Masonry Helper Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Summary
You will serve as a FUL - Mason (Historic Preservation) for the National Park Service at Fort Davis National Historic Site in Fort Davis, Texas.
Salary Range Information: First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level.
WG-10: $28.96 (Step 1) to $33.79 (Step 5) per hour - Western Texas (RUS) Wage Area
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Duties
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Perform a variety of journey-level masonry work needed to maintain, repair, alter, and construct exterior and interior surfaces/structures built of a variety of brick, block, and/or stone. Replicate complex masonry features to appropriate standards (e.g., Historic Preservation Standards), including decorative, historic, and/or special masonry finishes. Independently cut and shape block, brick, and/or stone to complete corners; mix mortar to exacting specifications; match existing surfaces and special finishes; construct decorative brick or stonework; create complex masonry patterns or designs using different shapes or colors; construct windowsills, lintels, and/or arches capable of supporting the walls above the openings; and/or construct circular smokestacks or chimneys. Lay masonry brick, block, and/or stone to maintain, repair, alter, and construct such items as walls, walks, foundations, plazas, floors, fences, fireplaces, chimneys, catch basins, vaults, parapets, manholes, and boilers.
If masonry is historic, ensure that appropriate steps are taken to preserve historic masonry features that are important in defining the overall historic character of the surface or structure. These steps include but are not limited to:

• Evaluating the overall condition of the historic masonry to determine if repairs are necessary.
• Carrying out masonry surface cleaning tests and cleaning masonry only when necessary.
• Providing proper drainage so that water does not damage historic masonry features.
• Completing repairs to masonry walls and other masonry features using recognized preservation methods.
• Duplicating historic mortar in strength, composition, color, and texture.
• Duplicating historic mortar joints in width and in joint profile.

Independently plan and lay out work, determine methods and techniques to be used, and complete masonry repairs and restorations with little or no advice, sometimes in remote locations. Work from building plans, blueprints, diagrams, engineering drawings, maintenance and repair manuals, historic preservation standards, and/or related codes (e.g., Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code).
Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• 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 may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• You are required to take a respirator fit test.
• You may be required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• You must be at least (1) 18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
• Additional Requirements located under Qualifications

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:

1. Ability To Do the Work of the Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
2. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
3. Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (includes blueprint reading)
4. Measurement and Layout
5. Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
6. Dexterity and Safety
7. Knowledge of Materials

To be minimally qualified, your resume must demonstrate that you are able to perform the duties of the Mason, WG-3603-10 position without more than normal supervision, and your experience must be at the journeyman level. Examples of relevant experience include, but are not limited to:

• Repairing and maintaining historic masonry on historic trails, parapets, historic dry-stone walls, historic wet stone walls, buildings, and boundary fences, chimneys, fireplaces, and manholes;
• Cutting and shaping stone, terra cotta, brick, and block;
• Removing portions of walls, partitions, or other similar structures and repair in kind, and for the installation of doors and windows;
• Reading and interpreting drawings, blueprints, and specifications independently;
• Mixing and matching mortars, mixing, pouring, and finishing concrete; patching and/or replacing stucco, including paper, wire, scratch, and brown coats to match existing historic surfaces.

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. 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.
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.
Requirements Continued..
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 1-year probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.
Additional information
This position will be filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority. Eligibility is limited to applicants who reside within the defined local commuting area at the time of application. For this announcement, the local commuting area is the area from which individuals can reasonably commute to the duty station under normal conditions. The defined vicinity for this position is: 60 miles from Fort Davis, Texas. You must provide proof of residency within the defined vicinity (e.g. mortgage or property deed, lease/rental agreement, utility bill, insurance policy, etc.). See the Required Documents section for information on how to verify current residence.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies.
Physical Demands: This position is required to perform masonry work from ladders, scaffolds, platforms, and other cramped and hard-to-reach places. Duties require the incumbent to sit, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, crawl, and work in uncomfortable positions. If the incumbent is assigned to perform masonry work in remote locations, the incumbent may be required to walk, hike, climb, or drive over rough and uneven terrain. The incumbent is expected to lift and/or carry items up to 50 pounds unassisted, and occasionally up to 100 pounds in weight with assistance.
Working Conditions: Most work is performed outside with exposure to all types of harsh weather conditions. Work outside may be subject to extreme weather conditions, with wind, rain, snow, and ice, in temperatures ranging from below zero to over 100F degrees. Depending on the geography of the park unit assigned, work may take place at elevations ranging from sea level up to 10,000 feet or in or near bodies of water. The incumbent may be regularly exposed to dust, dirt, fogs, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, and vapors, as well as noise, vibration, cuts, bruises, and abrasions from the use of masonry tools, vehicles, hoists, conveyer belts, cranes, and other equipment. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to hazardous materials that can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and burns, as well as microbiological organisms and potentially hazardous wildlife. The incumbent is subject to the danger of falling when on ladder or scaffolding, and broken bones as a result of accidents while driving or when loading and unloading equipment and materials.
Some contact may be necessary with chemical agents in the nature of cleaning fluids and preservation compounds, some of which are considered hazardous. Work with chemical agents will be conducted within approved manufacturer's specifications and in accordance with all applicable masonry requirements and standards. The incumbent is expected to comply with all safety and occupational health requirements and wear protective clothing, gloves, face shields, and in some cases a respirator that may be uncomfortable.
All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.