Maintenance Worker Helper

Summary

This position is located at the U.S. National Poultry Research Center (USNPRC), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southeast Area (SEA), in Athens, GA. The USNPRC is a BSL-3 high biocontainment facility, one of three Biosafety Level (BSL)-3 laboratories within USDA-ARS. In this position, you will perform maintenance helper duties in the areas of painting, carpentry, and welding involved in the repair and maintenance of the facilities.

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Duties

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• Operates government-owned vehicles (such as forklifts, trucks and automobiles) for official purposes.
• Operates standard hand and power tools associated with painting, carpentry, and welding.
• Observes safety and housekeeping rules and assures proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Ensures adherence to conduct, safety, fire, care of equipment, housekeeping rules and regulations.
• Works with welders in gathering materials, assisting with simple welding, and performing routine activities.
• Uses sprayers, rollers, brushes, putty knives, scrapers, sanders, and other power tools.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• 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. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
• 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
• Drug Test Required.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment medical exam.
• Special Physical Requirements/Demands.
• SAC and full background investigation required for positions working with BSL-3 (or higher) agents, or in BSL-3 facilities.
• Department of Justice (DOJ) Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval is required.
• Respirator fitting and certification is required.
• National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) clearance is required.
• Immunizations may be required.
• Motor Vehicle Driver's License Required.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement:

07/02/2026Qualifications 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 Worker Helperwithout 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 requires walking, prolonged periods of standing, climbing ladders and scaffolds, stooping, bending, crawling, and working in cramped and uncomfortable positions. The incumbent may be required to lift objects weighing 45-50 pounds and occasionally heavier weights with proper support.

Working Conditions

Incumbents usually perform work inside heated buildings but may be required to work on locations outside of buildings and on top of roofs. When outside, work may be performed in all kinds of weather. The incumbent is subject to dirt, spray, fumes, chips from powered or hand tools, flying parts, and heated materials. May be subject to falls when working on high places using ladders and scaffolds, cuts, bruises, burns, and possibility of broken bones. Discomfort may occur when wearing protective clothing, gloves, and eye goggles.

The incumbent may be required to frequently wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators, eye and ear protection, boots, gloves, and coveralls when working in any of the laboratories. PPE provides necessary protection against biological and chemical hazards but may increase the risk of accidents due to decreased vision, hampered communication, limited mobility and dexterity. Physical well-being may be compromised by the prolonged usage of the PPE may lead to labored respiration, heat stress and dehydration.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.