The following positions are located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center, Facilities Engineering Unit, with two vacancies in Ames, IA.
This announcement is only open to current ARS employees with competitive status and USDA CTAP/RPL eligibles.
Summary
The following positions are located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center, Facilities Engineering Unit, with two vacancies in Ames, IA.
This announcement is only open to current ARS employees with competitive status and USDA CTAP/RPL eligibles.
Assists with mechanical and plumbing repairs and other trades such as electrical, carpentry, heating and ventilating, metalwork, and snow removal. Directs lower graded employees and/or helpers in accomplishment of assigned tasks.
Locates defects or malfunctions by troubleshooting in gas, water, steam and sewage systems and repairs by repacking or replacing parts or lines for proper circulation, flow, pressure, leak-free joints, and operation.
Installs steam traps, automotive control valves, backflow preventer valves, float-control valves, pressure-reducing valves, filters; joins and seals systems and equipment using welding, brazing, soldering, etc.
Cleans sewer drains and works on all types of drain cleaning equipment, including manual and motorized cable cleaners and high-pressure jet cleaning equipment.
Installs and maintains animal waterer and center potable and industrial water distribution systems
Uses dividers, chalklines, plumb bobs, templates, star drills, grinders, flanges, hand and powered pipe threaders and cutters, pipe wrenches, mercury gauges, closet augers, hydrostatic pumps, hand torches, welding rods, manual and motorized drain cleaning equipment. Assists with snow removal via shovels, snowblowers, tractors with buckets/pushers, trucks with snow plows, sanders, salt spreaders.
Selects materials needed for installation or repair jobs.
Selects appropriate pipe, joint and valve sizes needed to support pressures of systems, aligns pipes, valves, fittings, and joints for accurate match, installs braces and supports, seating equipment, couplings, unions and joints.
Constructs, installs, repairs, alters, and tests high pressure piping systems and equipment (i.e., gas, water, steam, air and drainage) constructed of steel, cast iron, transite, copper, brass, and plastic materials.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
You must be a US Citizen or US National.
Subject to satisfactory completion of a one year probationary period.
This position requires the selectee to undergo a Special Agreement Check (SAC), Security Risk Assessment (SRA), and a full background investigation (Moderate Risk/Public Trust – Minimum Background Investigation (MBI)). Any offer made is considered a tentative job offer pending the outcome of the SAC. Retention in the position is contingent on a favorable full background investigation (MBI). The incumbent will be subject to periodic reinvestigations.
Physical Effort: Work is done on benches, supports, ladders, scaffolds, roofs, in modules, around and under laboratory equipment, on catwalks which require continuous standing, stooping, bending, climbing, working overhead in stretched, cramped and awkward positions and holding welding torch and rod suspended for short intermittent periods of time, involves arm strain when required to weld in awkward positions and lay a long joint. Lifts and carries items weighing up to and occasionally exceeding 50 lb.
Working Conditions: Exposed to hazards of sparks, gases, toxic fumes, danger of severe burns, cuts, bruises, noise, vibrations, dust, dirt, danger from flying metal chips when using powered and hand tools, and to the discomfort of wearing heavy goggles or hood over face, awkwardness of wearing gloves, continuous eye strain from glare of torches and heated metal objects, and falls when working in high places using ladders, scaffolds, and platforms. Changes clothing provided by center while at work duty station. May be required to shower prior to reporting to duty station and/or in accordance with entrance/exit safety protocols for specific areas of the center. Work is performed inside under generally favorable conditions and outside subject to all kinds of weather conditions. 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.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement:
Time in grade: Applicants must meet one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade.
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. You must have the ability to perform the duties of a Maintenance Mechanic WG-10 , without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration .
Additional information
Direct Deposit – Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
E-Verify: Federal law requires agencies to use the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. If you are selected as a newly hired employee, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form 1-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS E-VERIFY system. Under the system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL or ICTAP eligibility see http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. 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.
This position is eligible for telework and other flexible work arrangements.
This is a bargaining unit designated position.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND FINGERPRINT CHECK: Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check) and a background investigation.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Managements (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures using category rating. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of two or three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Category placement will be determined based on applicants quality of experience and the extent they possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) or competencies:
Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
Knowledge of Materials
Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions. Your resume must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position. Those determined to be in the best qualified category will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.
Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply Online" button to the right.
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.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
• Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor’s phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications. • Current USDA-ARS employees: o Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing that you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND o Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan. Current permanent USDA-ARS employees must submit your most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action, (SF-50 or equivalent) showing your highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) per above. • Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
NOTE: You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system. Applicants may combine all like required documents (e.g., all SF-50s) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping like documents into files will simplify the application process. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.
USDA/ARS
5601 Sunnyside Ave
Beltsville, Maryland, 20705
United States
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account at https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
• Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor’s phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications. • Current USDA-ARS employees: o Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing that you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND o Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan. Current permanent USDA-ARS employees must submit your most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action, (SF-50 or equivalent) showing your highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) per above. • Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
NOTE: You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system. Applicants may combine all like required documents (e.g., all SF-50s) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping like documents into files will simplify the application process. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.
USDA/ARS
5601 Sunnyside Ave
Beltsville, Maryland, 20705
United States
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account at https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
