Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

Agricultural Research Service • Manhattan, KS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Plains Area, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas. Located in FOMU, the incumbent serves as an effluent decontamination system operations, maintenance, and repair mechanic. The role maintains equipment and systems that must remain in continuous operation, including building automation, electrical, utility, HVAC, laboratory support, and precision instrument systems. Work is performed inside and outside in varied weather and may involve noisy, poorly ventilated areas and exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The position requires shift work to support an operational area staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. It is an essential/emergency position, requiring attendance during emergencies and certain government closures. The role involves demanding physical work, use of personal protective equipment, security and medical clearances, and compliance with biocontainment procedures, including a five-day quarantine after facility entry.

Requirements

• Demonstrate the knowledge and skill to perform Utility Systems Repairer-Operator duties without more than normal supervision; applicants who do not meet this screen-out element will not receive further consideration.
• A specific length of experience is not required for most Wage Grade positions; qualifications are assessed based on the quality of experience and training.
• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Meet applicable background investigation, fingerprinting, security risk assessment, and drug testing requirements.
• Have a motor vehicle or commercial driver's license as required.
• Meet physical and medical standards, including the ability to shower out of biocontainment and follow decontamination instructions safely.
• Complete respirator fitting and certification and obtain medical clearance when respiratory protection is required.
• Comply with applicable immunization requirements and biocontainment animal-contact restrictions, including a five-day quarantine after leaving biocontainment.
• Work required shifts in an operational area staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and report during emergencies or specified government closures.
• Frequently work in strained positions; walk, stand, stoop, and climb stairs, ladders, and catwalks; and regularly lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds with proper support.
• Use required safety equipment and PPE, which may include masks or respirators, eye and ear protection, boots, gloves, and coveralls.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Complete a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
• Successfully pass E-Verify employment verification and use direct deposit for federal payments.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment and perform scheduled and unscheduled adjustments, cleaning, repairs, and replacement of defective parts and accessories.
• Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and repairs on electrically, electronically, and mechanically operated equipment of various types and sizes.
• Monitor the building automation system and respond to audible and visual alarms for malfunctioning equipment in outlying areas.
• Install, modify, repair, maintain, troubleshoot, test, and load electrical circuits, systems, fixtures, controls, and equipment.
• Install, modify, and repair utility, supply, and disposal systems on equipment, including water and steam service systems.
• Maintain, repair, and rebuild vacuum pumps.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC, control, and laboratory support systems.
• Install, repair, overhaul, test, calibrate, and troubleshoot industrial and precision instruments and equipment with multiple-component designs.
• Report for duty during emergencies, critical periods, and government closures when required.
• Use required safety equipment and personal protective equipment, and follow biocontainment decontamination and quarantine procedures.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized, subject to the hiring official's determination.
• Flexible work arrangements may be available under agency policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed