Salary Range:	16.49 - 19.23 USD /hour
Series & Grade:	WG-4749-07/07
Promotion Potential:	07
Open Period:	Monday, January 11, 2010 to Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Position Information:	Full-Time  Term Position Not To Exceed 13 Months; This Position May Be Extended For A Total Of Four Years Without Further Competition
Duty Locations:	1 vacancy - Brookings, SD
Who May Be Considered:	Applications will be accepted from United States citizens and nationals.

Job Summary:
Find Solutions to Agricultural Problems that Affect Americans Every Day, From Field to Table

Your US. citizenship must be verified prior to entrance on duty.

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NOTE:  In order to view and/or print the entire announcement, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click on 'Print Preview'; then 'Print'.  Otherwise you may miss important instructions on qualification requirements and how to apply for this position.

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The incumbent will assist a Maintenance Mechanic in the upkeep of the buildings and grounds of the North Central Agricultural Research Laboratory.  A pre-employment physical examination and a pesticide applicator's license are required.

NOTE: THIS POSITION IS BEING READVERTISED WITH A FULL TIME WORK SCHEDULE.  PREVIOUS APPLICANTS MUST RE-APPLY.

Major Duties:

The incumbent performs the following maintenance tasks:

* cuts and trims trees, trims hedges and shrubs, dusts and sprays for insects and disease control,

* removes snow from driveways and parking areas, and moves heavy equipment using fork lifts and hand trucks;

* replaces light bulbs, light switches and fuses;

* installs faucet washers and gaskets;

* serves as alternate contact on Laboratory alarm notification;

* changes vehicle's oil, batteries, and antifreeze, washes and waxes vehicles;

*prepares surfaces for painting, thins, stirs, and mixes coating materials, applies various coating mixes using brushes, rollers, and spray guns;

* measures cuts, constructs, installs, repairs, and modifies wood, composite, and wood substitute items; applies standard measurements, specifications or repairs items such as frame structures, decking, partitions, shelving, and/or doors.

Working Conditions and Other Considerations:
The incumbent exerts heavy physical effort in lifting and moving objects over 50 pounds.  The work requires frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring/uncomfortable positions.  Grounds work is subject to prevailing weather conditions. The incumbent has 60 days from their entrance on duty to obtain a Pesticide Applicator's License. A PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL EXAMINATION IS REQUIRED.

Qualifications:

Your education and experience will be evaluated against all qualification requirements (basic and any additional requirements) listed below.

Basic Requirements:
Applicants must have experience and/or training of sufficient scope and quality to perform the duties required.  Applicants will be rated in accordance with their knowledge and skill in the job elements listed below.

1. Ability to do the work of a Maintenance Worker without more than normal supervision.  This is the screen-out element.  Applicants who are not rated satisfactory on the screen-out element will not be rated on the remaining elements.
2. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
3. Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (including blueprints)
4. Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
5. Knowledge of Materials

Additional Requirements:

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE:  All applicants will be required to complete the supplemental questionnaire attached below.  If unable to access the attachment, please call the Human Resources contact for this position to obtain a copy.  Applicants who fail to complete and return the questionnaire with their other application materials will not receive further consideration.

A PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL EXAMINATION IS REQUIRED.

How You Will Be Evaluated:

Your education, training, and experience will be evaluated against all qualification requirements (basic and any additional requirements as defined above under Qualifications Required).  The Agricultural Research Service uses a category rating process.  Based on evaluation of all written materials submitted in application for the position, you will be determined to be Ineligible, if you do not meet eligibility and/or minimum qualifications criteria; Eligible, if you meet all eligibility and minimum qualifications criteria; OR Quality, if you meet quality criteria in addition to eligibility and minimum qualifications criteria. 

You must also complete the supplemental questionnaire attached below.  Applicants who fail to complete and return the questionnaire will not receive further consideration.

Element 1: Ability to do the work of a Maintenance Worker without more than normal supervision. (Screen Out)

(A) Use the numbers below to describe your level of experience in the following areas:

1 - Journeyman

2 - Limited Experience

3 - Trainee/Apprentice

4 - No Experience

____    Electrician

____    Painting

____    Carpentry

____    Plumbing

____    Grounds Maintenance

____    Vehicle Maintenance

(B) Do you select the type of equipment, material, or tools to be used for a particular task or does your supervisor tell you what to use?

(C) Use the numbers and letters below to describe: (i) Your level of experience in each area, and (ii) the supervision you receive when performing the work. For example; 1D

1 – Journeyman

2 – Limited Experience

3 – Trainee/Apprentice

4 - No Experience

A – Close Supervision

B – Technical Supervision

C – General Supervision

D – No Supervision (Experienced)

____    Planning, measuring, and laying out materials, according to dimensional requirements and specifications.

____    Measuring, cutting, constructing, installing, repairing, and modifying wood, composite and wood substitute items.

____    Thinning, stirring, and mixing coating materials (paints, varnishes, shellacs) with brushes, rollers, spray guns, etc.

____    Sanding, scraping, prepping, and coating with different types of paint, stains, and sealers.

____    Planting, trimming, pruning, grooming shrubbery, flowers, and other landscape.

____    Applying dusts, sprays and baits to control insects and diseases that may infect the shrubbery, trees, or lawn.

____    Removing snow from sidewalks, stairs, etc. in winter using a shovel or snow blower.

____    Installing faucet washers and gaskets.

____    Cutting/moving lawns.

____    Maintaining service on vehicles.

Element 25-E: Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) 

(A) For each ability or knowledge you use, write the number of each statement that describes your training or experience, and the letter that describes the supervision you receive when performing the work.  For example; 1D

1 – Very thorough ability or knowledge

2 – Frequent Use

3 – Occasional use of the ability or knowledge

A – Close Supervision

B – Technical Supervision

C – General Supervision

D – No Supervision (Experienced)

____    Ability to plan, layout, set up and perform operation to complete jobs in painting trade.

____    Ability to plan, layout, set up and perform operation to complete jobs in carpentry trade.

____    Ability to plan, layout, set up and perform operation to complete jobs in grounds maintenance.

____    Ability to modify equipment and/or switch readily from one technique to another in order to achieve work goals.

____    Ability to apply practices in saving materials and using machines and equipment.

____    Ability to independently determine techniques and materials necessary for the job.

Element 75-A: Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc. (includes blueprints)

(A) Use the numbers below to describe your experience with the following:

1 – Used Independently

2 – Used With Assistance From Others

3 – Have Not Used

____    Building Codes

____    Building Plans

____    Drawings

____    Manufacturer Specifications

____    Technical Manuals

____    Work Orders

____    Parts Diagrams

(B) Check the response that describes your work situation (more than one may apply):

____    Follow specific instructions under close supervision

____    Follow work orders and work from sketches or basic blueprints which are complete in terms of materials and methods used.

____    Follow and interpret instructions, sketches, blueprints, and/or diagrams

____    Use judgment and experience to adapt specifications

____    Respond to frequent, new or changed instructions or specifications

____    Work from rough sketches and oral assignments lacking definite detail

Elements 60 & 81 – Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment, including measuring instruments

(A) For each tool and/or measuring instrument below, write the number that best describes your experience and/or training (more than one may apply)

1 – Extensive Use And Maintenance Of Tool           

2 – Able To Maintain/Repair

3 – Able To Use

4 – Have Never Used

____    Lawn Mowers (both pushing and riding)

____    Forklift/Hand Trucks

____    Fertilizer sprayers and spreaders

____    Snow Blower

____    Clippers, Edger, Hedger

____    Hand And Power Saws

____    Screw Driver

____    Drill

____    Scraper

____    Wire Brush

____    Putty Knives

____    Sandpaper

____    Paint Brushes And Rollers

____    Chain Saw

____    Wrench

Element 82A – Knowledge of Materials

(A) Use the numbers below to describe your level of experience in the following areas:

1 – Able To Select Proper Material For Particular Purpose, Able To Substitute

2 – Able To Use Common Material For Particular Purpose

3 – Able To Use Common Material, Under Close Supervision

4 – No Experience With Material

____    Wood

____    Composite

____    Wood Substitute

____    Paint, Veneer, Shellac

____    Thinners, Base Coats, Sealants

____    Engine Oil, Antifreeze, Gasoline

____    Light Bulbs, Fluorescent Lights, Fuses, Switches

____    Washers, Gaskets

____    Insect Sprays, Dust, Powders

B) Do you select the material to be used for a particular task or does your supervisor tell you what to use?

Benefits:

A Benefits Package is authorized for this position.  Additional information about Federal benefits can be obtained at www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.htm.

Other Information:

Veteran's Preference: For further details, call the US. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at 703-724-1850 or TDD 978-461-8404.  Select General Information on the Federal Employment Policies and Procedures, and then Veteran's Preference and Special Appointing Authorities for Veterans.  Visit their VetGuide website at http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp.

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA):  Qualified candidates eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA), a special hiring authority, will be considered.  VEOA eligibles are preference eligibles or veterans who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of active service.  Veterans who are released under honorable conditions shortly before completing a 3-year tour are also eligible.

Creditable Service: Service credit for annual leave accrual may be granted for directly related non-Federal work experience or uniformed service for newly appointed individuals, or those individuals reappointed after a break in service from civilian Federal employment of at least 90 calendar days.  The amount of non-Federal service to be credited will be based on the amount of directly related and documented experience that the selectee possesses as documented by the employee and which is approved by agency management.

Relocation Expenses: Payment of relocation expenses will be determined in accordance with P&P 412.5, Recruitment and Retention Incentives and Other Special Pay, Sections 6 and 7, as amended by Bulletins 03-402 and 05-412.5, found at http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppweb/Bulletins/05-412-5.pdf; see also http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/staffing_recruit/reloweb.htm.

Financial Disclosure Requirement: Federal employees are subject to prohibitions against officially dealing with outside organizations in which they have a financial interest.   You may be required to submit a financial disclosure report if hired for this position.   

False statements: If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; may be fired after beginning work; or may be fined or jailed.

Optional Form 306, (Declaration for Federal Employment): If you are selected for this position, you will be required to complete this form before an offer may be made.

Displaced/Surplus Employees: Individuals eligible under the USDA Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection.  CTAP and ICTAP eligibles within the local commuting area will be considered well qualified if that applicant meets the qualification standard and eligibility requirements for the position, meets minimum education and experience requirements, meets all selective factors where applicable and is able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.  Employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent performance rating and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.  Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.  Additional information on CTAP and ICTAP is available at http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp. 

Selective Service System: Males over age 18 who were born after December 31, 1959, must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for Federal employment.

ARS Reasonable Accommodation Contact Information: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation and/or accessibility for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-6161 or through the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD). 

How To Apply:

Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate address and/or facsimile number, but they must be postmarked by 11:59 p. m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date.

If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send zipped files.  They will be removed in accordance with standard electronic security procedures.

If hand delivered, be sure your application is received in the Human Resources Division on or before closing date.

If application packages do not contain all of the requested information, you may lose consideration for the job.  To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate.   Some of the items listed may not apply to you.  NOTE:  Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be considered.

APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST

__ Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment), Resume, Curriculum Vitae, or other document outlining your qualifications (Go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp and scroll down to obtain the OF-612).

The following information is required of all applicants:

__ Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position

__ Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)

__ Statement that you are a US. citizen (if not using the OF-612)

__Copy of DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) only if you are claiming Veteran's Preference for additional information go to http://www.opm.gov/employ/veterans/html/vetguide.asp 

__SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference) plus the support documentation required by this form only if claiming 10-point Veteran's Preference; to obtain the form go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp

__ Paid and non-paid work experience related to the position.  For each period of work experience include:

          ___Job Title

          ___Series/Grade (if Federal employment)

          ___Duties and Accomplishments

          ___Employer's Name and Address

          ___Supervisor's Name and Contact Information

          ___Starting and Ending Dates of Employment (at least Month/Year)

          ___Number of Hours Worked Per Week

          ___Salary

          ___Indicate if we may contact current supervisor/employer

__ Other job related information, such as training courses (title & year); skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, etc.)

          ___Current Certificates/Licenses 

          ___Honors, Awards, and Special Accomplishments

          ___Supplemental Questionnaire, if applicable
                (usually for Federal Wage System positions - WG, WL, WS)

__ Copy of college transcripts if you are qualifying all or in part on the basis of education for this position.  If you have non-conventional education, e.g., foreign study, continuing education units, life experience, etc., go to  http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.htm#e4a and look under the heading “Other Education” for information governing acceptability of this type of education.

__ Copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify possession of competitive civil service status if you are a current or previous federal employee.

__ Copy of most recent performance appraisal if you are a current federal employee.

__ Second copy of application package IF you are a candidate with competitive status.  NOTE:  All status candidates who wish to be considered under both alternative merit promotion and non-status competitive examining must submit two (2) complete applications when the position is open to both status and non-status candidates.  When only one (1) application is received, it will be considered under the alternative merit promotion procedures if the applicant is a current or former Federal employee with reinstatement eligibility.

__ Support documentation for eligibility for special hiring authorities, such as disability, Peace Corps service, etc.  If you have questions about eligibility for a particular hiring authority, please call the servicing HR specialist or go to http://www.opm.gov/Strategic_Management_of_Human_Capital/fhfrc/default.asp 
 
__ Support documentation if you are a USDA surplus or federal displaced employee; see pertinent section under “Other Important Information” below.

__ Self-certification of typing speed if required as a basic qualification for the position

__ While not required, a separate response to the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs listed under Specialized Experience), if present, for this position may better highlight your specific qualifications for this position.  For an explanation of KSAs, go to http://www.ars.usda.gov/careers/whatksa.html).

If this is your first time applying for a federal job, or if you wish to view more detailed information about  various aspects of applying for federal jobs, go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp and scroll down to access the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Optional Form 510.

Location Contact Information: Sharon Telkamp (605) 693-5203

Contact Information:

Catherine A. Beck Phone: 301-504-1573 Fax: 301-504-1535 Email: SCIRECRUIT@ARS.USDA.GOV

Or write: Department Of Agriculture USDA-REE-ARS-HRD/ARS-D10W-0006 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Stop #5106 Beltsville, MD 20705-5106 E-MAIL:SCIRECRUIT@ARS.USDA.GOV Fax: 301-504-1535

What To Expect Next:

You will be notified at four stages throughout the hiring process - upon receipt of your application, if you meet the minimum qualifications, if you are referred on the selection certificate, and when a final selection has been made.