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Utility System Repairer Operator Supervisor

Department of Commerce
National Institute of Standards and Technology

Summary

OFPM is seeking USRO Supervisors to ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical utilities (steam, chilled water, compressed air) supporting NIST's mission. Incumbents serve as engineer-in-charge during off-hours, directing operations, supervising staff, and responding to emergencies impacting safety, mission continuity, and research infrastructure.

This announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the date the first 50 applications are received or 04/16/2026, whichever comes first.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/03/2026 to 04/16/2026
This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$46.27 - $54.01 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WS 11
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Gaithersburg, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
12
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
OFPM-193-26-12928333-DOC
Control number
863764400

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Current DoC-only employees on a career or career-conditional appointment

Duties

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This position requires knowledge and ability to supervise personnel in the operation and maintenance of high pressure boilers and associated equipment, industrial compressors/chillers and associated equipment, and co-generation systems including gas turbine, gas compressor, and associated equipment.
The employee will:
- Review and analyze chemical tests.
- Coordinate Physical Plant operations with local power provider (Pepco).
- Demonstrate working knowledge of pneumatic/direct digital controls (DDC).
- Obtain any necessary materials needed to complete repairs.
- Ensure proper procedures are followed and documented as defined by SOPs and/or manufacturer's instructions.
- Apply and instruct on principles and theories of refrigeration cycles, central steam plant cycles, and heat transfers.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. citizenship
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment
  • Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination
  • Applicants must be certified in Universal CFC Certification for handling refrigerants
  • Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

There are no specific lengths or level of experience requirements. The applicant's overall background of experience, education and training must clearly demonstrate the ability to independently perform Utility Systems Repairer/Operator Supervisor duties, such as supervising employees engaged in the operation and maintenance of high-pressure steam boiler plants and large industrial chiller systems, ensuring safe efficient, and compliant plant operations.

AND

Applicants must be certified in Universal CFC Certification for handling refrigerants.

Applicants must meet the screen out elements and achieve an overall score of at least fifty (50%) or higher

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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification System for Trade and Labor Occupations Handbook.

If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration

Additional information

This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!

  • We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
  • Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
  • You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
  • All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
  • A supervisory probationary period may be required.

This position has physical requirements which include but may not be limited to:
? Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over)
? Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds)
? Light lifting (under 15 pounds)
? Heavy carrying (45 pounds and over)
? Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds)
? Light carrying (under 15 pounds)
? Straight pulling (up to 5 hours)
? Pulling hand over hand (up to 5 hours)
? Pushing (up to 5 hours)
? Reaching above shoulder
? Use of fingers
? Both hands required
? Walking (up to 10 hours)
? Standing (up to 10 hours)
? Crawling (up to 4 hours)
? Kneeling (up to 4 hours)
? Repeated bending (up to 8 hours)
? Climbing, legs only (up to 4 hours)
? Climbing, use of legs and arms
? Both legs required
? Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
? Near vision correctable at 13-16 inches (Jaeger 1-4)
? Far vision correctable (20/20 in one eye, 20/40 in the other)
? Depth perception
? Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades
? Hearing (aid permitted and without aid)

This position has environmental factors which include, but may not be limited to:? Work performed both inside and outside
? Exposure to excessive heat, cold, humidity, dampness, and dry conditions
? Excessive intermittent and constant noise
? Exposure to dust, silica, asbestos, fumes, smoke, and gases
? Exposure to solvents (degreasing agents), grease, and oils
? Exposure to radiant and electrical energy
? Slippery or uneven walking surfaces
? Working around machinery with moving parts
? Working around moving objects or vehicles
? Working on ladders or scaffolding
? Working below ground
? Working with hands in water
? Exposure to vibration
? Working closely with others and working alone
? Protracted or irregular work hours
? Confined space work
? Shift work

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documents to assess your qualifications for this position. Please be sure that your resume and supporting documents include detailed information to support your qualifications for this position. Failure to provide sufficient and/or legible evidence in your resume or supporting documents may result in a "not qualified" determination. You MUST select at least ONE eligibility (i.e., how you wish to be considered) to receive consideration for this position.

Rating: Applications will be assessed on the following competencies:

  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading)
  • Ability to Lead or Supervise
  • Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.
  • Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)


If the minimum qualifications and eligibility requirements are met, your application will be rated and ranked among others, based on your responses to the online questions regarding your experience, education, training, performance appraisals, or awards relevant to the duties of the position. Your rating may be lowered if your responses in the online questions are not supported by the education and/or experience described in your application. To preview the questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12928333

Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. You may be required to participate in a selection interview. You will be referred depending upon your eligibility (i.e., Merit candidate, veterans preference, etc). Please review the Evaluation Process on how applicants are review and referred based upon how they wish to be considered for the position.

CTAP or ICTAP eligibility: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must be determined eligible and rated as well-qualified to receive special selection priority. "Well Qualified" means that in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective placement factor(s), if applicable, you must receive a score of 85 or higher. Please review the following site regarding required documents to support CTAP or ICTAP eligibility and additional information regarding this authority - CTAP/ICTAP Eligibility

National Institute of Standards and Technology

NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life.

Agency contact information

Lauren Beyer
Phone
(202) 738-2101
Email
lauren.beyer@nist.gov
Address
Gaithersburg Facility Maintenance Division
100 Bureau Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
US

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