The position is located in Cotton and Tobacco Program's ten Cotton Classing Offices under the direction of the Area Director. The incumbent serves as an Instrument Mechanic (Intermediate), responsible for routine troubleshooting, repairing, modifying, calibrating, testing, and installation of various mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and electronic instrument systems employed in cotton classing systems.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Performs handwork, such as grinding, filing and shimmying to obtain correct assembly and finish of equipment. Performs standard checks for proper vacuum pressures, temperatures, voltage, and other parameters related to the operations of High-Volume Instruments (HVI). Consults with Journeymen Instrument Mechanic on the proper interpretation of diagnostic evaluations and what corrective procedures to apply. Works with and advises Instrument Mechanic Helpers on lab and HVI safety protocols, and troubleshooting. Coordinates with shift supervisor and assigns Instrument Mechanic Helpers work assignments.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male 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 https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Prior to an official offer, selectee will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging/accepting that geographic mobility is a condition of employment. Failure to sign the MOU will result in withdrawal of the job offer.
• Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-08 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Independent experience in mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic principles to troubleshoot, repair, modify, calibrate, test, maintain and install a variety of devices and equipment employed in cotton classing systems. Independent experience using hand tools and general shop bench equipment used to perform grinding, filing, leveling, tap and die, extracting screws, and fabricating minor sheet metal projects. Independent experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access to write reports, procedures, and testing material; analyze data, and organize correspondences. Independent experience in effective oral and written skills to provide guidance, training, and share information with a broad audience, including supervisors, peers, and direct reports. NOTE: There is no education substitution at this grade level. Please note that possession of a current valid Technician Qualification Standard certification is preferred for this position. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Marketing Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]