This position is located within the Facilities Division of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) for USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Beltsville, MD. In this position, you will perform the installation, repair, replacement, and troubleshooting of plumbing and plumbing related items.

Duties

Performs journeyman level installation, repair, replacement, and troubleshooting of plumbing and plumbing related items such as water closets, urinals, showers, and sanitary wastes and vents. Reads blueprints, sketches, and technical manuals to understand the functions of the parts or systems, to plan and lay out work, and to aid in finding faulty parts or systems. Installs new or repairs old hot water heaters ranging in size from 6 to 120 gallons. Assists in the installation, modification, and repair of flash and expansion tanks, vacuum lines, air lines, circulating pumps, and radiators. Installs and repairs relief valves, check valves, pressure regulators, modulating valves, expansion joints, thermostatic control valves, and other pressure supporting and controlling devices on hot water heating systems. Installs and repairs water pumps, steam valves, water coils, and steam coils. Troubleshoots and repairs defects in piping systems.

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 https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Must possess and maintain a valid, State-issued, motor vehicle operator's permit (i.e., a Class C or higher Maryland Noncommercial Driver's License or other State equivalent).
• Must possess and maintain a valid Back Flow Prevention Device Tester certification.

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. In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 02/23/2024. 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 Plumber, without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Physical Effort Incumbent works from ladders, scaffolds, and platforms where the systems and equipment are hard to reach. Is required to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, and generally work in confined and uncomfortable positions. Frequently lifts and carries parts, pipes, and other equipment in excess of 50 lb. Working Conditions Incumbent is subject to hot and cold temperatures both within and outside buildings and in tunnels. Works in hot, wet, muddy places, including barnyards and other unsanitary places. Is subject to burns, scalds, blowouts, abrasions, and possible infections due to unsanitary conditions. 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 Research Service 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Robert Green
• Phone: (703) 259-9392
• Email: [email protected]