Maintenance Mechanic Leader

About the role

This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area (PA), National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS.

Responsibilities

Serves as a working leader who assigns work, provides technical guidance, demonstrates proper work methods, ensures safety rules are followed; and directs and performs a range of maintenance mechanic, plumbing and welding work.

• Performs plumbing systems repair and maintenance work on plumbing systems that are in biocontainment environments.
• Constructs, installs, repairs, alters, and tests high pressure piping systems and equipment (i.e., gas, water, steam, air and drainage) constructed of steel, cast iron, transite, copper, brass, and plastic materials.
• Directs the maintenance and repair work of complex equipment and plumbing systems in a manner that does not compromise biocontainment.
• Carefully coordinates with the scientific program staff, other maintenance personnel and the bio-risk manager to prevent unintended adverse events.
• Uses testing equipment to determine proper operation of steam traps, pumps, and equipment.
• Selects materials and parts to be used and may contact vendors for technical performance and troubleshooting information as well as availability of parts and supplies.

Requirements

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.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement:07/09/2026

• Must have the ability to perform the duties of a, Maintenance Mechanic Leaderwithout more than normal supervision (SCREEN OUT)

Physical Efforts: Work is performed on benches, supports, ladders, scaffolds, roof, on catwalks, in modules, manholes, ditches, around fixtures and piping which requires continuous standing, stooping, bending, climbing, working overhead in stretched, cramped and awkward positions, and holding welding torch and rod suspended for short intermittent periods of time; involves arm strain when required to weld in awkward positions. May lift and carry items up to 40 lb. and occasionally lift items weighing 75 lb. or more.

Working Conditions: Subject to fumes from welding, soldering and sparks, gases, and toxic fumes; injury and continuous exposure to hazards of cuts, bruises, noise, vibrations, burns dust, dirt and danger from flying chips when using powered and hand tools; and falls when working on ladders and scaffolds. Performs work both indoors and outdoors under all weather conditions. Clothing changes are provided by NBAF while at duty station. May be required to shower prior to reporting to duty station in accordance with entrance/exit safety protocols for specific areas of the NBAF laboratories. May be required to wear a full-face respirator when working in biological control areas. Restrictions of facial hair may be imposed for proper use of personal protective equipment.

Special Physical Requirements/Demands

• Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver's license required.
• Drug Test Required.

Other Considerations

• Tier 3 clearance required for positions working with BSL-3 (or higher) agents, or in BSL3/BSL-4 facilities.
• Select Agent.
• Asbestos Certification.
• State of Kansas Backflow Prevention Certification.
• May be called in nights and weekends to make or assist in emergency repairs.
• Ability to obtain and maintain State of Kansas Backflow Prevention certification required.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.