Laborer

About the opportunity

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Training Center, Facilities Engineering Division, Public Works Department in Cape May, NJ. The purpose of the position is to perform general laborer support to gardeners, carpenters, electricians, maintenance mechanics, and other personnel, as well as exclusively operate large heavy equipment. Typical duties include serving as a work hand for preventative maintenance, service work, equipment, roads, athletic fields, and grounds maintenance. It also involves setting up furniture, cleaning and maintaining power equipment, performing trash and snow removal, cutting grass, and operating various hand and power tools and equipment. Being a civilian working for the Coast Guard makes you a valuable team member supporting critical facility operations.

Salary and benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance
• Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k))
• Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program
• Personal leave days and paid federal holidays
• Flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, and transportation subsidies
• Uniform allowance, health and wellness programs, and fitness centers
• Disabled veteran leave for eligible employees

Who can apply?

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license
• Must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation (Non-Sensitive/Public Trust clearance)
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test and medical exam
• Evaluated on ability to perform duties rather than length of experience, including knowledge of work practices, tool maintenance, and safety

Required documents

• Resume showing relevant work/volunteer experience, education, and training (limited to no more than two pages)
• Responses to any applicable online assessments
• College transcripts (unofficial is acceptable initially; official required prior to appointment) if qualifying based on education
• Evidence of education equivalency from a credentialing evaluation service for foreign education
• Veterans' preference documentation (Member Copy 4 of DD-214, SF-15, and VA letter, if applicable)
• Certification of active service under the VOW Act for active duty military members
• Military spouse verification documents and spouse active orders or VA letter, if applicable
• Proof of former or current political appointee status (such as an SF-50) if applicable
• CTAP or ICTAP eligibility documentation, including agency notice, performance rating, and SF-50

When to apply

• Applications open on August 27, 2026
• Application deadline is September 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST

How to apply

• Create or log in to an existing account on USAJOBS
• Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire
• Upload your two-page resume and all required supporting documentation
• Submit your application package online before the closing deadline

Additional information

• Remuneration ranges from $23.26 to $27.22 per hour
• A one-year probationary period may be required
• Federal salary payments must be made by direct deposit
• The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits requesting criminal history before a conditional offer
• More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies occur within 45 days