Utility Systems Repairer Operator Supervisor

This position is located at the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS. In this position, you will oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of complex utility and waste-processing systems supporting a high-containment research facility. You will supervise staff, manage resources, and ensure safe, reliable, and compliant utility and waste-treatment operations across a 24/7 mission environment.

This position is located at the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS. In this position, you will oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of complex utility and waste-processing systems supporting a high-containment research facility. You will supervise staff, manage resources, and ensure safe, reliable, and compliant utility and waste-treatment operations across a 24/7 mission environment.

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 10/19/2026 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 Supervisor without more than normal supervision (Screen Out).

Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Containment Work Requirements:
Working in a high containment laboratory poses some degree of risk to human health. For the health and safety of the incumbent and to prevent the spread of diseases, immunization against diseases being studied at NBAF which are transmissible to humans is required where the vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended 21 USC 321-392.

Investigational vaccines are those approved for human testing while they continue gathering additional safety and efficacy data in advance of full approval for commercial release. While immunization with FDA investigational vaccines is strongly encouraged, the incumbent will be advised that such immunization is voluntary. Individuals who are already vaccinated or do not wish to receive the investigational vaccines will be asked to sign a declination form, assuming the risk of working with the viruses without vaccination.

Ongoing Health Status Monitoring:
Psychological and physical health are monitored as part of a person review. For physical health monitoring, a baseline blood sample will be required for employees entering and working in the biocontainment facility. When enrolled in the serum monitoring program, in addition to physical and psychological examinations, the physical health status of personnel is monitored periodically using biologic and serological tests.

Beyond regular monitoring programs, blood draws will be needed to monitor the specific medical surveillance examinations. 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 must be considered before a job offer and may be disqualifying. Personal Protective Equipment:
Risk is reduced but cannot be eliminated with special safety precautions. Use of Safety protocols and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as respirators, disposable personal protective clothing, and eye protection, are used as needed. PPE is dependent upon the work performed and the laboratory space in which the work is performed. The incumbent is required to wear tight-fitting respirator when working in…