This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Midwest Area, National Animal Disease Center in Ames Iowa. In this position, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining center natural gas and propane/fuel-oil fired pathological incinerators (up to 700 lbs. per hour) for disposal.

Duties

Cleans and disinfects the incinerator areas, removes ash from the incinerator, and monitors condition of air filters for ventilation, replacing as necessary. Coordinates incineration operation with research and caretaker staff to pickup solid wastes from airlocks. Operates the incinerator, monitors incinerator controls, and determines when next load can be added to the incinerator. Operates pathological incinerators, that are licensed by the State of Iowa, under U.S. EPA air pollution regulations. Operates hand tools and has basic knowledge of pumps, blowers, air filters, electronic scales, and programmable controls. Plans burns including determining priority of burn depending on biological hazard and written protocol.

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/
• Incumbent is required to pass written examination for Incinerator Operator Certification for the State of Iowa within 1 year of hire date.
• Must be able to obtain a visible emission smoke reader license within 1 year of hire date.
• Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver’s License Required.
• Special Physical Requirements/Demands (Wage System employees only)
• SAC and full background investigation required for positions working with BSL-3 (or higher) agents, or in BSL-3/BSL-4 facilities.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement:07/22/2024 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 Incinerator Operator without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Working Conditions Incumbent is exposed to varying abnormal and high temperatures (up to 200 degrees F while charging) and conditions both indoor and outside of buildings. Required to wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, respirators, and ear protection during normal operations. Must wear a full face respirator when working in biological control settings; facial hair restrictions may be required to comply with proper operation of personal protective equipment. Works in areas where equipment is in continual operation, noise levels are abnormal and odors prevail. Subject to exposure to infectious agents, mechanical injury, gas, cuts, bruises, fumes, dirt, and grease. Physical Effort Work requires active walking, prolonged periods of standing, climbing, stooping, bending, crawling, and working in cramped positions or crowded areas. May be required to lift equipment weighing up to 100 lbs. 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 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Robert Green
• Phone: (703) 259-9392
• Email: [email protected]