Utility Systems Repairer Operator; USRO) USDA-ARS

Summary

This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Midwest Area (MWA), National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, Iowa.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement

Operates, maintains, and repairs air compressors, fire pumps, domestic water booster water booster pumps, cooling towers, water softeners, and associated pumps, valves, and actuators.
Monitors, operates, and repairs waste pre-treatment plants as required in accordance with the existing maintenance plan.
Tests and analyzes boiler water, feed water, condensate, chilled water, heating water, and cooling water tower using standard chemical tests.
Checks gauges for proper temperatures and air balances, plugged drain, malfunctioning freezers, control panels and analyzes readings to determine operational status and necessary adjustments.

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 06/26/2026

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 Utility Systems Repairer Operator (USRO), without more than normal supervision (Screen Out).

Applicants who do not meet theSCREEN OUT ELEMENTwill not be given further consideration.

Work requires close hand-and-eye coordination, active walking, prolonged periods of standing on concrete floors, climbing, bending, reaching and working in cramped positions or crowded areas. May be required to lift equipment or material weighing up to 75 lbs.

Duties are normally performed inside of heated buildings but may be required for short periods of time to work on equipment in or on roofs of outlying buildings in inclement weather. Works in areas where equipment is in continual operation, where noise levels are abnormal and prevail. May be subject to infection, mechanical injury, gas, cuts, bruises, fumes, dirt and grease, possible exposure to contagious diseases, pathogens, and other environmental hazards within the laboratory or various spaces.

Must wear appropriate safety equipment and comply with appropriate laboratory protocols. Required to wear full face respirator when working in biological control areas; facial hair restrictions may be required in order to comply with proper operation of personal protective equipment.

This is an essential position that must report during times of emergency or inclement weather; and will be required to work on weekends, nights, days, evenings, holidays, and/or after hours for shift work requirements and when necessary, during emergencies, critical periods, or during times when the government is closed due to inclement weather to cover for staffing needs to support mission requirements, contractor support, scheduled outages and normal operations.