Summary This position is located with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Facilities Engineering, Plains Area, in the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), in Manhattan, Kansas. In this position, you will be an integral member of the Electrical Systems Group, performing a full range of activities involving the NBAF campus inside and outside electrical power distribution. Responsibilities Use a variety of test equipment such as test meters, voltmeters, ammeters, watt meters, and ohmmeters. Work with electricians and electronics workers in making emergency cutouts and substitution of power lines and equipment, sometimes working on secondary distribution systems when they are energized. Use hand tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, electrical benders, battery drills, pipe threaders, hammers, and tape measures. Work with electricians in troubleshooting malfunctioning equipment, distribution circuits, and controlling equipment to locate and correct the cause of outages and improper operation. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 07/07/2026 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, Electrical Worker Helper without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Working Conditions The incumbent is exposed to varying abnormal temperatures and conditions, both indoors and outside buildings. The incumbent works in areas where equipment is in continual operation, and noise levels are abnormal and odors prevail. The incumbent is subject to infection, mechanical injury, gas, cuts, bruises, fumes, dirt and grease. The work requires changes to clothing provided by NBAF while at work duty station. Work may require showering prior to reporting to duty station in accordance with entrance/exit safety protocols for specific areas of the center. The incumbent must use safety equipment including hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, lock out tag out (LOTO), arc flash clothes and other protective items. The incumbent must wear a full-face respirator when working in biological control areas; and restrictions of facial hair may be imposed for proper use of personal protective equipment. Discomfort may occur when wearing protective clothing, gloves, and eye goggles. The health status of personnel is monitored periodically using biologic and serologic tests and physical examinations. Restrictions against contact with birds and livestock outside the laboratory may apply after entering high security animal facilities that are working with disease agents foreign to the United States. For the health and safety of the incumbent and to prevent the spread of disease, immunization against diseases being studied which are transmissible to humans may be required. To prevent the transmission of disease out of biocontainment and retention of the position, the incumbent must meet the following medical standards in a pre-employment medical examination conducted after the receipt of a preliminary job offer and on a periodic basis: Ability to shower out of biocontainment one or more times per day; Not have any skin condition which would prevent this; Body piercings must be able to be removed prior to entry; External medical assist devices must have the ability to be removed prior to entering or not impede the ability to enter biocontainment, and the individual must still be able to shower out safely without assistance; Ability to follow instructions regarding decontamination from biocontainment; Any medical condition which could create an unsafe environment for the individual or his/her co-workers, such as: insufficient control of a medical disorder which could result in sudden loss of consciousness; and inadequate vision and hearing required for safety in a laboratory environment. Physical Effort The work requires performing duties in utility spaces, on ladders and scaffolding and may operate a boom truck. Work requires close hand and eye coordination; active walking; prolonged periods of standing on concrete floors, climbing, bending, and reaching and working in cramped positions or crowed areas or confined spaces (manholes). The incumbent may be required to lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds with proper support. Education This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.
