The position is located within the US Vegetable Laboratory for USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Charleston, SC. In this position, you will be responsible for installing, modifying, repairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the air conditioning, heating, plumbing, welding and construction systems, and its components.

Duties

Installs, modifies, repairs, maintains, troubleshoots, and tests electrical circuits, systems, and associated fixtures, controls and equipment in compliance with the National Electric Code. Repairs and maintains the air conditioning systems in office, laboratory and greenhouse buildings. Performs preventative and scheduled maintenance on plant systems and equipment including boiler feed pumps, fuel oil pumps, air compressors, generators, boiler fixtures, and combustion fans. Prepares and paints interior and exterior building surfaces to include walls, doors, and trim determining correct paints, stains, sealants, etc. Monitors and tests the operation of power boiler systems in order to identify malfunctions and potential problems with equipment such as automatic controls, valves, piping, pumps, and related components. Performs welding on pipe, structural materials, equipment and machinery with both oxy- acetylene gas and arc welding equipment. Performs carpentry tasks in the maintenance of the facilities such as erection of structures, or modifies existing structures. Installs cabinets, locks, door closures, and makes adjustments for proper swing. Engages in complete initial installation of changeover of electrical lighting systems, circuits, and essential wiring, including all types of switches, multi-breakers, and panels. Directs and evaluates contractor performance of adjustments, replacement and repairs to governors, regulators, switches, fuel cutoff devices, burners, fuel feed and flame safeguard controls, steam gland seals, bearings, and drive gears. Develops specifications, sketches, list of materials, and estimates of costs for construction projects, modifications of facilities and 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 E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver's License Required.
• Special Physical Requirements/Demands.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 12/03/2024. 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, Maintenance Mechanicwithout more than normal supervision (Screen Out). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Physical Effort: The work involves making repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and often in hard-to-reach places. This function requires standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, or crawling in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The position frequently requires lifting, pushing, and carrying parts and equipment of various sizes and shapes that weigh up to 50 pounds. Long periods of standing are often required. These position physical demands are consistent with WG-10 requirements, which include responsibility to frequently carry and set up heavy parts and equipment; operate hoists, holders, and pulleys when removing units such as large compressors, condensers, and chillers; make repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding and platforms where the parts of systems worked on are frequently in hard-to-reach places; and stoop, stretch, bend, and kneel frequently. As a result, the position physical demands are similar to those of the WG-10 level. Working Conditions: Work may be performed outdoors in extreme weather; may include dusty conditions; and is subject to excessive periods of noise when exposed to and using equipment. Some work is performed on scaffolding, ladders, and rooftops. Hazardous conditions exist while working with or around tools and equipment. These working conditions are comparable to the WG10 level as it covers frequent exposure to sudden temperature changes when working on equipment such as walk-in freezer units; occasional exposure to cuts, burns, electrical shocks, and respiratory ailments; and repeated exposure to prolonged or concentrated amounts of refrigerant gases that may cause toxic effects to eyes, skin, and internal organs. Therefore, the position working conditions are comparable to conditions associated with the WG-10 level.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Robert Green
• Phone: (703) 259-9392
• Email: [email protected]