Laborer

This Laborer position at WG-3 is open to U.S. Citizens. There is no specific length of training or experience required, but you must demonstrate in your application that you can perform the work without more than normal supervision. The screen-out element is the ability to remove debris from surface areas and use landscaping equipment to maintain lawns and grounds.

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• No specific education or training length required.
• Must demonstrate ability to perform laborer duties without more than normal supervision.
• Screen-out element: Ability to remove debris from surface areas and use landscaping equipment to maintain lawns and grounds.
• Experience can be paid or unpaid, including volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps).
• Competencies evaluated: Ability to do the work without more than normal supervision; ability to interpret instructions related to mobile equipment operation; ability to use and maintain tools and equipment; work practices (keeping things neat, clean, and in order).
• Physical effort: Very heavy, including lifting objects over 50 pounds, working from ladders and scaffolds.
• Working conditions: Outdoor work in all weather; indoor work in dusty, dirty, noisy areas; exposure to skin irritants from cleaning solutions; risk of falls from ladders.
• Must pass a pre-placement medical examination.
• Must undergo a Tier 1 background investigation with childcare checks due to interaction with children under 18.

Remove garbage and debris from interior and exterior facilities.

• Maintain playgrounds and athletic fields, including preparing fields for events and setting up sports apparatus.
• Maintain school floors and exterior sidewalls.
• Operate heavy powered equipment for landscaping duties.
• Apply chemicals to lawns and manage ice during inclement weather following directions and sequences.
• Perform other laborer tasks as assigned to keep the school grounds and facilities in good condition.

U.S. citizenship.

• Ability to perform very heavy physical work, including lifting over 50 pounds.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather and indoors in adverse conditions.
• Must complete a Tier 1 background investigation with childcare checks.
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Direct deposit of pay.
• Appointment subject to suitability/fitness determination.

Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave (eligibility depends on position type and work schedule).

• Intermittent employees may qualify for some benefits; contact the hiring agency for details.
• Opportunity for term appointment up to 13 months, extendable up to 8 years.
• Potential conversion to permanent career-conditional or career appointment after 2 years of continuous service and successful performance.
• Access to the full range of U.S. government employee benefits.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

• Selection is subject to restrictions from the DoWEA referral system for displaced employees.
• Salary is based on the local prevailing rate.
• This position is covered by the DD2952 bargaining unit.
• Reemployed annuitants may apply; see the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• A one-year probationary period is required during which your fitness and performance are evaluated.
• This is a TERM appointment not to exceed three years, with provisions to extend up to eight years and potential conversion to permanent.
• To be eligible for conversion, you must complete at least 2 years of continuous service under a term appointment and demonstrate successful job performance.
• Applicants with disabilities needing reasonable accommodation should contact David Walton at [email protected].
• The agency contact address is DoWEA Headquarters, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22311.

The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) is a federal agency under the Department of Defense that provides educational services to military-connected students worldwide. DoWEA operates schools on military installations, including Ramey Unit School in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, which serves the local military community. This Laborer position directly supports the school's operations by maintaining its 20-acre tropical campus. The role is critical for ensuring a safe, clean, and functional environment for students and staff. As a federal employer, DoWEA offers structured pay scales, clear eligibility rules, and a public service work environment.