Utility Systems Repairer Operator Leader
What you'd do
This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area (PA), National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS. In this position, you will serve as the Stationary Engineer Leader during shift and perform and lead the full range of maintenance, repair, and preventative maintenance for a variety of complex systems and equipment for a large and complex research facility.
Major duties
Provides lead activities over one or more Utility Systems Repairer-Operators and other wage grade shift members. In addition, the incumbent works in collaboration with other trades. Works along with other workers, sets the pace, demonstrates proper work methods, ad ensures everyone has assignments. Trains lower grade employees in proper operation and maintenance of HVAC Systems. Cross trains other trades and grade level employees in the operation, repair and maintenance of the CUP facility and all equipment as required. Diagnoses problems and repairs or replaces parts or mechanisms as needed on equipment, such as chillers, compressor parts, condensers, evaporators, fan motors, motor starters, contactors, relays, and thermostats. Installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs new and existing high-pressure piping systems and equipment such as steam heating, steam generation, and hydraulic systems, steam generators, flash and expansion tanks, and condensate. Provides maintenance, repair, and preventative maintenance for a variety of complex HVAC equipment. Uses building plans, repair manuals, and trade formulas to help in maintenance and repair of the plumbing system. Operates and maintains backup generators, including monitoring automatic transfer switches for seamless transfer during power outages.
What you need to qualify
In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 07/08/2026 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 Operator Leader without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Physical Requirements: The incumbent frequently works in strained positions while cleaning equipment or lifting heavy equipment or tools. Work activities require considerable walking, standing and stooping on concrete and climbing stairways and ladders and catwalks. The incumbent regularly lifts objects weighing up to 75 pounds with proper support. Working Conditions: Work is accomplished both inside and outside in all kinds of weather. Work is performed in areas that include equipment that is in continual operation, abnormal noise levels, and poor ventilation. The work involves exposure to infection, mechanical injury, gas, cuts, bruises, fumes, dirt and grease. Safety equipment must be used when required. 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. To prevent the transmission of disease out of biocontainment and retention of the position, the incumbent must meet the following medical standards in a pre-employment medical examination conducted after the receipt of a preliminary job offer and on a periodic basis: Ability to 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; Ability to follow instructions regarding decontamination from biocontainment; Any medical condition which could create an unsafe environment for the individual or his/her 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. Medical confidentiality will be maintained by the examining physician and only fitness (or unfit) for duty determination will be indicated. The incumbent will also be required to pass periodic fitness for duty physicals. In addition, a medical clearance will be required in the event that it becomes necessary to enter an area where an air purifying respirator or other respiratory protection is required. A baseline blood sample may be required for employees entering and working in the biocontainment facilities. 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, Biological Safety Regulations specify a personal quarantine for employees working in BSL-3, 3 enhanced, 3Ag and 4 biocontainment. 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 bio-containment. 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. Conditions of Employment: Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver's License Required Drug Test Required Special Physical Requirements/Demands SAC and full background investigation required for positions working with BSL-3 (or higher) agents, or in BSL-3/BSL-4 facilities. This is an essential/emergency position; the incumbent is required to report to duty during emergencies, critical periods, or during times when the Government is closed due to inclement weather of budget cut-off. Respirator fitting and certification is required. Restrictions against contact with birds and livestock outside the laboratory may apply after entering high security animal facilities that are working with disease agents foreign to the United States.
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