As an Electronics Technician you will provide support in the acquisition, use, care, handling, and calibration of instrumentation in the Calibration Laboratory of the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL). Test results directly derived from properly maintained and calibrated equipment have direct impact on long-term research projects, production of accurate, reliable and timely diagnostic test results, and credibility of our national and international health programs.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Utilizes precise measurement standards in performing calibrations to ensure traceability, reproducibility, and repeatability. Assists in establishing and maintaining the Calibration Lab’s (CL) traceability to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other authorized international agencies. Performs calibrations, adjustments, preventive maintenance and repair of other laboratory equipment. Troubleshoots and performs repair of malfunctioning equipment, and/or assists supervisor or other laboratory staff or vendors in the performance of same. Utilizes in place quality software tools of the NVSL Quality Assurance program to ensure compliance with quality standards, established industry good practices and regulatory code. Participates in internal auditing according to NVSL policy and procedures. Provides operational service support of the site automated environmental monitoring system, monitoring over 1000 critical environmental and safety parameters in multiple locations. Assists in the development of training programs related to safe instrument use, function check protocols, equipment maintenance and calibration, and maintaining measurement traceability.

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/
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• A significant amount of this work is accomplished the highly environmentally stable CL with precisely controlled temperature and humidity.
• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, warehouse, or outdoor facilities. May be exposed to disagreeable odors when working around animals and steam sterilizers.
• May be exposed to hot and cold conditions, high noise levels, and harmful biological, chemical, and physical agents. Immunizations may be required.
• Protective devices such as gloves, goggles, face mask, or respirators, and facial hair restrictions may be required. Required to wear full face respirator when working in biological control areas.
• Required to maintain deployment readiness which includes the Federal Occupational Health (FOH) medical clearance process to initiate or renew individual medical clearance within 30 days.
• Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) database check required for work involving Biological Select Agents and Toxins.

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-5 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-4 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Communicating technical and operational electronics information through written and verbal communication to co-workers and customers. Applying a high degree of hand dexterity for prolonged periods of continual and precise manipulations of electronic equipment such as pipettes and balance thermometers, including tedious and repetitive motions. Calibrating electronic laboratory equipment, applying a variety of protocols, guidelines, manuals, standard reference materials, calibration laboratory procedures, ISO/IEC 17025, and any other relevant procedures and standards. OR Successful completion of all the requirements for a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electronics technology OR 3 years of study in an accredited (by an Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) curriculum in electronics OR Full 4-year course of study leading to a Bachelor's degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of courses in engineering, physical science, technology, or mathematics. At least 12 of the 24 hours must have been in electronics courses. FOR THE GS-6 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Using and maintaining common and electronic pipettes. Assisting and collaborating in the creation of quality assurance documents and drafting Calibration Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, and Forms. Identifying and resolving technical processes involving standard operation procedures and consultation with scientific staff. Communicating technical and operational information through written and verbal communication to co-workers and customers. Applying a high degree of hand dexterity for prolonged periods of continual and precise manipulations of equipment such as pipettes and balance thermometers, including tedious and repetitive motions. Calibrating laboratory equipment, applying a variety of protocols, guidelines, manuals, standard reference materials, calibration laboratory procedures, ISO/IEC 17025, and any other relevant procedures and standards. OR Successful completion of eighteen (18) semester hours of related graduate education obtained from an accredited college or university in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electronics technology. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for the GS-05 and GS-06 grade levels. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-05 and GS-06 GRADE LEVELS: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that 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

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

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]