This position is located within the Cotton Gin Research Unit of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Las Cruces, NM. In this position, you will plan, layout, and develop templates for the construction, assembly, and installation of unique and irregular items or systems in a cotton ginning research environment.

Duties

Installs a variety of sheet metal items in cotton ginning systems and assists with other phases of the ginning research program. Participates with staff in the fabrication, modification, assembly, and installation of experimental equipment in support of the research programs. Performs a variety of welding duties, such as shielded metal arc (Stick) and gas metal arc (metal inert gas or MIG) welding. Supports research testing, handles cotton, performs sample weighing and processing, operates a forklift, and performs miscellaneous activities incidental to the research program and the Laboratory’s operation. Uses measuring instruments such as rules, tapes, and compasses to measure plans and patterns, and calculators to manipulate measurements. Reads and interprets blueprints, and often works from their own measurements and/or job orders from Project Leaders.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit – Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Motor Vehicle Driver's License required.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 10/18/2023. 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, Sheet Metal Mechanic without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Physical Effort Physical exertion is moderate and includes prolonged standing; climbing up and down ladders and scaffoldings; working in cramped and awkward positions while installing items; and reaching, lifting, and bending while using hand and powered tools. At times, there is continuous exertion while working on large or bulkier systems. Weight lifted occasionally exceeds 50 pounds. Working Conditions Works both inside and outside. Is exposed to noise, dust, heat, and cold, and to physical hazards from powered tools and machinery, metal chips, snags, and burning by welding equipment. Some tasks require wearing personal protective equipment, such as welding helmets, aprons, safety glasses, dust masks, ear protection, hard hats, etc.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 2150 Centre Avenue Building D, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80526 US
• Name: Robert Green
• Phone: (703) 259-9392
• Email: [email protected]