BACKGROUND
The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a unique facility located at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD, dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. Established in response to biodefense gaps identified after the Amerithrax attacks of 2001, NBACC has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006.
NBACC supports DHS and national biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization, and bioforensic analyses. It addresses critical scientific knowledge gaps regarding biological agents to protect the public and defend the nation against biological threats—whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate. NBACC also provides federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and the protection of the U.S. bioeconomy.
NBACC is comprised of two centers:
- National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC): Conducts technical analyses to support federal law enforcement investigations.
- National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC): Conducts experiments and studies to gather data for understanding biological vulnerabilities and hazards.
Together, these centers serve as a national resource for assessing risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies, informing biodefense policy and response planning, and supporting the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs troubleshooting, operation, and intermediate level maintenance on specialty facility systems and industrial control systems (e.g., Building Automation System (BAS), autoclaves, security/access control systems, equipment/filter certification systems, and electrical control systems) with limited supervision.
- Independently performs minor repairs and component replacements on specialty and noncritical systems, including field devices such as actuators, control valves, sensors, low voltage control wiring, and control modules or field panels, as directed by senior staff or vendor specifications.
- Adjusts BAS setpoints, schedules, and system parameters within predefined limits to maintain environmental conditions and support laboratory and facility operations; may perform basic programming diagnostics or point checks and operates HMI/BAS front ends to investigate alarms and system performance.
- Supports the Certification Program (e.g., HEPA/filter certification, equipment certifications, equipment validations) by independently executing assigned tests, calibration, and validation procedures and documenting results; work is reviewed and verified by FSS III or senior staff.
- Performs filter certifications and related tests in accordance with NSF, CDC/NIH BMBL, and applicable NBACC standards, ensuring proper documentation and communication of results.
- Supports calibration and validation of specialty systems and equipment (e.g., autoclaves, decontamination systems), including setup, execution, documentation, and coordination with vendors and senior staff; identifies out of tolerance conditions and assists in remediation.
- Monitors specialty facility systems and industrial controls (e.g., BAS alarms, security system status, autoclave cycles, electrical system indicators) and responds to alarms or deviations as part of the on-call program, stabilizing conditions and escalating issues to FSS/FMS III, Facility Coordinator, or Supervisor as appropriate.
- Assists senior technicians during emergency repairs or incidents involving specialty facility systems, such as critical BAS failures, autoclave malfunctions, or security system outages; may lead the technical response to security system malfunctions (e.g., badge reader failures) under established procedures.
- Serves as a technical point of contact for assigned specialty systems or processes (e.g., BAS, autoclaves, equipment/filter certification, security controls, or electrical control systems), providing subject matter input to internal stakeholders, vendors, and senior facilities staff.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assists technicians with predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance tasks on facility equipment by performing assigned tasks with limited supervision, particularly where specialty systems interface with general facility infrastructure.
- Provides escorting and on-floor support for specialty vendors and subcontractors (e.g., BAS integrators, autoclave manufacturers, security system providers), including communicating system history and providing input on scope and quality of work.
- Mentors and trains junior staff (FMS I and other entry level personnel) on basic specialty system operation, alarm recognition, safe work practices, and relevant biosafety/biosecurity protocols.
- Contributes to the development and improvement of maintenance procedures, SOPs, and system documentation by identifying recurring issues, data trends, or opportunities to improve reliability, compliance, and efficiency; provides input that may be incorporated into formal procedures by senior staff.
- Completes tasks assigned through the Asset Management/CMMS system, ensuring accurate and timely entry of labor, materials, system conditions, and corrective actions to support regulatory compliance and reliable system history.
- Independently conducts periodic inspections of facility spaces and specialty system components to identify maintenance and repair opportunities and takes appropriate action, including initiating follow-up work orders or escalation to senior staff.
- Supports root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) activities for specialty system failures or deviations by providing technical information, data, and recommendations; may lead smaller RCA efforts where they have demonstrated subject matter expertise.
- Follows facility specific biosafety and biosecurity protocols, including proper use of PPE and adherence to NBACC safety procedures and applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements (CDC/NIH BMBL, NFPA, ISO, NSF, DHS, DoD, etc.).
- Exhibits teamwork, clear communication, openness to ideas, and patience with colleagues, working collaboratively with FMS and FSS staff, EHS/Biosafety, Security, and laboratory personnel.
- Demonstrates the ability to multitask, maintain composure under pressure, and utilize effective time management skills to prioritize tasks in a complex, high containment environment.
- Is a self-starter driven by an eagerness to succeed, maintaining flexibility, adapting to change productively, learning new concepts, and using critical thinking to resolve complex technical problems.
- Maintains appropriate records.
- Performs other duties as assigned/authorized.
QUALIFICATIONS
- High School graduate (or equivalent) with a minimum of 4 years of experience related to commercial and industrial electromechanical control systems. Previous experience maintaining control systems or calibrating research equipment within high-containment facilities is preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered as substitution for the specific requirements outlined above.
- Demonstrates thorough knowledge of OSHA safety regulations. OSHA 10 or 30 certification required.
- Specialty knowledge in Facility Systems (e.g., Building Automation System (BAS), Autoclaves, Security Systems, Equipment Certification, or Electrical Systems).
- Basic understanding of computer networking.
- Intermediate understanding of Electro-mechanical control systems.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics for electrical and control systems.
- Proficient computer skills (e.g., electronic forms, office applications, web-based applications).
- Ability to work independently on non-critical systems and under supervision for critical systems.
- Ability to mentor and train junior staff on general processes.
- Must be willing to obtain and maintain NSF certification for Biosafety Cabinets.
- Must be willing to obtain and maintain qualifications for maintenance activities in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 biocontainment laboratories.
- Familiarity with Airlock decontamination using Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide.
- Ability to lift, move, and transport up to 50 pounds.
- Skills and experience to support laboratory activities in accordance with NBACC’s management system (e.g., ISO).
SECURITY/ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Must be a U.S. citizen, able to obtain and maintain an interim secret clearance leading to a top-secret clearance and suitability for DHS.
- Participation in the Immunization Program, Medical Surveillance Program, and/or enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) is required.
- May be required to participate in NBACC’s alternative work schedule and/or on-call schedule, depending on business needs.