Summary The Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Library Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Branch has an excellent career-ladder opportunity for a Maintenance Mechanic Helper to perform tasks in support of installing, assembling, repairing and maintaining water and drainage systems throughout the Library Buildings and Grounds. As required, the helper assists higher grade Maintenance Mechanics with basic maintenance and repair work in electrical, air conditioning (A/C) and plumbing. Responsibilities TOUR OF DUTY: Sunday - Thursday - 1:30 pm - 10:00 pm *** The helper is designated as "Emergency / Essential" and will be required to report to work during emergencies and inclement weather conditions. *** Duties quotes at the WG-08 level; This is a career ladder position requiring the incumbent to perform progressively more complex duties and responsibilities leading to the full performance level The selectee will enjoy non-competitive promotion potential up to the WG-11, going from helper to worker to mechanic level while working under journey-level mechanics. Performs a variety of tasks involved in the upkeep of buildings, grounds, and related structures, fixtures, and utilities. Typical work assignments include the performance of visual examinations and operational tests to determine the need for, and the performance of, repair work in the electrical, A/C equipment repair and plumbing trades at less than the full journeyman level. Work involves using such skills as the proper usage of tools and equipment of the trade, the order of assembling parts and use of tools and equipment needed, use of blueprints, sketches, and technical manuals to understand the functions of the equipment and systems, skill to plan and lay out work, and skill to locate faulty parts. Uses skill to get the proper fits or tolerances, make adjustments and calibrations, to rebuild and fabricate parts. Follows instructions of the supervisor and/or journey-level mechanics to perform assignments. Performs installation and repair of pipes, fittings and fixtures of water and drainage systems. Installs and repairs sprinklers, water mains, sewage lines, hydrants, and water lines. Plans and lays out work from drawings, blueprints, and verbal instructions. Determines the sequence of work, materials, and tools to be used. Measures, cuts, threads, reams, fits, bends, and assembles pipe and pipe fittings. Installs piping through ceilings, floors, and walls of structures. Joins pipes by use of balls, caulk, fittings, screws, or solder joints. Uses building plans and sketches to plan and lay out the routing and placement and proper operation of supply, disposal, and utility piping and equipment. Assembles, installs, maintains, and repairs supply, disposal, and utility piping. Taps main lines, sets up routes, places and cuts route openings, places hangers for proper slope, determines unions and traps needed, and installs necessary components for proper system operation. Assembles and tests systems and equipment for proper operations. Locates sources of malfunctions and determines causes. Checks piping, fittings, and fixtures for defective parts or connections. As needed, disassembles and repairs drainage sections. Tightens conduit connections, makes splices, and insulates exposed wires. Examines system for proper operation. Replaces belts, fans, and fuses. Cleans and lubricates moving parts of equipment. Assists with replacing compressors, condensers, expansion valves, float and service valves, thermostats, coils, and drive assemblies. Tests units upon completion of repairs to ensure performance according to requirements. Checks for the proper temperature of conditioned spaces; proper operation of the components of the refrigeration cycle; proper lubricant levels; unusual noises; overheated bearings; loose physical or electrical connections; faulty insulation; frayed or loose belts, gaskets and pulleys; and any other defects. Using established work methods and procedures, assists with repairs of a variety of electrical equipment and small appliances such as electric motors, generators, alternators, transformers, lighting fixtures, relays, and power control panels. Under supervision, repairs such items as faulty wiring, connections, regulators, armatures and solenoid valves. Checks mechanical features such as bearings, pulleys, shafts, gears, belts and casings for damage or wear, replacing parts where necessary. Lubricates, oils, and cleans equipment as needed. Performs other related duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be able to pass a drug test. Your resume and question responses must demonstrate job-related elements. To be employed by the Architect of the Capitol in a paid position, an individual must meet one of the categories below: A citizen of the United States; A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B); A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States.” Qualifications You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. SCREEN-OUT: Ability to perform the work of the position without more than normal supervision which includes working independently, showing job responsibility and exercising initiative. WG-5: Has helper level knowledge of trade practices and theories of electricity, air conditioning and plumbing. Has elementary skill in the use and maintenance of trade tools and equipment. WG-8: Preliminary knowledge of trade practices and theories of electricity, air conditioning, and plumbing. Education Additional Information Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans' preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans' preference is applied on this vacancy announcement. If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF-15, if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability, if applicable. For more information, please visit OPM vet guide If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information. DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC’s suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide and cover the cost for the drug test. The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol. The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system. For more information on E-Verify, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc\_1185221678150.shtm The Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or disability. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Moving expenses are not authorized. Relocation expenses are not authorized. Probationary Period - A newly appointed selectee is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol. All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol.