This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area (PA), at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS. In this position, you will serve as a wastewater treatment operator responsible for the operation of the plant including pretreatment, and primary, secondary and tertiary treatment.

Duties

Observes all safety and security regulations and protocols. Responds to warning signals of the variety of alarm systems in the plant, investigates the reason, and takes appropriate action to correct the problem. Regulates and controls chemical treatment processes, tests and analyzes sewage and sludge at prescribed points. Operates secondary clarifiers, trickling filters, rapid mix chambers, lime feed systems, pumps, valves, collector systems, and electronic monitoring equipment.

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/.
• Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver's License Required.
• Drug Test Required.
• Special Physical Requirements/Demands.
• SAC and full background investigation required for positions working with BSL-3 (or higher) agents, or in BSL-3/BSL-4 facilities.
• This is an essential/emergency position; the incumbent is required to report to duty during emergencies, critical periods, or during times when the Government is closed due to inclement weather of budget cut-off.
• National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) clearance is required.
• Immunizations may be required.
• Respirator fitting and certification is required.
• Restrictions against contact with birds and livestock outside the laboratory may apply after entering high security animal facilities that are working with disease agents foreign to the United States.
• The incumbent of the position requires possession and maintaining of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certification level 1 from the State of Kansas, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 07/10/2024 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 Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Physical Effort The incumbent frequently works in strained positions while cleaning equipment or lifting heavy equipment or tools. Work activities require considerable walking, standing on concrete and climbing stairways and ladders and catwalks. The incumbent regularly lifts objects weighing 45-50 pounds and occasionally heavier weights with proper support. Working Conditions Work is accomplished both inside and outside in all kinds of weather. Work sometimes requires exposure to running motors, pumps and machinery, loud noises, and poor ventilation. The incumbent is exposed to chlorine, sulfuric acid, methane gas, sulfur dioxide, bacteria, and occasionally unpleasant odors and fumes. Complete protective clothing including acid resistant gloves and aprons, gas mask or full-face shield, and respirator are required when working with dangerous chemicals. There is frequent exposure to dirty and greasy machinery. The incumbent may be required to frequently wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators, eye and ear protection, boots, gloves, and coveralls when working in any of the laboratories. PPE provides necessary protection against biological and chemical hazards, but may increase the risk of accidents due to decreased vision, hampered communication, limited mobility and dexterity. Physical well-being may be compromised by the prolonged usage of the PPE may lead to labored respiration, heat stress and dehydration. The health status of personnel is monitored periodically using biologic and serologic tests and physical examinations. Restrictions against contact with birds and livestock outside the laboratory may apply after entering high security animal facilities that are working with disease agents foreign to the United States. 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 2150 Centre Avenue Building D, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80526 US
• Name: Juliana Hensley
• Phone: (571) 669-3483
• Email: [email protected]