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Powered Support Systems Repairer

Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency

Summary

In this position you will work as a member of the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center (MWEOC), Facilities Management Division, Operations Branch. MWEOC is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, approximately 60 miles west of Washington, DC. The ideal candidate for this position will have experience repairing and maintaining diesel engines and associated support systems such as fuel, heat, exchangers, and exhaust.

Overview

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This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$31.20 - $40.55 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 8 - 10
Promotion potential
11
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional Non-Emergency Travel may be required.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Top Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High 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
FEMA-JD-13106136-DE
Control number
891434800

Duties

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All MWEOC staff have emergency assignments and are considered deployed in place. Exercises and activations are planned and unplanned, and may require long hours, nights, weekends and holidays.

All MWEOC employees are: (1) required to use a government-issued electronic device (to include cellular phones); (2) subject to recall during emergency situations; and (3) required to perform work in locations both above and below ground.

What will I do in this position if hired?

In this position, you will serve as a Powered Support Systems Mechanic responsible for performing routine repairs or assisting senior mechanics by repairing maintaining and operating fixed portable diesel generators and associated equipment. Typical assignments include:

  • Performing the routine maintenance; tune-up; and overhauls on diesel engines rated from 15-4,300 horsepower; and assisting senior mechanics which consists of tasks ranging from minor repairs, to major overhaul involving all parts of diesel engines; Monitoring alarms, diagnoses, and troubleshoots equipment alarms and malfunctions, takes corrective actions to address issues on remote equipment.
  • Assisting in the operation of a 5000 KVA power plant, recording hourly pressure and temperature readings of operating engines.
  • Ensuring all daily logbooks and charts are maintained and up to date and keeping inventory of all spare parts.
  • Performing maintenance, repair and overhaul of specialized hydraulic systems.
  • Applying knowledge of oil and fuel spill containment procedures.

What else do I need to know?

At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters, and every employee at FEMA has a role in emergency management. Every FEMA employee has regular and recurring emergency management responsibilities, though not every position requires routine deployment to disaster sites. All positions are subject to recall around the clock for emergency management operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the official duty station, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically austere and operationally challenging conditions.

Promotion Potential: Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo, successfully pass, and maintain a background investigation for a Top-Secret clearance as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check after initial job qualifications are determined, a review of financial issues, such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs (please visit: Mythbuster on Federal Hiring Policies for additional information). For more information on background investigations for Federal jobs please visit OPM Investigations.

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, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

The Department of Defense (DOD) is the lead agency responsible for conducting Federal Wage System (FWS) wage surveys and issuing wage schedules. DOD's Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service maintains a website with all FWS wage schedules. You can visit the FWS wage schedules website. For specific salary information related to your location, please review the Appropriated Fund Schedules.


Please ensure you meet the qualification requirements described below.

Key Requirements:
  1. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  2. You must successfully pass a background investigation.
  3. Selective Service registration required.
  4. Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements.
  5. You must be able to obtain and maintain a Government credit card.
  6. You must be able to deploy with little or no advance notice to anywhere in the United States and its territories for an extended period of time.
  7. Please review the Additional Information section for additional key requirements.

Qualifications

The qualification requirements listed below must be met within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Ability to do the work of a Powered Support Systems Repairer/Mechanic:

  • You must have the ability to perform the work of a Powered Support Systems Repairer under close supervision and apply basic knowledge for mechanical and electrical structure and operation of powered support systems (power plant) such as 15-4,300 horsepower diesel engines, generators, alternators, gears, compressors, hydraulic/pneumatic electrical components that control cooling, heating and dehumidifying. You should be able to assist senior mechanics with simple tasks ranging from minor repairs to major overhaul of diesel engines and their parts while being able to read blueprints, dial indicators, and various measuring devices and gauges to troubleshoot, test and repair equipment for mechanical and electrical systems.
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standard. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

Working Conditions: WG-8 and 10 level powered support systems mechanics may work inside or outside. Inside, they are frequently exposed to drafts, changing temperature, and loud noise. Outside, they may work in bad weather, in rain or snow, or in wet or icy areas. Both inside and outside, the mechanics are frequently exposed to irritation or discomfort from dust, heat, fumes, and hard damp floors or surfaces.

WG-8 and 10 level mechanics work on parts and systems which are dirty and greasy, and which may be dangerous to operate or repair because of defects. They are frequently exposed to the possibility of receiving cuts, burns, bruises, strains, and electrical shock while repairing, positioning, adjusting, and moving equipment, and are exposed to the possibility of receiving bums and skin irritations from acids, fluids, and lubricants. To reduce the dangers and irritations from the above conditions, the mechanics follow numerous safety procedures and wear equipment such as protective eyeglasses, ear devices, hard hats, hard-toe shoes, respirators, gloves, and clothing. Some of these safety items may be uncomfortable to wear or use and may be worn or used for long periods.

Physical Effort: WG-8 and 10 level mechanics perform work which involves frequent bending, reaching, crouching, standing and arm movement. They sometimes must work in awkward positions or cramped areas. They frequently lift and carry items weighing up to about 18 kilograms (40 pounds) and lift heavier items using jacks, hoists, or helpers.

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.

NOTE: Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume. For a brief video on How to Create a Federal Resume, click here.

Current or former FEMA Reservists/Disaster Assistance Employee (DAE): To accurately credit your experience for these intermittent positions, make sure to list the dates (from MM/YY to MM/YY) of each deployment, along with the job title and specific duties you were responsible for during each deployment. Failure to provide this information may result in disqualification.

Education

No Educational Substitution: There is no educational substitution for this position, and you must meet the qualifications listed in the "qualifications" section of this announcement.

Additional information

  • If selected for this position, you will be required to attend a three-week, in-person training course in Emmitsburg, Maryland within six months of onboarding. FEMA will cover all travel expenses. Failure to participate may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
  • If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
  • The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to FEMA-Misconduct@fema.dhs.gov.
  • DHS uses E-verify, an internet based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
  • The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
  • A one-year probationary period is required for new Federal competitive service employees and new supervisors and managers.
  • Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
  • During the application process you will have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
  • This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position.
  • This position has been identified as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) because of its security, public health, and/or public safety sensitivity, you are subject to random drug testing under FEMA's Drug-Free Workplace Plan (DWP). Refusal to be tested will result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
  • A pre-employment physical is required to complete prior to appointment.

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 and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will use your responses to the job questionnaire to place you in one of three categories based on your experience, education, and training. The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:

SCREEN OUT FACTOR:

  1. Ability to do the work of a Powered Support Systems Repairer Without More than Normal Supervision

JOB ELEMENTS

  1. Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  2. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  3. Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading)
  4. Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  5. Knowledge of Materials
  6. Trouble shooting

If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:

  1. Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF), and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.
  2. Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPF's and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
  3. Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.

Veterans: Qualified veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. This position is not considered scientific/professional. Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.

Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP/CTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP/CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet eligibility criteria for CTAP or ICTAP; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; and, 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility (see "Required Documents" section of this announcement). Well-Qualified is defined as those applicants who are rated with a minimum score of 80.00 for this position.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.

FEMA is calling all problem-solvers, relationship builders, and leaders! FEMA is a mission-driven, people-focused Agency. Our mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters. We coordinate with other federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to make sure America is equipped to prepare for and respond to disasters.

Everyday FEMA employees are inspired by that mission and are working tirelessly to make a difference.

The Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center (MWEOC) is a unique FEMA facility which plays an important role in building a culture of preparedness and readying our Nation for all-hazard events. In performing this role, the MWEOC provides a wide array of support to its Mission Partners in classified and unclassified operating domains, both above and below ground.

Come join us in a rewarding career where you can help make our nation safer, stronger, and more prepared! Visit https://www.fema.gov/careers for more information.

Agency contact information

Jennifer Dunlap

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Federal Emergency Management Agency, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.fema.gov/careers

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