Summary These positions are located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), Facilities Division in Beltsville, MD. In these positions, you will be responsible for servicing, repairing, installing and maintaining refrigeration and air conditioning systems within the facilities throughout the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC). Responsibilities Install and repair a variety of commercially-made laboratory equipment such as freeze dryers, refrigerated centrifuges, reverse cycle heat pumps, cascade systems, etc. Prepare sketches and circuit diagrams. Perform tasks relating to refrigeration and air conditioning systems in offices, laboratories, special purpose areas, and similar facilities. Adjust and repair large and complex refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Service and maintain control systems using electric, electronic, solid state, and pneumatic controls. Use knowledge of the principles and theories of air conditioning and refrigeration such as the refrigeration cycle, heat transfer laws. Adjust and repair large and complex refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Detect and correct leaks in refrigeration systems, and test overhauled or reconditioned systems. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 01/14/2025. 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 Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Selective Placement Factor(s) In addition to the experience requirement above, this position has a selective placement factor (SPF). Selective Placement Factors are special requirements, in addition to the minimum requirements, that are essential in successfully performing the duties of this job. If SPF experience is not documented, you will not receive further consideration under this announcement. Must possess a Universal (Types I, II, or III) technician certification for refrigerant transition and recovery (as required by the EPA in 40 CFR, Part 82, Subpart F). Physical Effort Duties are performed on ladders and in cramped, crowded quarters. Work requires close eye hand coordination, walking, bending, and prolonged periods of standing. Lifting of material and equipment weighing over 50 pounds with appropriate support may be required. Hoists, holders, and pulleys are operated when removing units such as large compressors, condensers, and chillers. The incumbent uses ladders, scaffolding, and platforms to make repairs and installations. Frequently the incumbent must work in hard-to-reach places. Working Conditions Work is performed in extremes of temperature conditions inside and outside the buildings. Occasionally the incumbent is required to work on top of tall buildings, in drafty attic spaces, and in cramped areas with low overheads. Conditions potentially subject the incumbent to noise, cuts, burns, electrical shocks, and bruises. Protective clothing and/or equipment is required when there is a possibility of exposure to toxic refrigerants or other toxic conditions. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Veterans who are preference eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after three years or more of continuous active service are eligible for consideration under the Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA). Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Employees: Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period. For more information on applying under special hiring authorities such as the Veteran's Recruitment Act (VRA), 30 percent disabled veterans, certain military spouses, Schedule A Disabled, etc., explore the different Hiring Paths on the USAJOBS website. Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) provides current or former temporary or term employees of federal land management agencies opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Refer to PUBLIC LAW 114-47-AUG. 7, 2015 for more information. This position is being concurrently announced under Delegated Examining Announcement Number ARS-S25Y-12650024-MDK. This announcement is open to all qualified candidates. Applying to both announcements may expand the possibilities of consideration since different referral criteria apply to each type of announcement. See the above announcement for more information. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. This position is designated as a bargaining unit positions and are represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).