Summary This position is located within the Facilities Operation and Management unit of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Manhattan, KS. In this position, you will serve as an operations, maintenance and repair mechanic for the effluent decontamination system (EDS). Responsibilities Works from equipment/instrument plans, technical manuals, blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, engineering drawings, sketches and repair manuals to operate and maintain various systems and equipment. Trains or mentors other mechanics on the maintenance of specific systems. Troubleshoots malfunctioning equipment to perform the adjusting, cleaning, repairing and replacing of defective parts on all equipment. While operating effluent decontamination system (EDS), analyzes readings to determine operational status and necessary adjustments; and monitors, operates and makes necessary repairs in waste treatment. Observes all safety and security regulations and protocols. While operating the effluent decontamination system (EDS), responds to alarms to correct malfunctions or failures, and checks gauges for proper temperatures and airs balances, plugged drains, and control panels. 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: 05/20/2024. 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, 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 Effort The incumbent makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the parts of systems worked on are in hard-to-reach places. The incumbent is required to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The work involves frequent lifting, carrying, and setting up parts and equipment that weigh over up to 75 pounds with appropriate support. Shift work is required since services are performed in support of research facility on a continuous 24/7 basis, 365 days per year. Working Conditions The incumbent is required to work in areas that include equipment that are in continual operation, and exposure to abnormal noise levels; where infectious agents may be present; and involve exposure to mechanical injury, gas, cuts, bruises, fumes, dirt and grease; possible exposure to contagious diseases, pathogens, and other environmental hazards with the laboratory or various spaces. In addition, work on equipment may require roof locations of outlying buildings in inclement weather. The incumbent is required to wear personal protective equipment such as ear protection, safety glasses, respirators, protective clothing, safety shoes, and gloves will be needed on a regular basis. The incumbent is required to attend all training assigned for the safe use, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals and be able and willing to understand and execute all safety precautions when working with hazardous chemicals. 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. The health status of personnel is monitored periodically using biologic and serologic tests and physical examinations. A baseline blood sample may be required for the incumbent before entering and working in the biocontainment facilities. The incumbent may be required to pass periodic fitness for duty physicals. The incumbent must follow instructions regarding decontamination from biocontainment. The incumbent must 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. Any medical condition which could create an unsafe environment for the individual or 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. 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, personal quarantine for employees working in Biosafety Level (BSL)-3, BSL3 enhanced, BSL3Ag and BSL4 biocontainment will be required. 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. 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. This position is being concurrently announced under Merit Promotion Announcement Number ARS-M24Y-12407437-RG. Current or former Federal employees or other eligible applicants may apply to both announcements to expand all possibilities of consideration since different referral criteria apply to each type of announcement. See the above announcement for more information. 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.