These positions are located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), Facilities Division in Beltsville, MD. In these positions, you will be responsible for servicing, repairing, installing and maintaining refrigeration and air conditioning systems within the facilities throughout the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC).

Duties

Install and repair a variety of commercially-made laboratory equipment such as freeze dryers, refrigerated centrifuges, reverse cycle heat pumps, cascade systems, etc. Prepare sketches and circuit diagrams. Perform tasks relating to refrigeration and air conditioning systems in offices, laboratories, special purpose areas, and similar facilities. Adjust and repair large and complex refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Service and maintain control systems using electric, electronic, solid state, and pneumatic controls. Use knowledge of the principles and theories of air conditioning and refrigeration such as the refrigeration cycle, heat transfer laws. Adjust and repair large and complex refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Detect and correct leaks in refrigeration systems, and test overhauled or reconditioned systems.

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.
• Must possess and maintain a Universal (Types I, II, and III) technician certification for refrigerant transition and recovery (as required by the EPA in 40 CFR, Part 82, Subpart F).
• Subject to on-call duty outside normal duty hours, in accordance with procedures established for control of such on-call duty.
• May be required to work weekends, holidays, or before/after normal duty hours when necessary.
• May be required to report for duty during emergencies, critical periods, or during times when the Government is closed due to inclement weather.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 01/14/2025. 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 Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Selective Placement Factor(s) In addition to the experience requirement above, this position has a selective placement factor (SPF). Selective Placement Factors are special requirements, in addition to the minimum requirements, that are essential in successfully performing the duties of this job. If SPF experience is not documented, you will not receive further consideration under this announcement. Must possess a Universal (Types I, II, or III) technician certification for refrigerant transition and recovery (as required by the EPA in 40 CFR, Part 82, Subpart F). Physical Effort Duties are performed on ladders and in cramped, crowded quarters. Work requires close eye hand coordination, walking, bending, and prolonged periods of standing. Lifting of material and equipment weighing over 50 pounds with appropriate support may be required. Hoists, holders, and pulleys are operated when removing units such as large compressors, condensers, and chillers. The incumbent uses ladders, scaffolding, and platforms to make repairs and installations. Frequently the incumbent must work in hard-to-reach places. Working Conditions Work is performed in extremes of temperature conditions inside and outside the buildings. Occasionally the incumbent is required to work on top of tall buildings, in drafty attic spaces, and in cramped areas with low overheads. Conditions potentially subject the incumbent to noise, cuts, burns, electrical shocks, and bruises. Protective clothing and/or equipment is required when there is a possibility of exposure to toxic refrigerants or other toxic conditions. 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 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Matthew Knoche
• Phone: (571) 418-0373
• Email: [email protected]