Tractor Operator / Laborer

About the role

The USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service is looking for a reliable Laborer / Tractor Operator to support daily operations at its 948‑acre facility, including work related to the New World screwworm response.

Key responsibilities

• Assist journeyman technicians with loading and unloading supplies and equipment.
• Mow, trim, and edge lawns, fields, fence lines, and ditches using industrial mowers and large tractors.
• Operate tractors equipped with sprayers, plows, disks, backhoes, and skid steers.
• Make mechanical and hydraulic connections between tractors and attachments, and adjust equipment as needed.
• Perform routine operator maintenance on tractors, backhoes, skid steers, and other heavy equipment.
• Service trucks and equipment (oil, transmission, hydraulic fluids) and power‑wash vehicles and structures.
• Maintain lawn sprinkler systems, replace heads and electric valves, and adjust settings.
• Read electric, water, and gas meters monthly.

Required profile

• Demonstrated training and experience with hand tools and heavy‑equipment operation.
• Ability to perform mechanical and hydraulic connections safely.
• Willingness to work outdoors on a large facility and follow safety procedures.

Required skills

• Tractor operation
• Backhoe operation
• Skid‑steer operation
• Industrial mower operation
• Sprayer operation (herbicide application)
• Mechanical maintenance
• Hydraulic connections
• Equipment servicing and adjustments
• Power‑washing
• Sprinkler system maintenance

What we offer

• Competitive hourly wage ranging from $27.25 to $31.81.
• Opportunity to work for a federal agency dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.