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Building Services Specialist

General Services Administration
Public Buildings Service
This job announcement has closed

Summary

As a Building Services Specialist, provides technical assistance, facilitates and advises on building operating systems to include: HVAC, electrical, energy management, plumbing, fire safety, vertical transportation systems (elevators/escalators) and security/controls.

Location: Public Buildings Service, Facilities Management: one position each in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA.

We are currently filling two vacancies, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.

Overview

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Job canceled
Open & closing dates
11/14/2024 to 12/11/2024
Salary
$78,044 to - $126,585 per year

If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.

Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 12
Locations
FEW vacancies in the following locations:
Portland, OR
Seattle, WA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional travel required.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
12
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
10P-2025-0003
Control number
818903500

Videos

Duties

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  • Provide technical assistance, facilitates and advises the Field Office Manager on building operating systems including but not limited to HVAC, electrical, energy management, plumbing, fire safety, vertical transportation systems (elevators/escalators), security and controls. In addition, provide technical oversight for exterior building maintenance, window washing, landscaping and related exterior systems.
  • Analyze building system problems or deficiencies and recommend corrective actions based on developing required data to identify causes of problem using personal knowledge and experience, building equipment history, operation, repair and other data.
  • Conduct analysis of contracts, energy consumption, building system operations and maintenance operation programs and schedules to ensure asset preservation and customer satisfaction.
  • Prepare, monitor, inspect and assist in the administration of a variety of contracts for maintenance and construction projects. Prepare specifications, statement of work, and drawings for Property Management Team major and minor repair work; including systems operating modifications. Inspects and conducts performance tests on repaired and modified equipment to insure contract conformance. Review​​ and analyze plans, drawings specifications and project directives to ensure that the proposed design for new construction and major repair contracts includes features required for economical maintenance and optimum performance on building mechanical systems and associated equipment. Monitor new construction contracts to ensure contract compliance for optimum equipment effectiveness. Monitor operation performance during contract warranty periods in unison with the Design and Construction Division and ensure corrective action on defects.
  • Coordinate and facilitate customer activities and reimbursable work by adjusting and monitoring building systems and coordinate the delivery of services and materials.​

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • US Citizens and National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
  • Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
  • Register with Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959

If selected, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non­Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
  • Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
  • Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
  • Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee.  We will use the Department of Homeland Security’s e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.

Qualifications

For each job on your resume, provide:

  • the exact dates you held  each job (from month/year to month/year)
  • number of hours per week you worked (if part time).    

If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.

For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.

The GS-11 salary range starts at $78,044 (Portland) and $81,242 (Seattle) per year. 

The GS-12 salary range starts at $93,543 (Portland) and $97,376 (Seattle) per year. 

If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected. 

To qualify for the GS-11:

You must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. Specialized experience is assisting senior specialists with developing requirements, procedures and practices concerning maintenance of property facilities, utility systems, buildings and equipment; understanding of facility administration/buildings management operations to interpret problems, correct deficiencies; and providing technical assistance in the operation and maintenance of building systems including chillers, boilers (low and high-pressure), air handlers, air-filtration systems, energy management systems (EMS), etc. This experience must include operation of building automation systems and energy management programs and serving as a technical journeyman on building mechanical and electrical systems.

You may also qualify if you have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M., if related. OR- if you possess a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience that together meet the qualification requirements of this position

To qualify for the GS-12:

You must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level. Specialized experience is developing requirements, procedures and practices concerning maintenance of property facilities, utility systems, buildings and equipment; understanding of facility administration/buildings management operations to interpret difficult and/or complex problems, correct deficiencies, and develop and recommend changes; and skill in operating and maintaining building systems including chillers, boilers (low and high-pressure), air handlers, air-filtration systems, energy management systems (EMS), etc. This experience must include evaluating and managing building automation systems and energy management programs and serving as a technical expert on building mechanical and electrical systems.

Education

Note: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:   https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ 

Additional information

Bargaining Unit Status:  This position is eligible for the bargaining unit
If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit GSA's webpage.
If you are selected at a grade lower than the full performance level, you may be promoted up to that grade level without having to re-apply or compete against other applicants.

Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.  

On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:

·       Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government

·       Relocation incentive if you are a current federal employee

·       Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government

Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area as needed; through other means; or not at all.

If you are eligible under Merit Promotion, you may also apply under Vacancy Announcement #10P-2025-0002. You must apply separately to each announcement to be considered for both.GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including: 

  • Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
  • Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.
Our commitment is: 
  • Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
  • Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and
  • Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will use a method called Category Rating to assess your application.  Here’s how it will work:

You will be scored on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of the full range of HVAC, electrical, architectural, and plumbing systems. Knowledge of the equipment and procedures used to test, troubleshoot, calibrate, repair, and operate these types of systems, knowledge of energy management systems and related computer applications.
  • Technical and operating knowledge in the mechanical operation and maintenance of building mechanical systems; ability to read and interpret building plans, blueprints and technical information pertaining to mechanical equipment; ability to apply this knowledge to tenant agency's operating needs in order to develop new and improved methods, policies, and procedures that will conserve energy and building operating costs.
  • Knowledge and skills sufficient to read and interpret plans and specifications; interpret consultation practices and procedures; inspect materials, workmanship and
    installation of various systems, and monitor and advise on safety practices. Familiarity with local and national building codes and ensure work complies with all applicable codes. 
  • Knowledge of contract administration necessary to oversee and interact with mechanical and construction contractors; knowledge of estimating arid contracting procedures necessary to estimate, plan, specify and administer contracts to  successfully bring projects to completion.
  • Computer skills to include a working knowledge of Windows OS and AutoCAD software.
  • Administrative skills necessary to prepare necessary procurement and contracting documents and reports related to various inspections.
  • Skill in oral communication and in establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships.
  • Skill in written communication to prepare clear, concise written specifications, guidelines, and descriptions for use in contracting for work.

Your answers to the questions will be used to place you in one of the following categories and standard score ranges:

  • Best Qualified = Candidates scoring between 95 - 100
  • Well Qualified = Candidates scoring between 85 - 94 (Well Qualified for CTAP/ICTAP)
  • Qualified = Candidates scoring between 70 - 84

We will verify your answers to the questions in your resume.  If your resume doesn’t support your answers, we may lower your score, which could place you in a lower category.

Within each category, veterans will receive selection priority over non-veterans.

Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.

If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan(ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.


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