Engineering Technician (Mechanical) Job in District of Columbia, DC

Vacancy No. WP-2025-0024 Department Public Buildings Service
Salary $77,001.00 to $131,826.00 Grade 10 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/7/2025 Close Date 1/21/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
District of Columbia, DC


Summary

As a Mechanical Engineering Technician, you will assist the Senior Electrical Engineering Technician in the engineering/maintenance staff responsible for providing technical/management support to the operation of the facilities and the distribution and cooling systems in the program areas of contract administration, project management, systems operation and oversight, project negotiations, occupational safety and health, fire safety, quality assurance and inspection programs.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens and Nationals

Duties

GS-10

  • Assist in monitoring and inspecting assigned facilities' mechanical systems to ensure contractors are operating and maintaining them in such a manner that maximizes mechanical reliability and minimizes system inefficiencies.  
  • Provide technical and management support to the operation of the facilities and the distribution systems in the program areas of contract administration, project management, systems operation and oversight, project negotiations, occupational safety and health, fire safety; quality assurance and inspection programs, preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance; district­ wide training program for subordinate personnel. Assist IN providing technical and management support to the operation of the facilities and the distribution and cooling systems. 
  • Prepare supply documents and reports. Coordinates incoming and outgoing shipments and placement of materials within docking area. Prepare inventory and production reports, screens and identify shipping and receiving documents for discrepancies, and direct shipments to shipping or storage areas. Operates large warehouse weight handling equipment such as cargo tractors, mobile cranes, and forklifts ranging in size up to 20,000 lbs. and stake and box trucks up to 26,000 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). 
  • Assist in updating and revising various mechanical, electrical, controls and piping schematics and drawings.

GS-11 

  • Participate in the inspection program. Make regular inspections of work, conducts engineering tests, furnish technical assistance to supervisors and initiate/recommend corrective action or improvements in the operation, maintenance, repair and administration of the facility. 
  • Provide technical and management support to the operation of the facilities and the distribution systems in the program areas of contract administration, project management, systems operation and oversight, project negotiations, occupational safety and health, fire safety; quality assurance and inspection programs, preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance; districtwide training program for subordinate personnel. Perform routine and special cooling and generator plant maintenance; clean and adjusts generator units and all auxiliary equipment including ventilating fans and systems, changes air cleaner elements, clean crankcase breathers, lubricate bearings, change coolant in the cooling systems, test and add corrosion inhibitors; adjust and calibrate regulators, governor, circuit breakers, overload devices and switchgear. 
  • Prepare items for processing, utilizing appropriate Standard Management Information System, such as computer terminal and bar code reader to read, store, track
    and prepare material documentation. Operate large warehouse weight handling equipment such as cargo tractors, mobile cranes, and forklifts ranging in size up to 20,000 lbs. and stake and box trucks up to 26,000 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). 
  • Update and revise various mechanical, electrical, controls and piping schematics and drawings.

GS-12

  • Participate in the inspection program. Make regular inspection of work, conduct engineering test, furnish technical assistance to supervisor and initiate/recommend corrective action or improvement in the operation, maintenance, repair and administration of the facility.  
  • Provide technical/management support to the operation of the facilities and the distribution systems in program areas of contract administration, project management, systems operation and oversight, project negotiations, occupational safety and health, fire safety; quality assurance and inspection programs, preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance; districtwide training program for subordinate personnel. Perform routine and special cooling and generator plant maintenance; clean and adjusts generator units and all auxiliary equipment including ventilating fans and systems, change air cleaner elements, clean crankcase breathers, lubricate bearings, change coolant in the cooling systems, test and add corrosion inhibitors; adjust and calibrate regulators, governor, circuit breakers, overload devices and switchgear. 
  • Prepare supply documents and reports. Coordinate incoming and outgoing shipments and placement of materials within docking area. Prepare inventory and production reports, screen and identify shipping and receiving documents for discrepancies, and direct shipments to shipping/storage areas. Operate large warehouse weight handling equipment: cargo tractors, mobile cranes, and forklifts ranging in size up to 20,000 lbs. and stake and box trucks up to 26,000 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). 
  • Perform long-range engineering planning studies and recommend optimized benefit to cost actions for these facilities. Update and revise mechanical, electrical, controls and piping schematics and drawings as systems are renewed or modified, utilizing the CAD/CAM system. Maintain drawings library. Prepare specifications, drawings and cost estimates.

Requirements

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 5 investigation level).  You must be granted this clearance before you can start the job.
  • 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.
  • Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a forklift certification.
  • The incumbent will be part of a group of U.S. Government and contractor professionals that are on-call 24 hours, 7 days per week, 365 days per year in support of mission requirements. This position may frequently extend beyond the normal duty workday to meet mission requirements. Frequent travel may be required. Travel may be operational and/or training in nature, often without sufficient notification. In an emergency, this service may require irregular working 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. Employee must be able to relocate to emergency sites with little advance notice and function under increased mental and physical stress. The incumbent of this position will be designated as an Essential Employee for purposes of weather-related events or other short-term, isolated emergencies.
  • Must have the ability to operate large warehouse weight handling equipment such as cargo tractors, mobile cranes, and forklifts ranging in size up to 20,000 lbs. and stake and box trucks up to 26,000 GVWR.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.

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).    

NOTE:  Qualifications are based on length and level of experience.  Therefore, in addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours per week if part time. Qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, so failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. 

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-10 salary range starts at $75,329 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, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-10 level or higher in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience assisting in preparing designs and specifications for various utility systems such as heating, air conditioning, ventilating and plumbing.

The GS-11 salary range starts at $82,764 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, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience assisting with routine and special generator facility maintenance. This experience must include assisting in developing and evaluating repairs,
alteration and systems replacement project concepts, designs, costs, benefits, and priorities.

The GS-12 salary range starts at $99,200 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, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level or higher in the Federal service.Specialized experience is experience developing, evaluating, and performing minor repairs to generating equipment, auxiliary equipment including ventilating systems, fans, oil distribution
and transfer system. This experience must include at least two of the following.

  1. Performing trouble shooting and repair of controls, instrumentation, monitoring devices, distributive control systems within the facility. 
  2. Performing systems analyses to improve facility operation and maintenance practices and procedures. 
  3. Identifying and developing implementation plans for alternative measures which will enhance the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the facility operation.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.
Location: General Services Administration (GSA), Public Buildings Service (PBS), National Capital Region (NCR), Washington DC
Bargaining Unit Status: - This position is eligible for the bargaining unit
This position has job functions that must be executed within specific geographic locations. The official duty station is a federal facility, leased space, or an alternative worksite (typically the employee’s home) within the specified geographic area. You will be expected to report to a specific GSA duty location at least two or more days a pay period depending upon the terms of the agency’s telework policy.
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.

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 #WP-2025-0023.  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.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

You will have access to many benefits including:

  • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
  • Life insurance coverage with several options
  • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
  • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Transit and child care subsidies
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Training and development

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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:

GS-10

Knowledge of and skill in applying a wide range of architectural or engineering methods, principles, practices, and techniques sufficient to permit the employee to assist the technical manager of designated projects, from the preliminary planning stage through the design and construction phases. 

  1. Knowledge of current design techniques, construction methods, project management concepts, and the skill in applying these techniques, methods, and concepts to insure the successful completion of
    assigned projects. 
  2. Knowledge of standard office and/or industry software applications. 
  3. Knowledge and skills to read and interpret plans and specifications, interpret consultation practices and procedures; inspect materials, workmanship, and installation of systems, and monitor and advise on safety practices. Familiarity with local and national building codes

GS-11/GS-12

  1. Knowledge of and skill in applying a wide range of architectural or engineering methods, principles, practices, and techniques sufficient to permit the employee to assist the technical manager of designated projects, from the preliminary planning stage through the design and construction phases. 
  2. Knowledge of current design techniques, construction methods, project management concepts, and the skill in applying these techniques, methods, and concepts to insure the successful completion of assigned projects. 
  3. Knowledge of standard office and/or industry software applications. 
  4. Knowledge and skills to read and interpret plans and specifications, interpret consultation practices and procedures; inspect materials, workmanship, and installation of systems, and monitor and advise on safety practices. Familiarity with local and national building codes.

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.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.

Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.

If you are claiming veterans’ preference:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.
(b) If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214:  (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).

If you are active duty military - Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).

If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.  

How to Apply

Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application.  For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.

If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application. 

To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.

  • Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
  • Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
  • Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this vacancy.
  • Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).

Need Assistance? 

  • Questions or issues completing an application and/or submitting documentation - contact mgshelp@monster.com or 1-866-656-6831 Monday-Friday 7AM - 7PM EST, except for Federal holidays
  • Specific questions on the position - contact the HR representative (Monday-Friday during normal business hours) listed on the announcement, prior to the application deadline

You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.

Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.

Agency contact information

Mary Robinson
Phone
202/717-1572
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
pbscvacancyinquiries@gsa.gov
Address
GSA, Public Buildings Service
General Services Administration (GSA)
Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
1800 F Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After the closing date/deadline:

  1. ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant eligibility and qualifications are reviewed.
  2. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: Eligible/Qualified applicants are referred to management for review and possible interview.
  3. SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If a selection is made, a Tentative Offer is extended to the selectee and suitability and/or security background investigation is conducted.
  4. FINAL JOB OFFER: A final job offer is made (typically within 40 days after the closing date/deadline for applications).
  5. FINAL COMMUNICATION TO APPLICANTS: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.

Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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