to maintain and keep on file with their local Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) a valid Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card. Yearly physicals will be monitored by the AOC. *Must possess valid state motor vehicle operator's license and complete AOC Forklift Certification within six months after appointment. (Failure to obtain the required licenses may require immediate termination) *Must complete EPA approved certification for Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC) under the Clean Air Act Section 609 within six (6) months of appointment. *ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification is a desired qualification.
Conditions of Employment
To be employed by the Architect of the Capitol in a paid position, an individual must meet one of the categories below: A citizen of the United States; A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B); A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions. Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate the job elements for this position, possession of any specialized experience, and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement. The self-assessment questions relate to the following job elements and competencies: --Appropriate Level of Supervision --Technical Practices (Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic) --Assembly Installation, and Repair --Interpret instructions --Tools and Equipment Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions. Falsifying your background, education and/or experience is cause for non-selection or disqualification from further consideration. Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the βRequired Documentsβ section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application). You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Additional Information
Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans' preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans' preference is applied on this vacancy announcement. If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF-15, if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability, if applicable. For more information, please visit OPM vet guide If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information. DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC's suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide and cover the cost for the drug test. The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol. The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system. For more information on E-Verify, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm The Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or disability. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Moving expenses are not authorized. Relocation expenses are not authorized. Probationary Period - A newly appointed selectee is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol. All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol.
How to Apply
You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. If you are a new user to the USAJOBS Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJOBS user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help with setting up an account or for general assistance in using USAJOBS, go to USAJOBS Help Page. NEED HELP? If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at [email protected]. The help desk is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times. All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS βSaved Documentsβ feature. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.
Required Documents
The Architect of the Capitol's job application process is designed to ensure that we only ask you for the information that is absolutely needed to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the position. To apply for this position, you only need to submit online the following: a) your resume and 2) answer the online vacancy assessment questionnaire. The online questionnaire contains eligibility and screening questions and other relevant supplemental information. No additional documentation or attachment is required at the time of application. We ask that you prepare and submit a resume that best describes fully your background experience, skills, abilities, education, training and other relevant credentials. The resume should include dates of employment. Nothing further is required until it is requested by the staff of the Human Capital Management Division. If additional documentation is required for a position, you will be asked to provide it during the selection process or upon selection. At that point, we may ask you to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume. For example, we may ask you to provide documents such as college transcripts, copy of diploma or proof of Federal employment status. If the position requires a license or certification, we will ask candidate(s) to provide proof at the time of selection. If you are claiming veterans' preference, we may ask you to submit proof of Veterans preference (DD-214, and, if claiming 10-point preference, the SF-15 plus proof required by that form). If you fail to provide the required documents, we will withdraw a tentative job offer made and/or remove you from further consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic position at Architect of the Capitol?
The salary range for this position is $31 - $43/hr. This is a WG-08/11 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT required for this position. Ability to perform the work of heavy mobile equipment mechanical work without more than normal supervision. WG-8: Must possess valid state motor vehicle operator's license AS...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 27, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does WG-08/11 mean?
WG-08/11 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.