This position is located in the Calibration and Repair Lab of the National Animal Disease Center (NADC) for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Ames, IA. In this position, you will provide preventative maintenance and repair services to all entities of the National Centers for Animal Health (NCAH), as well as other support units.

Duties

Troubleshoots and repairs instrumentation and equipment ranging in complexity from electro-mechanical and pneumatic devices to solid-state devices. Performs preventative maintenance, performance testing, and electrical safety testing of equipment as scheduled by management software. Uses a wide variety of test equipment such as test meters, voltmeters, ammeters, wattmeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, transistor analyzers, and ohmmeters. Works from building plans, blueprints, wiring diagrams, engineer drawings, electrical maintenance, and repair manuals. Works in facilities and motor control centers with a wide range of voltages (480, 277, 240, 208, L15 VAC and 10-48 VDC), amperages, phase, and frequency systems. Interprets the results of tests to determine if the equipment can be returned to service or repaired and recalibrated to manufacturer’s specifications. Installs, repairs, and maintains laboratory and scientific equipment with solid state amplifiers and control systems, integrated circuits, microprocessors controlled equipment, electrical distribution systems, oil and dry transformers.

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/

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: 09/17/2024. 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 Electronics Worker, 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 may perform work in crawl spaces and on a ladder or scaffolding. Work requires close hand end eye coordination, walking, prolonged periods of standing on concrete floors, climbing, bending, reaching, and working in cramped positions or crowded areas. May be required to lift items up to 50 pounds. Working Conditions Incumbent usually performs work inside of heated buildings, but may be required to work on equipment located outside of buildings and on top of roofs. Incumbent is subject to fumes from welding, soldering and sparks, gases and toxic fumes. Incumbent is subject to potential injury and continuous exposure to hazards of cuts, bruises, noise, vibrations, burns, dust, dirt, and danger from flying chips when using powered and hand tools. Subject to falling when working on ladder or scaffolds. Incumbent may be required to change clothing provided by Center while at work duty station. Incumbent may be required to shower prior to reporting to duty station and/or in accordance with entrance/exit safety protocols for specific areas of the Center. Restrictions of facial hair may be imposed by supervisor for proper use of personal protective equipment. Required to wear a full faced respirator when working in biological control setting. May be called-in on nights and weekends for emergency repairs or operations. 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]