Utility Systems Repairer Operator

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• Search, NIST is seeking Utility Systems Repairer Operators to operate, monitor, and maintain central utility plant systems on a rotating shift, including high-pressure steam boilers, large-capacity centrifugal chillers, industrial air compressors, and an 8 MW cogeneration turbine system to ensure reliable campus utility services., U.S. Citizens and Status Candidates (this includes Merit Promotion, Status Candidates, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP, ICTAP, VRA, VEOA, 30% or More Disabled, EVHO, Schedule A, Military Spouses, Americorps, Peace Corps, Vista, Interchange Agreement Eligibles, and National Guard).

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The mission of NIST'’s Office of Facilities and Property Management (OFPM) is to advance NIST'’s mission success by planning, building, operating, maintaining, and servicing facilities that provide a safe, secure, and sustainable environment for world-class scientific research. This position is in the Gaithersburg Facilities Maintenance Division, which manages and operates facilities for the NIST Gaithersburg site to ensure maximum responsiveness to NIST programs through reimbursable engineering design and renovation, as well as building systems operation and maintenance.

As a Utility Systems Repairer Operator for this division, duties vary by grade level:

At the WG-10 level, you will:

• Operate, regulate, and monitor centralized plant equipment, including 150 psi steam boilers and 3,500-ton chillers, to support utility demands across federal campus facilities.
• Perform routine checks, tests, adjustments, and operational troubleshooting on utility systems such as heating, air conditioning, and water distribution using trade tools and standard operating procedures.
• Conduct chemical testing on boilers, chillers, and cooling systems to maintain proper operational thresholds and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and perform mechanical repairs using blueprints, sketches, and shop mathematics, referring complex or unusual problems to the supervisor.
• Plan and lay out assigned work independently, selecting proper tools, equipment, materials, and safety precautions required for working around high-pressure and moving machinery.

At the WG-11 level, you will:

• Operate and maintain large-scale centralized plant systems with little to no instruction, including multiple 150 psi boilers (up to 88,000 lb/hr), campus service air compressors, seven 3,500-ton chillers, and related ancillary equipment supporting research laboratories.
• Perform non-standard industrial troubleshooting and complex mechanical repairs on special-purpose utility equipment, independently interpreting blueprints, sketches, and operating/maintenance manuals.
• Conduct comprehensive chemical testing and water treatment across boilers, chillers, and cooling towers to ensure optimum efficiency and asset preservation.
• Participate in training and operational support for the campus 8 MW Co-Generation unit, including its 14-stage gas turbine, heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), and high-pressure gas compressor.
• Make independent decisions during complex system issues, collaborating directly with factory technical representatives to troubleshoot and resolve critical mechanical problems.

At the WG-12 level, you will:

• Serve as a senior shift operator, independently monitoring and troubleshooting central utility plant alarms and directing operational adjustments to ensure continuous utility service to complex R&D laboratories.
• Apply expert knowledge to operate, maintain, and execute complex repairs on high-capacity plant infrastructure, including 88,000 lb/hr steam boilers, 3,500-ton chillers, service air compressors, and the 8 MW Co-Generation plant.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on shift, assisting junior operators with difficult troubleshooting, maintenance tasks, and problem-solving.
• Collaborate directly with factory representatives to resolve complex utility failures and assist the supervisor in reviewing completed repair work and unusual operational problems.
• Perform advanced chemical testing programs, complex shop mathematics, and refrigerant handling under Universal CFC standards across centralized heating, cooling, and power generation systems., * All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible in order to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
• A probationary period may be required.
• Possession of an EPA universal CFC Certification is required., This position has environmental factors which include, but may not be limited to:
• Outside and inside
• Excessive heat
• Excessive cold
• Excessive humidity
• Excessive dampness or chilling
• Dry atmospheric conditions
• Excessive noise, intermittent
• Constant noise
• Dust
• Silica, asbestos, etc.
• Fumes, smoke, or gases
• Solvents (degreasing agents)
• Grease and oils
• Radiant energy
• Electrical energy
• Slippery or uneven walking surfaces
• Working around machinery with moving parts
• Working around moving objects or vehicles
• Working on ladders or scaffolding
• Working below ground
• Unusual fatigue factors: confined space
• Working with hands in water
• Vibration
• Working closely with others
• Working alone
• Protracted or irregular hours of work
• Other: shift work, Resume: All applicants must submit a resume by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of their choosing. Cover letters are optional. To receive any credit for relevant experience, please list the month/year and the number of hours worked for experience listed on your resume. We suggest you preview the online questions, as you may need to customize your resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions. Please refer to the Resume Guidance on how to build an effective resume. Only resumes up to 2 pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding 2 pages will be removed from consideration. Reference the USAJobs Help Center for additional recommendations and instructions., Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The Human Resources Office will evaluate your application to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application., We will update applicant statuses when:
• A qualification determination is made. If found not qualified/eligible, no additional updates will be provided.
• Applications are referred to the selecting official.
• A selection decision has been made.

Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date. Also, note that if you provide an inaccurate email address or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication, which could affect your consideration for this position.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

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The documents required vary based on how you'‘re applying (i.e., as a veteran or disabled veteran, current or former Federal employee, etc.). Please review the Required Documents for this position to find out if there are any documents required with your application. Failure to submit required documents, based upon how you apply, may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.

A complete application includes: 1) A resume, 2) vacancy question responses, and 3) submission of any required documents. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, or if the documents submitted are illegible you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

Resume: All applicants must submit a resume by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of their choosing. Cover letters are optional. To receive any credit for relevant experience, please list the month/year and the number of hours worked for experience listed on your resume. We suggest you preview the online questions, as you may need to customize your resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions. Please refer to the Resume Guidance on how to build an effective resume. Only resumes up to 2 pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding 2 pages will be removed from consideration. Reference the USAJobs Help Center for additional recommendations and instructions.

Reinstatement: If you are a former federal employee (separated from Federal service for at least 1 year) and wish to be non-competitively reinstated for a higher grade or full performance level than which you left federal employment, you MUST provide a copy of your separation SF-50 (the “position occupied” block on the SF-50 should show a “1” and your “tenure” block should show a “1” or “2”) AND the last performance appraisal you received from your federal employment which shows at least a fully successful rating., We will update applicant statuses when:

• A qualification determination is made. If found not qualified/eligible, no additional updates will be provided.
• Applications are referred to the selecting official.
• A selection decision has been made.

Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date. Also, note that if you provide an inaccurate email address or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication, which could affect your consideration for this position.

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Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy, (Opens in a new window) OPM on LinkedIn (Opens in a new window) OPM YouTube channel (Opens in a new window) OPM on X

• Opens in a new windowEEO Policy Statement
• Opens in a new windowReasonable Accommodation Policy Statement
• Veterans Information
• Opens in a new windowLegal and Regulatory Guidance
• About USAJOBS
• Opens in a new windowAccessibility
• Opens in a new windowFOIA
• Opens in a new windowInspector general
• Opens in a new windowNo Fear Act Data
• Opens in a new windowPrivacy policy
• Opens in a new windowReports and publications
• Opens in a new windowTerms and conditions
• Opens in a new windowUSA.gov

Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA.

Special authorities

Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed in another hiring path., * Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service

• Suitable for Federal employment
• Merit applicants must meet time-in-grade/band requirements, as applicable
• Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination
• Must possess an EPA universal CFC Certification
• Bargaining Unit Position: Yes (Washington Area Metal Trades Council, AFL-CIO)

Qualifications

There is no specific length or level of experience requirements. The applicant'’s overall background of experience, education and training must clearly demonstrate the ability to perform the duties, as described in this announcement, screen out element (i.e. without more than normal supervision).

Applicants must meet the screen out elements and achieve an overall score of at least fifty (50%) or higher

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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience., This job does not have an education qualification requirement., * Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over

• Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over
• Straight pulling (5 hours)
• Pulling hand over hand (5 hours)
• Pushing (5 hours)
• Reaching above shoulder
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking (10 hours)
• Standing (10 hours)
• Crawling (4 hours)
• Kneeling (4 hours)
• Repeated bending (8 hours)
• Climbing, legs only (4 hours)
• Climbing, use of legs and arms
• Both legs required
• Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Near vision correctable at 13” to 16” to Jaeger 1 to 4
• Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
• Both eyes required
• Depth perception
• Ability to distinguish basic colors
• Ability to distinguish shades of colors
• Hearing (aid may be permitted), Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution., * Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading)
• Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Dexterity and Safety
• Knowledge of Materials
• Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
• Use of Measuring Instruments

Applicants must meet the screen out elements and achieve an overall score of at least fifty (50%) or higher. Subject Matter Experts may be used for qualification determinations. If the minimum qualifications and eligibility requirements are met, your application will be rated and ranked among others, based on your responses to the online questions regarding your experience, education, training, performance appraisals, or awards relevant to the duties of the position. Your rating may be lowered if your responses in the online questions are not supported by the education and/or experience described in your application., Reinstatement: If you are a former federal employee (separated from Federal service for at least 1 year) and wish to be non-competitively reinstated for a higher grade or full performance level than which you left federal employment, you MUST provide a copy of your separation SF-50 (the “position occupied” block on the SF-50 should show a “1” and your “tenure” block should show a “1” or “2”) AND the last performance appraisal you received from your federal employment which shows at least a fully successful rating., Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $34.71 - $44.74 per hour Pay scale & grade

WG 10 - 12

Promotion potential 12

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Not required

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

• 4742 Utility Systems Repairing-Operating

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union No

Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number OFPM-193-27-13099922-AS Control number 890319800

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s hiring rules and pay scales.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Military spouses

Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.

Individuals with disabilities

Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.

Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista, Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated, Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required documents

Required Documents

Help

The documents required vary based on how you'‘re applying (i.e., as a veteran or disabled veteran, current or former Federal employee, etc.). Please review the Required Documents for this position to find out if there are any documents required with your application. Failure to submit required documents, based upon how you apply, may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.

A complete application includes: 1) A resume, 2) vacancy question responses, and 3) submission of any required documents. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, or if the documents submitted are illegible you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).