Duties

Summary

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION CRUCIAL TO SUBMITTING A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION.

REQUIREMENTS HAVE CHANGED FROM PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS.

READ ALL INFORMATION BEFORE YOU APPLY.

Performs various tasks in connection with preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, fabrication, installation, modification and operation of new and existing HVAC systems at agency facilities.

See additional responsibilities below.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

• Equipment worked on may include boilers, high and low pressure steam systems, water treatment systems, building automation systems, pneumatic systems and emergency fire pumps for sprinkler systems.
• Installs, maintains, repairs HVAC equipment to meet current American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
• Operates Laser Alignment System and maintains various motors and pumps; installs, replaces and repairs high temperature and high-pressure steam heating and processing systems and performs preventive maintenance on various mechanical systems.
• Performs various repairs on electrical components and devices in the boiler and chiller plant; troubleshoots operational issues pertaining to the steam boiler system and/or ancillary equipment.
• Monitors and makes necessary adjustments to the Building Automation Systems (BAS); Operates and maintains cooling towers, and dry coolers, boilers, unfired pressure vessels, and condensate return systems.
• Operates, maintains and installs various parts of HVAC systems such as variable air volume systems, air handler units, blower coil units, fan coil units, fan-powered boxes, split systems, mixing boxes and Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) units.
• Operates, calibrates, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs existing air conditioning and refrigeration equipment including the annual dismantling, cleaning and assembly.
• Responds to customer requests related to HVAC, temperature and humidity factors and makes required adjustments; provides technical assistance and support to operate the building HVAC system in an emergency.
• Receives work assignments through the Information Work Management System (IWMS) and Supervisor or Work Leader.
• Utilizes a wide variety of machines, hand tools and power tools; utilizes established safety practices, rules, regulations and procedures to maintain a safe and clean work environment.
• Performs all aspects of refrigeration and air conditioning work in compliance with Stratospheric Ozone Protection, Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Provides input to project teams for major repair and alteration projects with complex designs and large dollar values. Reviews, comments and advises project managers on designs.
• May serve on the project team from the inception of the design until the completion of the project.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Selective Service Registration: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov
• Background and/or security investigation may be required.
• Job offers are contingent on background / security investigation results.
• Federal employees must be in good standing.
• Federal employees must have a successful performance rating.
• Selectees may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
• All application materials must be received by the closing date.
• Official Personnel Folders will not be reviewed.
• Requests for copies of application documents will not be accepted.
• All application forms submitted become the property of SSA Human Resources.
• Salary will be set in accordance with local pay provisions.
• This position involves specific physical efforts, working conditions, shift requirements and/or protective gear requirements as described under QUALIFICATIONS below.
• Successful performance of USRO work and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period served by all new appointees.

Qualifications

READ THIS SECTION IN ITS ENTIRETY. THIS INFORMATION IS CRUCIAL TO SUBMITTING A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION.

YOUR RESUME MUST INCLUDE SPECIFIC INFORMATION AS DESCRIBED BELOW.

APPLICATIONS WITHOUT THIS INFORMATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

See Required Documents for more information on demonstrating your eligibility and qualifications.

To meet qualification requirements for this position, you must demonstrate the following SCREEN OUT :

Ability to Do USRO Work Without More than Normal Supervision.

This means you must have an adequate understanding of the USRO trade based on the following knowledge, skills and abilities :

(1) knowledge of the principles and theories of HVAC systems (methods, techniques, materials and equipment needed to operate, fabricate, install or repair such systems; procedures to start, stop and regulate utility systems and auxiliary equipment);

(2) ability to interpret and apply a variety of USRO guidelines and instructions in the performance of USRO tasks ;

(3) skill in using trade tools and measuring instruments (following manufacturer guidelines to ensure appropriate use, maintenance and storage of tools; proper use of meters, gauges, calibrators, etc; determining results of tests performed and actions required); and

(4) knowledge of USRO equipment, including boiler equipment, high and low pressure steam systems, water treatment, building automation systems and pneumatic systems.

REQUIREMENT : USROs in this position must perform various tasks to operate, install, maintain, troubleshoot, repair and modify HVAC systems for federal buildings or facilities without more than normal supervision.

This means your level of work (at a minimum) must not require more than regular spot checks and/or guidance during progress and upon completion.

Typical work assignments include various checks, tests, adjustments and troubleshooting tasks to assess the performance of systems and/or determine the need for repair. Equipment may include pumps, compressors, boilers, chillers, fans, electronic pneumatic controls, drinking water devices, high-temperature, high-pressure steam heating and processing systems and other heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and devices.

ADDITIONALLY , you must meet or exceed the following Job Elements to demonstrate that you can perform USRO work without more than normal supervision. This means your level of work must not require more than regular spot checks and/or guidance during progress and upon completion.

Knowledge of Equipment -- adequate knowledge of USRO equipment and with normal supervision (e.g., regular spot-checks and/or guidance during progress and upon completion) can perform common USRO tasks

Technical Practices -- adequate knowledge of USRO technical practices and with normal supervision (e.g., with regular spot-checks and/or guidance during progress and upon completion) can apply those practices to perform common USRO tasks

Use of Measuring Instruments -- able to use USRO measuring instruments to perform routine assessments with normal supervision (e.g., with regular spot-checks and/or guidance during progress and upon completion)

Ability to Interpret USRO Instructions - able to read and interpret common USRO guidelines and instructions (drawings, sketches and/or diagrams) and with normal supervision (e.g., regular spot-checks and/or guidance during progress and upon completion) can carry out required USRO work

Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment -- adequate knowledge and occasional hands-on use of some or most of USRO tools and with normal supervision (e.g., regular spot-checks and/or guidance during progress and upon completion) can use those tools to perform basic USRO tasks

Knowledge of Materials -- ability to determine the types of materials needed to complete common USRO tasks

Reviewers can only evaluate your application on the information you provide; if items are missing or incomplete, you will cause yourself to lose consideration for this vacancy.

RESUMES : It is not sufficient to simply state that you have a particular knowledge, skill or ability - you must describe how you apply that knowledge, skill or ability in the performance of specific USRO tasks.

Likewise, do not simply list projects or types of systems on which you work or describe your work in terms of general accomplishments or achievements. Your resume must describe duties you perform that pertain to each of the required Job Elements for this position.

Your knowledge, skills and abilities must be clearly described in your resume. You must provide details of the duties you perform as they relate to the qualifying experience.

Any duties you perform that are not specifically described in your resume cannot be assumed - if you perform specific duties you want considered during the evaluation process, that information must be explicitly stated in your resume.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Due to the nature of Utility Systems Repair and Operation work, the following conditions are essential for successful performance in this position and selected candidates must fully comply with all of these conditions in order to meet performance requirements.

Successful performance of utility systems repair and operation work and adherence to these conditions will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period served by all new appointees.

(1) May be subject to considerable physical exertion that includes prolonged standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing up and down ladders and scaffolding and working in cramped and awkward positions.

(2) Subject to reaching, lifting and bending when using hand and power tools.

(3) Heavy exertion is required at frequent intervals. May need to lift weight exceeding 50 pounds, however, assistance is usually available for handling heavier materials and equipment.

(4) May perform work inside and outside in a variety of weather conditions.

(5) May be assigned to work in areas where potentially harmful physical and/or chemical agents are present, including, but not limited to: moving equipment, energized electric circuits, sharp metal edges, toxic fumes, extreme temperatures from steam and boiler rooms, dust, noise, heat and chemicals.

(6) Must have physical capacities for working outside in excessive heat, excessive noise, confined areas, inclement weather and on slippery or uneven surfaces that can be found at or in transit to and from worksites.

(7) Will be required to work a predetermined shift that is subject to change to meet agency needs.

(8) May be required to support other agency buildings to provide critical services to sustain the operational needs of agency buildings.

(9) May be required to report to or remain at a duty station to perform critical services when employees are generally excused for all or part of a workday in emergency conditions.

(10) May be required to report during irregular hours and travel in hazardous weather conditions.

(11) May be required to wear a uniform while on duty.

(12) Will be required to wear safety shoes, glasses, goggles, gloves, etc.

(13) May be required to wear a respirator and may be required to shave to ensure proper fit.

(14) Performs all aspects of refrigeration and air conditioning work in compliance with Stratospheric Ozone Protection, Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

(15) Must have (or be able to obtain) EPA Universal Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) certification.

Information on Federal Wage System Qualifications can be found at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=Overview

Education

This position does not have an educational requirement.

If you completed any trade-relevant training you want considered as part of your evaluation, include that training on your resume rather than uploading certificates you received.


NOTE: USROs in this position perform all aspects of refrigeration and air conditioning work in compliance with Stratospheric Ozone Protection, Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This means you must have (or be able to obtain) EPA Universal Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) certification.

Additional information

VACANCY OPEN TO federal employees as follows:

(1) Current competitive service -- permanent OR conditional tenure

(2) Current excepted service and certain non-tenured appointments, including:
(a) agency with competitive service compatibility (Foreign Service, US Postal Service, etc)
(b) agency with Interchange Agreement
(c) Schedule A (block 5 of APPOINTMENT action shows Reg 213.3102(u) AND you have not been converted to competitive service)
(d) Veterans Recruitment Appointment (block 5 of APPOINTMENT action shows shows Pub. L. 107-288 AND you have not been converted to a competitive service position)
(e) time-limited veteran appointment (block 5 of APPOINTMENT action shows Reg. 316.402(b)(4) AND you have not been converted to competitive service)
(f) not described above (Attorneys, Pathways [PMFs, Recent Grads, Interns] or term appointments) who have prior competitive service OR veteran's status

(3) Former competitive service -- voluntarily separated (resigned or retired)
(a) with permanent tenure (separation at any time)
(b) with conditional tenure (separation within previous 3 years)
(c) with conditional tenure AND veterans preference (separation at any time)

(4) ICTAP/CTAP -- separated from competitive service due to RIF or received notice that you will soon be separated due to RIF - (see https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf )

(5) AND certain applicants without federal status:
(a) Military Spouses -- no federal status
( https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/military-spouses/ )
(b) Veterans -- no federal status - eligible under Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA)
https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/veoa/

VEOA is a means of eligibility and will not result in priority selection.
VEOA cannot be used to circumvent provisions of the merit promotion process.

Military Spouses with federal status may apply using multiple eligibilities, but eligibilities must be fully documented in order to receive consideration.

VEOA applicants with federal status may apply using multiple eligibilities, but will be considered on federal status first and VEOA only if federal status cannot be used. Eligibilities must be fully documented in order to receive consideration.

If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee.

See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS to ensure you upload the documents needed to support your claim.

OTHER NOTES:

See QUALIFICATIONS for important information pertaining to this position.

This position is not eligible for telework consideration.

Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Salary will be set in accordance with local pay provisions.

Position to be filled under the provisions of the SSA/AFGE Merit Promotion Plan.
Additional selections may be made within 6 months of the date of the initial selection.

Location of position:
SSA-HQ
Office of Facilities and Logistics Management
Office of Building Management
Division of Mechanical Maintenance

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

READ THIS BEFORE YOU APPLY.

Preview questionnaire here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11068466 Use APPLY link to submit responses.

**It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume.**

Answer all questions and follow instructions. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes.

Ratings will consist of the following: first, eligibility will be determined based on responses to questions 3 and 4. Responses will be verified using your supporting documents - choose carefully. If you provide a response that indicates you are not eligible, fail to provide documents to support your claim OR you are otherwise found ineligible during this part of the review, you will not receive further consideration.

Eligible applicants will receive a score based on responses to the remaining online questions.Your resume and supporting documents will be compared to your responses, which are designed to capture the required competencies for this position.

If you are among the highest-ranking applicants based on that score, your resume will be reviewed to determine if you demonstrate the required experience at the indicated level.

Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your qualifications. You must clearly describe duties you perform that meet the Screen Out and Job Elements required for this position. Duties that are not clearly described cannot be credited.

Your description of your knowledge, skills and abilities is subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claim.

SEE QUALIFICATIONS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RESUME MUST DEMONSTRATE.

If you remain among the highest-ranked applicants (e.g., your resume clearly demonstrates that you meet the Screen Out and Job Elements ), your name will be referred to the selecting official and your applicable documents will be forwarded for further review.

Applicants eligible for Priority Selection will receive first consideration (see http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp ).

See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.

Veterans' Preference eligibles will not receive consideration for priority selection.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

It is imperative that you submit appropriate documents to support your eligibility and qualification.

Resumes must describe duties you perform as they relate to the Screen Out and Job Elements for this position. Include your employer, work schedule (hours per week), full start/stop dates for each position and a clear description of the duties you perform. It is not sufficient to simply state that you have a particular knowledge, skill or ability - you must describe how you apply that knowledge, skill or ability in the performance of specific USRO tasks.

Likewise, do not simply list projects or types of systems on which you work or describe your work in terms of general accomplishments or achievements. Your resume must describe duties you perform that pertain to each of the required Job Elements for this position.

SEE QUALIFICATIONS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RESUME MUST DEMONSTRATE.

Information that is copied or restated language from the vacancy announcement or rating criteria will not be considered and may cause you to be ineligible.

SF-50s must show grade, type of service and career-tenure. SF-50s should coincide with the information in your resume. If you are applying for noncompetitive referral based on grade, include the SF-50 showing your placement in a permanent position at or above WG-10.

Performance Appraisals are required for every applicant who has federal status, except as stated below. Itmust be for a period that ended less than a year ago, must be completed and signed and must indicate a rating of satisfactory or better. Do not substitute a 'Performance Plan. ' VEOA-applicants and Military Spouses without federal status are not required to submit a federal performance appraisal.

READ THE INFORMATION PERTAINING TO YOUR SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY -- eligibilities not fully supported may result in a determination of ineligible.

COMPETITIVE SERVICE EMPLOYEES -- (1) current SF-50 documenting competitive status, grade and career tenure; (2) additional SF-50s (if necessary) to document highest grade held and/or time-in-grade, (3) performance appraisal AND (4) if applicable, a current payscale.

EXCEPTED SERVICE EMPLOYEES (USPS, Foreign Service, agencies with interchange agreements, etc) -- (1) current SF-50 documenting grade and career tenure; (2) additional SF-50s (if necessary) to document highest grade held and/or time-in-grade; (3) performance appraisal; (4) (if applicable) a copy of your agency's Interchange Agreement and payscale AND (5) (if applicable) an SF-50 that documents your prior competitive service (e.g., a resignation, retirement or other termination action that shows WHEN you left the competitive service [block 4] AND if you separated with career or career-conditional tenure [block 24]. See Excepted Service Appointments with Competitive Service Compatibility for more information.

SCHEDULE A / VRA / TIME-LIMITED VETERAN -- (1) SF-50 you received when you were hired; (2) current SF-50; (3) additional SF-50 (if necessary) documenting highest grade held and/or time-in-grade, (4) performance appraisal and (5) if applicable, a current payscale.

FORMER COMPETITIVE SERVICE EMPLOYEES -- (1) separation SF-50 showing that separation was not for performance or conduct and (2) (if different) SF-50 showing highest grade and career tenure. You must have served in the competitive service AND have permanent tenure OR have separated less than 3 years ago with conditional tenure (or at any time with veterans preference -- include vet documents). You are not required to submit a federal performance appraisal.

VEOA - without competitive status: (1) DD-214(s) (Member 4 ONLY) showing honorable discharge after serving 3+ years of continuous active duty OR (2) if applicable, documents demonstrating preference (such as a disability letter). If you are still on active duty, you must submit a recently dated official statement of service from your command. For more information see Vet Guide .

NOTE: applicants with federal status who apply under VEOA are bound by the requirements for federal employees and must submit vet documents, as well as SF-50s and Performance Appraisals, if required.

CTAP/ICTAP -- see http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp .

MILITARY SPOUSES: see https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/military-spouses/ . NOTE: applicants with federal status who also apply as a Military Spouse are bound by the requirements for federal employees and must also submit appropriate SF-50s and Performance Appraisals, if required.

If your federal payscale is not "GS" "WG" "WL" or "WS" please provide a copy of your agency's payscale.