Engineering Technician (Utility Instrumentation)
What you'd do
The position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief of Operations, Director, Utilities and Power Plant Operations, Assistant Director, Utility Services Division, Utility Distribution Branch. The incumbent ensures accurate flow measurement, reliable system performance, proper data collection, and integration with facility monitoring systems to support operations, maintenance planning, energy management, utility accounting, and regulatory compliance.
Major duties
The incumbent serves as a Utility Instrumentation Technician and is responsible for oversight, management and monitoring the installation, operation, maintenance, calibration, testing, troubleshooting, repair, and performance verification of flow measurement systems and associated instrumentation supporting the Capitol Power Plant Utility Distribution Systems (UDS). The incumbent supports accurate monitoring of steam, condensate return, chilled water, domestic water, and other utility systems serving facilities throughout the Capitol campus. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Confined Space Certification to inspect underground utility tunnels. This position requires a valid D.C. or State motor vehicle operator's license. This position may be filled at the GS-10, GS-11 or GS-12. If starting at the lower levels, developmental assignments will be given with the goal of attaining the full performance level. Promotions can be attained without further competition up to the GS-12. Duties quoted below are for the GS-12 level. Utility Instrumentation Operation and Maintenance (35%) Serves as the Utility Distribution Branch technical specialist for flow metering systems, instrumentation, and associated monitoring equipment. Oversees and manages Installation, commissioning, configuration, calibration, and maintaining a variety of flow measurement technologies including magnetic, ultrasonic, differential pressure, insertion, and mechanical flow meters. Performs routine inspections, operational testing, calibration verification, and preventive maintenance of flow meters and associated instrumentation. Diagnoses meter inaccuracies, communication failures, instrumentation problems, and system performance issues. Performs corrective maintenance and coordinates repairs with contractors and equipment manufacturers as necessary. Conducts field investigations to verify meter accuracy, identify utility losses, detect abnormal flow conditions, and support operational troubleshooting. Maintains accurate calibration records, maintenance logs, testing reports, and equipment documentation using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and other data management tools. Reviews manufacturer recommendations, industry standards, and operational requirements to develop and update maintenance procedures and testing protocols. Instrumentation and Data Management (30%) Supports integration and operation of flow meters with SCADA systems, building automation systems, data loggers, and other monitoring platforms. Collects, validates, analyzes, and reports utility flow data used for operational decision-making, energy management, asset management, and system performance evaluations. Assists with development and maintenance of utility metering databases, equipment inventories, and historical performance records. Verifies data integrity and coordinates corrective actions when communication, reporting, or instrumentation issues are identified. Coordinates and evaluates development of performance metrics and reports related to utility consumption, system efficiency, and infrastructure condition assessments. Project Support and Technical Assistance (30%) Provides technical support for utility metering improvement projects, flow meter replacements, new installations, and system upgrades. Assists with project planning, field investigations, equipment selection, testing requirements, and commissioning activities. Reviews technical drawings, equipment specifications, wiring diagrams, and manufacturer documentation related to metering and instrumentation systems. Coordinates with engineers, project managers, contractors, and utility personnel during design, installation, testing, and startup activities. Participates in field inspections to verify contractor performance, installation quality, and compliance with project requirements. Provides guidance, technical advice and consultation on program and project administration. Contributes to the resolution of technical difficulties that are amenable to changes in approach, criteria or requirements. Conducts studies to develop criteria for situations encountered in field inspections. Shall acquire the required training to serve as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for UDS Instrumentations (including flow meters) operations and maintenance contract. Utilizes professional expertise to develop and review: (1) technical specifications; (2) construction documents; (3) internal government cost estimates; (4) construction cost estimates; (5) statements of work; and (6) work plans for construction projects and professional design services. Develops and maintains progress schedules and reports. Manages critical path activities recommending courses of action for problem resolution.
What you need to qualify
You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at OPM Qualifications Standards Specialized experience: is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Candidates for the GS-10 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as having the following experience. GS-12 must demonstrate 4 out of 6 skillsets. Demonstrated knowledge of flow measurement technologies, instrumentation systems, and utility distribution infrastructure. 2. Demonstrated knowledge of installation, calibration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of flow meters and associated instrumentation. 3. Demonstrated knowledge of steam, condensate, chilled water, domestic water, and related utility systems. 4. Demonstrated knowledge of SCADA systems, data acquisition systems, communications protocols, and computerized monitoring systems. 5. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, piping diagrams, instrumentation diagrams, technical specifications, and manufacturer manuals. 6. Ability to analyze technical data, identify equipment deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions. Candidates for the GS-11 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-10 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as having the following experience. GS-12 must demonstrate 5 out of 6 skillsets. Demonstrated knowledge of flow measurement technologies, instrumentation systems, and utility distribution infrastructure. 2. Demonstrated knowledge of installation, calibration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of flow meters and associated instrumentation. 3. Demonstrated knowledge of steam, condensate, chilled water, domestic water, and related utility systems. 4. Demonstrated knowledge of SCADA systems, data acquisition systems, communications protocols, and computerized monitoring systems. 5. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, piping diagrams, instrumentation diagrams, technical specifications, and manufacturer manuals. 6. Ability to analyze technical data, identify equipment deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions. Candidates for the GS-12 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as having the following experience. GS-12 must demonstrate 6 out of 6 skillsets. Demonstrated knowledge of flow measurement technologies, instrumentation systems, and utility distribution infrastructure. 2. Demonstrated knowledge of installation, calibration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of flow meters and associated instrumentation. 3. Demonstrated knowledge of steam, condensate, chilled water, domestic water, and related utility systems. 4. Demonstrated knowledge of SCADA systems, data acquisition systems, communications protocols, and computerized monitoring systems. 5. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, piping diagrams, instrumentation diagrams, technical specifications, and manufacturer manuals. 6. Ability to analyze technical data, identify equipment deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions. A valid D.C. or State motor vehicle operator's license.
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