Summary This position is located within the Facilities Engineering Unit of the National Animal Disease Center (NADC) for USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in Ames, IA. In this position, you will assist higher-graded employees in a wide range of crafts and trades to operate, maintain, and repair a variety of mechanical and building systems in laboratories, animal housing, and support buildings. Responsibilities Assists in a wide range of crafts and trades as assigned for NCAH’s Common Services Division in research laboratories, animal housing, biocontainment facilities and support buildings. Assists with repair of drains and plumbing systems. Assists with concrete, painting, and carpentry work. Uses pertinent repair and maintenance manuals. Works under supervision adhering to detailed oral or written work assignments and instructions. Operates and maintains specialized equipment and tools. Assists with maintenance and repair of vacuum, oil, and water pumps; bearings, belts, temperature control valves; steam traps; and electrical systems. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 12/11/2024. 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, Maintenance Worker Helper without more than normal supervision (Screen Out). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Physical Effort: Work requires active walking, prolonged periods of standing, climbing, stooping, bending, crawling, and working in cramped positions or crowded areas. May be required to lift items up to 100 lb. Working Conditions: Subject to fumes from welding, soldering and sparks, gases, and toxic fumes. Subject to infection, injury, and continuous exposure to hazards of cuts, bruises, noise, vibrations, burns, dust, dirt, and danger from flying chips when using powered and hand tools. Subject to falls when working on ladders and scaffolds. Usually works in side of heated buildings but may be required to work on equipment and roofs outside in inclement weather. Must wear a full face respirator when working in biological control areas; restrictions of facial hair may be imposed for proper use of personal protective equipment. Other Considerations: May be called in nights and weekends to make or assist in emergency repairs or operations. Incumbent must possess valid state-issued driver's license to work independently, unescorted in unsecured areas primarily for delivering air filters, but also for cleaning air handling equipment, changing filters and other less-skilled HVAC related duties. This position requires the selectee to undergo a Special Agreements Check (SAC) and a Security Risk Assessment (SRA). Any offer made is considered a tentative job offer pending the outcome of the SAC. Retention in the position is contingent on a favorable SRA and full background investigation. The incumbent will be subject to periodic reinvestigations. Education This 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 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. This position is designated as a bargaining unit position and is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).
