Summary This position is located within the Cotton Gin Research Unit for USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in Stoneville, MS. In this position, you will be responsible for fabricating metal items and systems and executing other phases of the ginning research program. Responsibilities Works under the supervision of Supervisory Engineering Technician fabricating and installing a variety of sheet metal items for use in connection with the cotton ginning research program. Fabricates and installs sheet metal items such as deflectors, piping, valves, duct work, frames and supports, hoppers, size adapters and apparatus for seed cotton and lint cotton trash collecting systems for ginning systems. Assists with ginning tests by collecting and storing samples and sub-samples of seed cotton, lint, cottonseed, trash, and other gin byproducts. Weighs, measures, separates, and categorizes samples and materials; records information and follows test protocols. Loads/unloads seed cotton, lint cottonseed, and gin byproducts (within weight restrictions) manually, mechanically, or pneumatically. Uses measuring instruments such as rulers, tapes and compasses to measure plans and patterns. Performs works such as cutting, shearing, seaming, crimping, riveting and welding in fabricating and/or repairing sheet metal equipment using conventional sheet metal tools and equipment. Assists in erecting and dismantling experimental and conventional ginning machinery and equipment used in the research laboratory gins. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 01/21/2025. 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 Sheet Metal Mechanic, without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Physical Effort The physical requirements involve setting up work and equipment, lifting, pulling and pushing loads up to 50 pounds but seldom exceeding 50 pounds. In addition, the work involves prolonged standing, climbing up and down ladders and scaffolding; working in cramped and awkward positions while installing items, and reaching, lifting and bending while using hand and powered tools. Good hearing, eyesight, and body coordination are required to perform the assignments effectively. Working Conditions Most work is performed inside of laboratory buildings, which are subject to very loud noise, dirt, dust, and drafts. Occasional outside work is subject to dust, head, cold and rain or prevailing weather conditions. Must observe safety rules where applicable. Personal safety equipment such as steel-toed shoes/boots, safety glasses, face shields, hearing protectors and dust respirators are required. 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. 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. If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. 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.