The incumbent performs duties as an Engineering Technician - Digital Controls Specialist. This position is located within the Facility Management staff at the National Center for Applied Plant Protection (NCAPP), in Beltsville, Maryland. The NCAPP is a world reference laboratory for plant diagnostic testing and deals with many complex diseases and pathogens that threaten agricultural and native plants.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Works closely with scientific personnel to produce the scientific environmental conditions required to support research and plant pathogen detection. Performs work of a broad scope and complexity that requires the ability to interpret, select, adopt, modify, program, and apply numerous specifications and engineering guidelines. Troubleshoots complex system operating parameters and makes control logic adjustments to computer control systems and control system operators and/or components. Troubleshoots both software and hardware operational problems relating to the building automation systems, making repairs, program changes, and replacement of components as required. Reviews and maintains digital controls and facility automation systems diagrams and digital and pneumatic control system diagrams. Maintains appropriate records and logs of all pertinent information regarding modifications, maintenance, operating characteristics and repairs made to control logic systems. Assists in the sequence of operation and alarm diagnosis of the three facility chillers. Receives and analyzes emergency phone calls, exercises considerable judgment relative to the building automation system and physical plant. Carries out complex projects, engineering studies and investigations in support of the operation and maintenance of the state-of –the art quarantine/containment facility.

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 E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• The incumbent must be available for on-call duty outside of normal duty hours, in accordance with procedures established for control of such on-call duty.
• The incumbent may be required to work emergency duty or respond to emergency calls any time of day, night, weekends, or holidays.
• Must carry a cell phone for on-call duty when assigned.
• The incumbent is required to operate a government-owned vehicle and must maintain a valid operator’s license.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-10 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Performs a range of engineering tasks including HVAC modification designs, planning, heat load calculations, specialized air flows, humidity and refrigeration requirements, or digital control circuit designs. Interprets blueprints and specifications related to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and digital/pneumatic control systems. Utilizes scientific and laboratory equipment such as freeze dryers, refrigerated centrifuges, incubators, reverse cycle heat pumps, cascade systems, and dew chambers. Troubleshoots complex system operating parameters and making control logic adjustments to computer control systems and control system operators and/or components. Develops, simplifies, improves, and standardizes equipment or systems, and/or new design control techniques or methods. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. 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 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]