Model Maker Worker

You will serve as a Model Maker Workerwithin the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, Hydraulic Investigations & Laboratory Services, LAKEWOOD, COLORADO.

Major duties

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Work with and assist higher graded model makers in fabricating, constructing, modifying, and repairing specialized hydraulic models, equipment, and instrumentation to support research, laboratory, and field activities. Assist with model layout by grading the model site, establishing horizontal boundaries, setting forms, placing hydraulic structures, and installing numerous model components. Set up and use equipment such as hand tools for wood, metal, and concrete construction and finishing, table saws, band saws, miter saws, radial arm saws, routers, planers, jointers, drill press, breaks, welders, lathes, end mills, punches, and shears. Identify construction materials for use during projects and cut, bend, form, shape, assemble, and install components made from a variety of materials including wood, acrylic, PVC, steel, aluminum, concrete, foams, and plastics. Work with and assist higher graded model makers in the operation of construction equipment such as forklifts, manlifts, hoists, and skid-steers to place base material and concrete grout or other materials between templates and hydraulic components and install scale model components that are fabricated in advance by others. Operation of equipment requires precise maneuvering within limited areas of existing facility space. Assist in maintaining shop and other laboratory equipment, including servicing or arranging for service/repairs of equipment as needed. Support laboratory and field construction and maintenance activities and maintain a safe work environment.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/14/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors: Ability to do the work of the Position without more than Normal Supervision (SCREENOUT) Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes, blueprint reading) Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Materials The screen-out for this position is: experience with hands-on construction using hand tools and power tools for wood, metal, and plastic construction which demonstrates my skill to perform the functions of a Model Maker Worker under close supervision. I have experience in at least two of the following trade functions: heavy carpentry, woodworking, plastic working, metal working. If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. Your resume must support your response to the assessment questionnaire, and if it does not, your application will be marked as not eligible. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements to be considered qualified for this position. Volunteer Experience: 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.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Direct Deposit participation required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/. You must pass a physical examination. You may need to complete a statement regarding your physical ability. You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 5 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.