Summary This position is located within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Midwest Area, Ames, IOWA. In this position, you will operate and maintain the rendering units in a manner that they are prepared and ready for operation when needed to serve the program units. Responsibilities Keeps supervisor fully informed of maintenance or operating issues and the condition of the units at all times. Performs maintenance and repairs to existing utility and mechanical systems such as electrical, sewage, and water. Completes preventative maintenance on the units based on the manufacturer’s recommended practices and FEU preventative work orders. Provides support with the installation of new systems and equipment. 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: 05/31/2024Qualifications 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, Maintenance Worker (Renderer Operator)without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Physical Effort Work is performed in an office, on benches, supports, ladders, scaffolds, roofs, catwalks, manholes, in harnesses, ditches, around fixtures and piping which requires continuous standing, stooping, bending, climbing, working overhead in stretched, cramped and awkward positions. Arm strain may result when required to work in awkward positions. Is required to enter confined spaces. May lift and carry items up to 40lbs, and occasionally lift objects weighing 50lbs or more (using equipment or hand trucks for safe handling). Working Conditions Subject to fumes, bases and sparks; injury and continuous exposure to hazards of spills, cuts, bruises, noise, vibrations, burns, dust, dirt, and danger from flying chips when using powered hand tools. Subject to potential for falls when working on ladders and scaffolds. Renderer operations are completed in heated spaces, but other assigned work may be performed inside or outside. In accordance with operational protocols, is required to wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, respirators, ear protection, and fall protection gear during normal operations to adhere to established safety protocols. May be required to shower prior to reporting to duty station and/or in accordance with entrance/exit safety protocols for specific areas. Required to wear full face respirator when working in biological control areas or areas where biological spill has taken place; facial hair restrictions will be required in order to comply with proper operation of personal protective equipment. Conditions involve exposure to varying abnormal temperatures and conditions both inside and outside buildings. Works in areas where equipment is in continual operation, noise levels may be abnormal and strong odors will be present. Subject to infection, mechanical injury, gas, cuts, bruises, fumes, dirt, and grease. A flexible work schedule is required to operate and monitor the units in accordance with the program staff needs, which may include required overtime or extended work hours. 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. 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 position and is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).