Chemical Operator Assistant Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

This position is located on United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Facilities Engineering, in Manhattan, KS.
The position is located in the Facilities Operation and Management Unite (FOMU) and the incumbent serves as an autoclave maintenance and repair mechanic.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 08/13/2026
Qualifications will be determined under the Job Element Rating System X-118C, Qualifications Standard Handbook. While a specific length of time and experience is not required for most Wage Grade positions, you must show through experience and training that you possess the best qualified level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of this position. Qualification requirements emphasize the quality of experience, not necessarily the length. The responses to the questionnaire and your resume should be in significant detail to provide the person rating your application with a good understanding of your ability to do the job, technical knowledge, work, and training experience, etc. (For example You must have the ability to perform the duties of a Utility Systems Repairer Operator, without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration.
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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Physical Effort
Makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the parts of systems worked on are in hard-to-reach places. Required to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The work involves frequent lifting, carrying, and setting up parts and equipment that weighs over up to 75 pounds with appropriate support.
Work Conditions
Required to work in areas that include equipment that are in continual operation, and exposure to abnormal noise levels; where infectious agents may be present; and involve exposure to mechanical injury, gas, cuts, bruises, fumes, dirt and grease. Required to wear personal protective equipment such as ear protection, safety glasses, respirators, protective clothing, safety shoes, and gloves will be needed on a regular basis.
Required to attend all training assigned for the safe use, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals and be able and willing to understand and execute all safety precautions when working with hazardous chemicals.
May be required to frequently wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators, eye and ear protection, boots, gloves, and coveralls when working in any of the laboratories. PPE provides necessary protection against biological and chemical hazards but may increase the risk of accidents due to decreased vision, hampered communication, limited mobility and dexterity. Physical well-being may be compromised by the prolonged usage of the PPE may lead to labored respiration, heat stress and dehydration.
The health status of personnel is monitored periodically using biologic and serologic tests and physical examinations. A baseline sample may be required before entering and working in the biocontainment facilities. May be required to pass periodic fitness for duty physicals.
Must follow instructions regarding decontamination from biocontainment.
Must shower out of biocontainment one or more times per day without any skin condition is required. Body piercings must be able to be removed prior to entry.
External medical assist devices must have the ability to be removed prior to entering biocontainment and the individual must still be able to shower out safely without assistance.
Any medical condition which could create an unsafe environment for the individual or co-workers, such as insufficient control of a medical disorder which could result in sudden loss of consciousness; or inadequate vision and hearing required for safety in a laboratory environment.
For the health and safety of the incumbent and to prevent the spread of disease, immunization against diseases being studied at NBAF which are transmissible to humans may be required where the vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness under the provision of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended 21 USC 321 -392. Where the vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for investigational purposes, the incumbent will be advised that such immunization is voluntary.
Due to the contagious nature to livestock of Foot-and-Mouth disease, and other diseases under study at NBAF, personal quarantine for employees working in Biosafety Level (BSL)-3 , BS L3 enhanced, BS L3 Ag and BSLA biocontainment will be required. As a condition for employment, all personnel entering the BSL-3 or higher biocontainment facilities at NBAF shall not be in contact with specific susceptible animals and their premises away from NBAF for a period of five (5 ) days after leaving biocontainment. Currently, restricted species are cattle, sheep, goats, deer, other ruminants, and swine.
Contact with horses, birds (agricultural and pet birds) and rabbits are normally permitted, but restrictions may be placed on staff working with or near contagious agents affecting these species Restricted livestock or other restricted animals may not be housed on the premises where the employee lives and where the quarantine cannot be enforced. Employees who violate this requirement may be removed from employment or subject to other disciplinary actionsEducation:This position does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER