Summary This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: This is a Drill Rig Operator, WG-5/8 position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division (NWD), Omaha District, Engineering Division. Responsibilities Safely operates all vehicles necessary for the accomplishment of any drilling assignment in both on-road and off road situations. Occasionally operates specialty equipment such as a forklift or tractor mounted backhoe in day-to-day activities. Assists with or installs and learns the function of such subsurface instruments as piezometers, monitoring wells, inclinometers, survey control points, soil vapor extraction wells, ground water extraction wells, drains, and relief wells. Assists with or conducts drilling operations in a variety of climatic conditions (i.e. very hot, very cold, wet, etc.). Identifies safety-related deficiencies and brings these deficiencies to the attention of the appropriate personnel. Assists with or conducts standard penetration testing (SPT) and shelby tube sampling in accordance with the appropriate ASTM's and USACE guidance. Develops an understanding of controlling drilling parameters such as bit pressure, rotational speed, and rate of penetration in order to maintain borehole stability during drilling. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision. Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Elements):WG-05: You must have the reliability and dependability to perform the most difficult and complex assistance of heavy equipment operation. I am skilled in simple drilling techniques under supervision. I have assisted as a helper in using drilling equipment. I have the ability to repair, operate, maintain, and perform routine repairs of a wide variety of equipment. I have spent time working outside in a variety of weather conditions. I can provide safe assistance to field operations, follow directions to prepare site prior, and load proper equipment and materials for assignments. I can troubleshoot, repair, operate, and maintain small equipment and engines. Failure to meet this Screen-out Element will result in an ineligible rating. Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element) WG-08: Ability to do the work of a(n) Drill Rig Operator without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform the most difficult and complex assistance in operating a variety of drill rigs and employing complex drilling techniques. Develops an understanding of controlling drilling parameters such as bit pressure, rotational speed, and rate of penetration in order to maintain borehole stability during drilling. Develops abilities to formulate and adjust the properties of drilling fluids with a variety of additives to promote borehole stability as well as learns to recognize, understand, and control hydrostatic and hydrodynamic aquifer conditions. I am considered an expert and work with a high degree of independence. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. Physical Effort: Drill rig operation work involves standing for prolonged periods, walking, bending, pushing, reaching, pulling, and lifting. Machinery control work is done in close proximity to rotating drill shaft or tool hammering operations, requiring quick reflex action to respond to drilling problems. Grade 8 drill rig operators frequently handle objects weighing 9 to27 kilograms (20 to 60 pounds) and, occasionally, tools, samples, and equipment weighing over27 kilograms (60 pounds) Working Conditions: Drill rig operators work outside in all kinds of weather, frequently in wet, muddy, and dirty conditions, exposed to poison growth, reptiles, and insects, and under noisy conditions. They are exposed to cuts and bruises in using tools and working around moving machinery, strains while breaking or adding joints to drive shaft, slips and falls in wet weather, and the possibility of electric shock and burns. Some operators are subject to considerable discomfort due to mud, water, grease, and from the wearing of protective devices or equipment. Education Additional Information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. One year trial/probationary period may be required. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. This is a(n) Engineers and Scientists (Resources and Construction) Career Field position. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. A Relocation, Recruitment, Advance in Hire or Advance Leave Accrual incentive may be authorized if it is in the best interest of the government.