Maintenance Mechanic

Summary

As a Maintenance Mechanic you will perform plumbing, carpentry, installation, maintenance, repair, and modification of ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) equipment in support of NIH facilities in Montgomery County, MD and Hamilton, MT to include Bio-Safety (BSL) 3 & 4 labs. These state-of-the-art labs are designed to protect our researchers and staff. Be a part of a team that works to keep these labs operational.

For more information on BSL labs, click here.

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Duties

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Working as a Maintenance Mechanic with the Office of Research Facilities (ORF), you will:

• Install, repair, and maintain large commercial and industrial ventilation, refrigeration, air conditioning (AC), and cooling systems with complex problems and extensive repairs.
• Install, modify, overhaul, repair, replace, and maintain a variety of heating systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance on HVAC/R systems and equipment.
• Respond to service calls and preventive maintenance inspections orally or in writing through a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) regarding malfunctioning/inoperable equipment, kitchen and domestic equipment (e.g., dishwashers, electric ranges, dryers); shop and laboratory equipment (e.g., vacuum pumps, air compressors, piping systems); and plumbing, utility, supply, and disposal system (e.g., steam, chilled water, domestic water, sanitary water natural gas, etc.)
• Operate a van-type truck (weighing up to and including one-ton load capacity) to transport tools, materials equipment, and self to work site.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• This position has physical requirements. You must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• You must be able to lift and move heavy items weighing 100lbs. You must be able to stand for prolonged periods on concrete floors and walk over rough and uneven terrain.
• You must be able to bend, stoop, walk, stand, and climb, and work in cramped positions. The selectee must be able to work outdoors under all weather conditions.
• Applicants for this position must pass a pre-employment medical examination.
• This position is Emergency Essential. Please see Additional Information section.
• This position requires weekend hours, night shifts, regular or rotational shifts, holiday hours. This position has on-call or call-back requirements.
• If selected, you will be covered by a bargaining unit (union).
• The selectee must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle license.
• If selected for a position that operates within high-containment facilities, specifically Biosafety Level (BSL) 3 and BSL 4 laboratories, the selectee will be subject to the NIH Biological Surety Program. See the additional information section.
• You may work in hazardous environments or handle hazardous substances.

Qualifications

Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed and show through experience and training that you possess the level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position.

The approved job elements for this occupation are listed as follows:

1. Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision (Screen-out element).
2. Technical practices (theoretical, precise, artistic).
3. Use of measuring instruments.
4. Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc. (includes blueprint reading).
5. Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.
6. Knowledge of materials.
7. Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, repair, etc.

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.

Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

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Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

• This position is designated as an "emergency essential" position and the selected candidate will be considered an "emergency essential" employee and will be required to be available, ready, willing, and able to report for duty under all circumstances (e.g., inclement weather, government closings and holidays, lapses in appropriations, non-emergency and emergency situations) for operation 24 hours a day and 365 days per year coverage.
• This position may be assigned to work with, handle, receive, or store materials designated as Select Agents and Toxins by the Federal Select Agent Program, and is subject to the terms of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Biological Surety Program (BSP).
• The NIH BSP requires successful completion of the following:
  • A Bioterrorism Security Risk Assessment:
  • Initial and annual medical qualification assessments held by the NIH Occupational Medical Services.
  • Initial and annual behavioral health screenings, including qualification assessments held by the NIH Behavioral Health Screening Official.
  • A deemed export review per 15CFR 734.8(c).
  • An annual Collective Foreign Threats Screening.
  • Initial and recurrent safety and biological safety training provided on the job.
  • This is a Tier 3 noncritical sensitive National Security position and an Access National Agency Check Inquiry (ANACI), background investigation is required.
  • For more information about NIH BSP please visit
  • A complete list of Select Agents and Toxins can be found at
• Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
• We may make additional selections for similar positions within the commuting area(s) of the locations listed through this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s). Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions.
• The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine the employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
• The NIH maintains a tobacco-free work environment and campus.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Visit our Help Applying page for helpful information on the application process.
• If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.

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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