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Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (HVAC Technician)

Smithsonian Institution
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo.  This position is located in one of the Smithsonian Institution's facilities serviced by the Office of Facilities Management (FM). The Office of Facilities Management (FM) is responsible for all Smithsonian facilities, many of which are designated as historic and all of which are visited by millions of people each year.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
11/20/2025 to 12/04/2025
Salary
$30.89 to - $42.20 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 08 - 11
Location
Washington, DC
FEW vacancies
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent - Federal
Work schedule
Full-time - Full-Time, Permanent
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
26R-SR-312820-MPA-FM
Control number
850475800

Duties

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The Utility Systems Repairer-Operator serves as a mechanic in any of the Building Management Division's (BMD) zones performing the full range of operations, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair.

In this position, you will:

WG-8:

  • Perform basic operations, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair work under close directions; operates, performs predictive and preventive maintenance on, and repairs equipment and component parts of refrigeration, air-conditioning, heating, high pressure steam distribution, humidification systems, and boiler systems.
  • Perform fire pump and emergency generator testing.
  • Work with engineering and testing personnel while planning and modifying a system to meet specific conditions and accomplishes repairs and modifications to meet conditions required.
  • Assure the continuous operation and surveillance of the computers in the Central Control Room, analyzes printout data and alarms and assures appropriate remedial actions are taken.

WG-10/11:

  • Perform the full range of operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair; operates, performs predictive and preventive maintenance on, and repairs equipment and component parts of refrigeration, air-conditioning, heating, high pressure steam distribution, humidification systems, and boiler systems.
  • Install and recognizes the cause of faulty equipment, and repairs, modifies and relocates equipment that provides specific and critical conditions in laboratories and special purpose facilities.
  • Perform maintenance to equipment, makes adjustment and repairs to equipment and control systems to ensure proper and efficient operation; tests, detects and diagnoses trouble in heating and air-conditioning systems and takes corrective action.
  • Clean and maintains interiors of all mechanical rooms, air intakes, and all other mechanical equipment and areas.
  • Assure the continuous operation and surveillance of the computers in the Central Control Room, analyzes printout data and alarms and assures appropriate remedial actions are taken.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
  • May need to complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment:

Physical Requirements:
This position requires the physical ability to perform moderately heavy work including lifting and carrying heavy objects up to 50 lbs.; work outside in all weather conditions with exposure to dirt, dust, pollen and insects; climb ladders and stairs; and stand and walk for extended periods.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the job opportunity announcement.

For information on the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations, see OPM’s website.

Additional Conditions of Employment:

WG-08/10/11

Must have a valid State or District of Columbia driver's license. (You must submit a copy with your application)

Must be available to work any one of the various shifts and/or assigned workdays that include holidays, weekends, and call back emergencies.

WG-10/11

Must possess a current EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification. (You must submit a copy with your application)

Qualifications

In order to be rated qualified, an applicant's overall experience and training must indicate possession of the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties of this position. 

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.

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.

Additional information

  • This position is included in the bargaining unit.  

Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position.  However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.

Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.

Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.

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.

Applications will first be evaluated to determine whether the following screen out element is met:

WG-08:

  1. Ability to do the work of a Utility System Repairer-Operator without more than normal supervision.

WG-10/11:

  1. Ability to do the full range of a Utility System Repairer-Operator to include operations, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair, without more than normal supervision.

If an applicant meets the screen-out element, the following Job Elements will be evaluated:

  1. Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, operations, repair and maintenance (HVAC, electrical, steam).
  2. Knowledge of HVAC technical practices (theoretical, precise, artistic).
  3. Use of Measuring Instruments.
  4. Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc. (includes blueprint reading).
  5. Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.
  6. Knowledge of Utility System Materials.

BASIS OF RATING:  Once the announcement closes, your application will be automatically evaluated and rated by the system and a Human Resources Specialist. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your application and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the occupational questionnaire. The numeric rating you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. The score is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position. If, after the Human Resources Specialist reviews your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that the score you have received is not a true reflection of your qualifications and/or experience, your score can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect the information you provided that support your abilities. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Your resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA):  If you are applying for a VEOA appointment, you must be a veteran and must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed 3 or more years of active service. ("Active Service" under this law means active duty in a uniformed service and includes full-time training duty, annual training duty, full-time National Guard duty, and attendance, while in the active service, at a school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary concerned.) A veteran who is released under honorable conditions shortly before completing a 3-year tour is also eligible.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities:  The following links contain information on the eligibility requirements to be considered under a noncompetitive appointing authority:


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