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This is the position of Electrician, at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO), in the Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Amado, Arizona. The individual is responsible for installing, modifying, repairing, maintaining, troubleshooting, testing, and loading new and existing electrical lines, circuits, systems and associated fixtures, controls, and equipment.
03/24/2025 to 04/23/2025
$30.18 - $35.15 per hour
WG 10
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
No
Not required
No
Permanent - Career/Career-Conditional.
Full-time - Full Time
Competitive
10
No
No
25-71
834152800
This position is open to all U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals. Federal employees with permanent status or individuals eligible for special appointing authorities may also apply to Job Announcement 25-70.
1.Installs, modifies, maintains, repairs, troubleshoots, and tests circuits, systems, associated fixtures, controls, and equipment of secondary power distribution lines and circuits used to supply a wide range of voltage, amperage, phase, and frequency requirements to distribution panels, switchgear, power and control circuits, fire detection and suppression systems, security alarms, lightning protection systems, and electronic monitoring systems.
2.Works from building plans, blueprints, wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, and electrical maintenance and repair manuals. Plans and lays out the routing, placement type, size, gauge, balance, load, continuity, and safe operation of electrical lines, circuits, systems, equipment and controls that support industrial operations, computer complexes, or similar complex electrical loads. Traces hard-to-locate defects or problems associated with the completion of repairs and installations. Determines and places distribution panels, boxes, fittings, and connections and install wiring, couplings, conduit, relays, fixtures, transformers, and other electrical devices including electrical service entrances.
3.Conduct training for other employees in the preventive maintenance, electrical safety, and servicing of all electrical systems and equipment. Identifies and communicates opportunities for improvement, cost savings, productivity/efficiency improvements and safety improvements.
4.Collaborates with architects and engineers to identify discrepancies between blueprints and on-site conditions, ensuring accurate project execution. Works with projects teams to ensure projects were completed on schedule and within budget.
5.Designs and development of various electrical systems and controllers. Performs site audits and inspections. Engages in all phases of new product introduction, including concept. Incumbent troubleshoots, repairs, and conducts preventive maintenance on motor control centers. Performs preventive maintenance as scheduled or required on electrical equipment as recommended by the manufacturer and on site safety programs. Ensures all work meets prescribed standards of quality and ensures compliance with all laws, safety procedures, policies and codes. Inspects electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair. Monitors performance of equipment and informs management of any potential problems. Interprets and applies the National Electrical Code, local codes, etc., and uses trade formulas to calculate common properties.
Must have a valid drivers’ license and be able to operate a vehicle on a narrow, steep, unpaved mountain road.
Physical requirements: Repairs and installations are made from ladders, scaffolding, platforms and other hard-to-reach places. This requires the employee to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The work requires frequently lifting and carrying of tools, equipment and parts that weigh up to 20 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds.
As part of medical surveillance programs, the incumbent may be required to take medical examinations to assess his/her medical qualifications for the position of Electrician.
Working conditions: The work is performed both inside and outside. The Electrician is sometimes required to make repairs and installations in bad weather and work in areas that are noisy, dirty, dusty, and greasy on scaffolding or cranes at heights of 30 feet or more and in close quarters such as manholes and attics. There is exposure to the possibility of injury from falling, electrical shock, burns, and injuries from rotary devices such as electrical motors and is frequently exposed to the possibility of cuts and bruises.
Your overall experience and training must indicate that you have the minimum knowledge, skills, abilities needed to perform the duties of this position. There is no substitution of education for experience for this position. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Additional information on the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations can be found on OPM's web site at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
• Ability to perform electrician work without more than normal supervision.
• Ability to use electrical drawings
• Troubleshooting (electrical)
• Ability to use and maintain tools
• Theory and Instruments (electrical)
• Dexterity and Safety
Applicants who meet or exceed minimum qualifications will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria:
This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the vacancy questions will not be considered for this position.
Important Note:
Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience.
Your resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
Your application package must include the following documents:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note:
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.
Additional Information:
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/834152800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.