Marine Machinery Repairer

Open: July 30, 2026 —
Closes: August 13, 2026

This position is part of the Facilities Management Division at Isle Royale National Park. The duty station is located at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. The incumbent of this position lives and works on-island during the operating season (approximately late April-October) and is responsible for all marine maintenance. Their work supports most automotive and equipment maintenance activities related to the operation of a large inventory of gasoline and diesel-powered equipment.

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:
Performs installation, inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, overhaul and repair of gasoline and diesel-powered marine engines, propulsion systems, and related vessel equipment. Fabricates and repairs metal and marine components, including welding, hull repairs, and the preparation and painting of boats, vehicles, and equipment. Services, repairs, rebuilds, maintains and operates generators, as well as pumps, UTVs, lawn equipment, and other small engine-powered machinery to support operational needs.

Manages equipment and parts inventories, coordinates procurement and repair contracts, operates boats and heavy equipment, and assists with safety, boating, and equipment operator training programs. Conducts routine preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on wheeled and tracked motor vehicles, such as tractors and heavy equipment, to ensure safe and reliable operation. Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis.

You will work approximately 7.5 months in pay status, and you will be in a non-pay status 4.5 months (months ranging from mid-November to early April) depending on weather and workload priorities. Physical Effort:
Required to occasionally lift and carry objects weighing 80 pounds or more. Bending, stretching, stooping, pushing, pulling, climbing on ladders or scaffolding, walking, running and wading may be necessary to perform all major responsibilities as assigned. Work is frequently performed in cramped areas of watercraft. Administrative work is primarily sedentary and performed in an office setting.

Working Conditions:

Working Conditions are extremely challenging because of the park's remoteness, the unpredictability of Lake Superior and the lack of overland transportation routes. Boats are the only practical method of transporting equipment, materials, supplies, and personnel to and through this park. These factors create a maintenance operation more complex and more difficult than is indicated by a statistical breakdown of facilities, personnel, visitation, land area, and equipment inventories.

Work is primarily performed primarily in a field setting with temperatures varying from
-20 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Weather conditions may include heat, cold, rain, snow, fog, smoke from wildland fires and wind. Incumbent will operate various vessels ranging in size from 12 to 70 feet in length on Lake Superior. Vessel operation occurs in varying types of weather, wind, and sea conditions mostly during day light hours. The incumbent will be exposed to smoke and fumes from vehicles and equipment, loud noises, and slippery surfaces.

The position will involve exposure to hazards and risk situations relating to mechanical equipment, utility systems, tight or confined spaces, and areas requiring the use of agency-provided personal protective equipment (PPE). Occasional travel, including overnight travel, is required. The work environment includes frequent interaction with park staff, and occasionally the public, in both routine and emergency situations. Incumbent may be called out at any time of the day or night as emergencies dictate.

Area information:
From mid-April through October, this position is required to live and work in the park, which is approximately 70 miles by water or sea plane from Houghton, Michigan. Isle Royale is a large, remote, isolated island in northwestern Lake Superior and is 99% designated wilderness. The park offers superb recreational…