SummaryThis position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas.
In this position, you will perform the full range of maintenance, repair, and preventative maintenance for a variety of complex systems and equipment for a large and complex research facility.
Learn more about this agencyDutiesHelp
- Diagnose problems and malfunctions and repairs or replaces parts or mechanisms such as chillers, compressor parts, condensers, evaporators, fan motors, motor starters, contactors, relays, thermostats and humidistats, transformers, and capacitors.
- Install, modify, repair, maintain, troubleshoot, test and load new and existing electric lines, circuits and systems and associated fixtures, controls and equipment.
- Use advanced shop mathematics to plan and compute complex and exact projects such as calculation length of wire.
- Monitor automatic transfer switches for seamless transfer during power outages.
- Use measurement, test and calibration instruments such as flow meters, recording meters, micrometer, and volt-ohm meter.
- Operate a computer and software programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Internet Explorer to collect, tabulate and summarize data.
- Operate heavy equipment such as forklifts, tractors, applying safety training.
- Monitor operational phases of power boil plant operations such as water treatment, fuel systems, steam generation and pollution control.
RequirementsHelp
Conditions of employment- You must be a US Citizen or US National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
- Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
- This is an essential/emergency position; the incumbent is required to report to duty during emergencies, critical periods, or during times when the Government is closed due to inclement weather of budget cut-off.
- Restrictions against contact with birds and livestock outside the laboratory may apply after entering high security animal facilities that are working with disease agents foreign to the United States.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.
- This position requires a pre-employment and annual physical.
- Respirator fitting and certification is required within 12 months of employment.
- Drug test required.
- The incumbent is required to work off hour shifts including nights and weekends as a Utility Systems Repairer Operator, guiding other USROs in their full range of operations, troubleshooting malfunctioning equipment.
QualificationsIn order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 07/02/2026 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 Operatorwithout more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the
SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration.
Physical EffortThe incumbent frequently works in strained positions while cleaning equipment or lifting heavy equipment or tools. Work activities require considerable walking, standing and stooping on concrete and climbing stairways and ladders and catwalks. The incumbent regularly lifts objects weighing up to 75 pounds with proper support.
Working ConditionsWork is accomplished both inside and outside in all kinds of weather. Work is performed in areas that include equipment that is in continual operation, abnormal noise levels, and poor ventilation. The work involves exposure to infection, mechanical injury, gas, cuts, bruises, fumes, dirt and grease. Safety equipment must be used when required.
The incumbent 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.
Other ConsiderationsThe health status of personnel is monitored periodically using biologic and serologic tests and physical examinations.
To prevent the transmission of disease out of biocontainment and retention of the position, the incumbent must meet the following medical standards in a pre-employment medical examination conducted after the receipt of a preliminary job offer and on a periodic basis:
- Ability to 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;
- Ability to follow instructions regarding decontamination from biocontainment.
- Any medical condition which could create an unsafe environment for the individual or his/her 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.
- Medical confidentiality will be maintained by the examining physician and only fitness (or unfit) for duty determination will be indicated. The incumbent will also be required to pass periodic fitness for duty physicals. In addition, a medical clearance will be required in the event that it becomes necessary to enter an area where an air purifying respirator or other respiratory protection is required.
- A baseline blood sample may be required for employees entering and working in the biocontainment facilities. 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, Biological Safety Regulations specify a personal quarantine for employees working in BSL-3, 3 enhanced, 3Ag and 4 biocontainment. 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 actions.
EducationThis position does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information- Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
- Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
- This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
- This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
BenefitsHelp
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.