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Engineering Technician (Utility Instrumentation)

Legislative Branch
Architect of the Capitol

Summary

The position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief of Operations, Director, Utilities and Power Plant Operations, Assistant Director, Utility Services Division, Utility Distribution Branch. 

The incumbent ensures accurate flow measurement, reliable system performance, proper data collection, and integration with facility monitoring systems to support operations, maintenance planning, energy management, utility accounting, and regulatory compliance.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$77,771 - $133,142 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 10 - 12
Promotion potential
12
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time - This is an Excepted Service position and does not require/ confer Civil Service Competitive Status
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent - Permanent, Full Time.
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CPP-2026-302
Control number
879091000

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all U.S. Citizens. Please be advised that federal retired annuitant candidates may only be considered as a temporary employee if the role can be filled in that capacity.

Duties

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The incumbent serves as a Utility Instrumentation Technician and is responsible for oversight, management and monitoring the installation, operation, maintenance, calibration, testing, troubleshooting, repair, and performance verification of flow measurement systems and associated instrumentation supporting the Capitol Power Plant Utility Distribution Systems (UDS). The incumbent supports accurate monitoring of steam, condensate return, chilled water, domestic water, and other utility systems serving facilities throughout the Capitol campus.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Confined Space Certification to inspect underground utility tunnels.

This position requires a valid D.C. or State motor vehicle operator’s license.

This position may be filled at the GS-10, GS-11 or GS-12.  If starting at the lower levels, developmental assignments will be given with the goal of attaining the full performance level. Promotions can be attained without further competition up to the GS-12.  Duties quoted below are for the GS-12 level.

Utility Instrumentation Operation and Maintenance (35%)

Serves as the Utility Distribution Branch technical specialist for flow metering systems, instrumentation, and associated monitoring equipment.

Oversees and manages Installation, commissioning, configuration, calibration, and maintaining a variety of flow measurement technologies including magnetic, ultrasonic, differential pressure, insertion, and mechanical flow meters.

Performs routine inspections, operational testing, calibration verification, and preventive maintenance of flow meters and associated instrumentation.

Diagnoses meter inaccuracies, communication failures, instrumentation problems, and system performance issues. Performs corrective maintenance and coordinates repairs with contractors and equipment manufacturers as necessary.

Conducts field investigations to verify meter accuracy, identify utility losses, detect abnormal flow conditions, and support operational troubleshooting.

Maintains accurate calibration records, maintenance logs, testing reports, and equipment documentation using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and other data management tools.

Reviews manufacturer recommendations, industry standards, and operational requirements to develop and update maintenance procedures and testing protocols.

Instrumentation and Data Management (30%)

Supports integration and operation of flow meters with SCADA systems, building automation systems, data loggers, and other monitoring platforms.

Collects, validates, analyzes, and reports utility flow data used for operational decision-making, energy management, asset management, and system performance evaluations.

Assists with development and maintenance of utility metering databases, equipment inventories, and historical performance records.

Verifies data integrity and coordinates corrective actions when communication, reporting, or instrumentation issues are identified.

Coordinates and evaluates development of performance metrics and reports related to utility consumption, system efficiency, and infrastructure condition assessments.

Project Support and Technical Assistance (30%)

Provides technical support for utility metering improvement projects, flow meter replacements, new installations, and system upgrades.

Assists with project planning, field investigations, equipment selection, testing requirements, and commissioning activities.

Reviews technical drawings, equipment specifications, wiring diagrams, and manufacturer documentation related to metering and instrumentation systems.

Coordinates with engineers, project managers, contractors, and utility personnel during design, installation, testing, and startup activities.

Participates in field inspections to verify contractor performance, installation quality, and compliance with project requirements.

Provides guidance, technical advice and consultation on program and project administration. Contributes to the resolution of technical difficulties that are amenable to changes in approach, criteria or requirements. Conducts studies to develop criteria for situations encountered in field inspections.

Shall acquire the required training to serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for UDS Instrumentations (including flow meters) operations and maintenance contract.

Utilizes professional expertise to develop and review: (1) technical specifications; (2) construction documents; (3) internal government cost estimates; (4) construction cost estimates; (5) statements of work; and (6) work plans for construction projects and professional design services. Develops and maintains progress schedules and reports. Manages critical path activities recommending courses of action for problem resolution.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • You must meet the definition of specialized experience.
  • You must meet the education requirements for an engineer.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Confined Space Certification to inspect underground utility tunnels.

This position requires a valid D.C. or State motor vehicle operator’s license.

Qualifications

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and educational requirements) for the advertised position.  You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.  Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions.  It is available for your review on the OPM web site at OPM Qualifications Standards
 
Specialized experience: is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. 


Candidates for the GS-10 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. 

Specialized experience for this position is defined as having the following experience. GS-12 must demonstrate 4 out of 6 skillsets.

Demonstrated knowledge of flow measurement technologies, instrumentation systems, and utility distribution infrastructure.

      2. Demonstrated knowledge of installation, calibration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of flow meters and associated instrumentation.

     3. Demonstrated knowledge of steam, condensate, chilled water, domestic water, and related utility systems.

     4.  Demonstrated knowledge of SCADA systems, data acquisition systems, communications protocols, and computerized monitoring systems.

    5.  Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, piping diagrams, instrumentation diagrams, technical specifications, and manufacturer manuals.

    6.  Ability to analyze technical data, identify equipment deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions.

Candidates for the GS-11 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-10 grade level in the Federal service. 

Specialized experience for this position is defined as having the following experience. GS-12 must demonstrate 5 out of 6 skillsets.

  1. Demonstrated knowledge of flow measurement technologies, instrumentation systems, and utility distribution infrastructure.

      2. Demonstrated knowledge of installation, calibration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of flow meters and associated instrumentation.

     3. Demonstrated knowledge of steam, condensate, chilled water, domestic water, and related utility systems.

     4.  Demonstrated knowledge of SCADA systems, data acquisition systems, communications protocols, and computerized monitoring systems.

    5.  Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, piping diagrams, instrumentation diagrams, technical specifications, and manufacturer manuals.

    6.  Ability to analyze technical data, identify equipment deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions.

Candidates for the GS-12 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. 

Specialized experience for this position is defined as having the following experience. GS-12 must demonstrate 6 out of 6 skillsets.

  1. Demonstrated knowledge of flow measurement technologies, instrumentation systems, and utility distribution infrastructure.

      2. Demonstrated knowledge of installation, calibration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of flow meters and associated instrumentation.

     3. Demonstrated knowledge of steam, condensate, chilled water, domestic water, and related utility systems.

     4.  Demonstrated knowledge of SCADA systems, data acquisition systems, communications protocols, and computerized monitoring systems.

    5.  Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, piping diagrams, instrumentation diagrams, technical specifications, and manufacturer manuals.

    6.  Ability to analyze technical data, identify equipment deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions.

A valid D.C. or State motor vehicle operator’s license.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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.

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.

Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions.

Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for this position, possession of any specialized experience, and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement.  The self-assessment questions relate to the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies: 

- Utility Management 

- Project Management

- Consultant/Contractor Oversight

- Technical Advice and Guidance

- Oral and Written Communication

Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions.  Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions.  Falsifying your background, education and/or experience is cause for non-selection or disqualification from further consideration. 

Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the “Required Documents” section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application).


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Architect of the Capitol

The mission of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is to serve Congress and the Supreme Court, preserve America's Capitol and inspire memorable experiences. The AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development and preservation of 18.4 million square feet of buildings and more than 570 acres of land throughout Capitol Hill. The AOC provides a welcoming and educational environment for millions of visitors through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and the US Botanic Garden. Learn more at https://www.aoc.gov/careers.  The AOC prides itself on its Core Values of Teamwork, Integrity, Professionalism, Pride and Safety.

Agency contact information

Nyika Hinson
Phone
202-226-7000
Email
nyika.hinson@aoc.gov
Address
Architect of the Capitol
United States Capitol
Washington, District of Columbia 20515
United States

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