Duties
Industrial Equipment Mechanic (Relief OST):
- Monitors lock equipment for potential problems. Troubleshoots lock equipment performance issues, determines corrective action, and performs corrective maintenance and/or determines need for assistance from other employees.
- Inspects, maintains, repairs, overhauls, and installs mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic lock machinery and equipment including auxiliary items such as air compressors, pumps, sandblasting machines, etc. Responsible for the rigging, alignment and performance of machinery and equipment. Operates lock equipment from control stations or recesses for testing purposes.
- Operates conventional machine tools to machine castings, forgings, various metals and alloys, plastic, rubber, wood and other nonmetal materials. Performs related precision hand work, disassembles and reassembles machine parts, ensuring proper fit. Installs various components into machine assemblies.
- Layout, drill, and install rubber/wooden fenders; oil, grease, change filters, test, and troubleshoot machinery and equipment; stop log and bulkhead placement and maintenance; HVAC system repair and maintenance including lock furnaces, tower erection, etc.
- Required to complete Linehandling training in order to cover for scheduled and unscheduled leave at the Locks during the navigation season. Passes/receives messenger/mooring lines or wires to/from vessels to secure them in the lock chamber or on approach walls. Operates an electrically powered capstan to pull up and lower down commercial vessel's mooring wires. Observes for unusual occurrences during a lockage, may assist leader in positioning vessels or signaling for the opening or closing of gates. Secures pleasure craft and may assist with collecting tolls.
PHYSICAL EFFORT FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Frequently lifts and turns while handling lines weighing up to 100 pounds, generally with another Lock Operations employee. Frequently required to climb ladders, walk over rough terrain, climb towers, reach, twist, turn, bend, and squat, often while wearing uncomfortable or awkward safety equipment. May be required to stand for long periods or to board craft from lock walls, docks, or shoreline areas.
Perception of distance and motion and coordination of hands and eyes are necessary for operating the lock equipment and for performing mechanical maintenance work.
For general maintenance work, is required to expend moderate to heavy effort for extended periods of time, such as mowing lawns behind a walking mower, shoveling snow, sweeping walkways, jack hammering, etc.
WORKING CONDITIONS FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Work assignments are both inside and outside. When inside, employee is frequently exposed to drafts, changing temperatures, and noise that is difficult to talk above. When outside, may work in bad weather, in mud or snow, in wet or icy areas, and on slippery decks. Both inside and outside, employee is frequently exposed to irritation or discomfort from dust, heat, fumes, and from hard, damp floors or ground. Typically works on parts and systems that are dirty, oily, or greasy. May work from ladders, staging, man baskets, decks, or rafts, on or over water. Work may be performed in open areas at 90+ feet above land or water. Some work is performed in narrow areas, with low ceilings, and often with limited lighting. Must be able to work at or adjacent to such heights and in cramped areas.
May be exposed to the possibility of receiving cuts, burns, including electrical burns, and/or shocks, bruises, and sprains while repairing, positioning, and moving equipment. May be exposed to the possibility of receiving burns and skin irritations from acid, fluids, and lubricants.
May be exposed to hazardous materials, such as, but not limited to, asbestos, lead, or silica; or chemicals such as paint, paint thinner, mineral spirits, and other agents such as naphtha, toluene, liquid anode, etc. which may be listed on the hazardous chemicals list.
To reduce the dangers and irritations from the above conditions, the employee is required to follow prescribed safety practices and use prescribed safety equipment for each assignment, such as protective ear devices, hard hats, hard-toe shoes, floatation devices, respirators, and protective clothing. Some of these safety items may be uncomfortable to wear or use, and may be worn or used for long periods
The ideal candidate for this position is someone with extensive journey level experience in the industrial equipment Mechanic (Millwright) trade.
PLEASE NOTE: This announcement establishes an open continuous (one month) vacancy announcement. Given our continuing need for top professionals in this field, we will review applications after the first 14 days of the vacancy opening for early consideration. Then after, applications will be reviewed on an as needed basis.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration.
- You must meet specialized experience to qualify.
- Review required documents section, documents may be required.
- Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
- SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
- BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You will be subject to a pre-employment and post-employment background investigation process which includes a fingerprint check.
- TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
- DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
- PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK: You will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment background investigation process which includes a finger print check.
- DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENT: You must also be able to obtain and maintain a driver’s license.
- DRUG TEST: This position has been determined to be a critical safety/security position as defined in the Department of Transportation (DOT) Order, DOT 3910.1D entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace. Therefore, if selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing.
Qualifications
Qualifications for the position are based on the training, experience, or other requirements that determine which applicants would be able to perform satisfactorily in the position to be filled.
For the Wage Grade 10, to qualify, your experience should include experience equal or equivalent to the following job elements:
- Ability to do the work of the position.
- Knowledge of equipment.
- Technical practices.
- Ability to interpret instructions.
- Troubleshooting.
- Work practices (Ability to work safely).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following are:
- Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
- Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
- Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations
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.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
The score from the hands-on test will be combined with the score from the on-line questions to determine whether your application will be referred to management.
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. If you do not meet the minimum levels in the ability to do the work OR if you do not meet the minimum level overall, you will be disqualified.
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.
Review our benefits
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.
DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/ application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level.
To compete with U.S. Citizens: If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified which is based upon your responses to the vacancy questions. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference that have provided supporting documents will receive selection priority over non-veterans. The top-rated applications will be reviewed for the quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position.
To compete with other competitive status government employees: If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be scored based upon your responses to the vacancy questions. The top-rated applications will be reviewed for the quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position. If referred, all relevant documents including performance appraisals and awards submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the hiring official for review.
Eligible Federal employees also seeking consideration for noncompetitive reassignment for this position must indicate interest in the assessment. Noncompetitive federal candidates must have competitive status on a SF-50, meet minimum qualifications, have served at the same grade or higher, and held or exceeded the promotion potential of this position.
All applicants: Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position. The answers you select in the on-line process must be substantiated in your application package. If upon review, it is determined that your described work history, competencies, and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be updated on your behalf or you may not be referred to the selecting official. Please ensure that your work history provides enough details to support your answers. The Automated Staffing Office is ultimately responsible for determining your final rating.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
How to Apply
You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.
- To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting.
- Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
- You may review your saved application(s) at https://help.usajobs.gov/
If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov
Next steps
You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com. (Select "My USAJOBS" and click "Applications"). Within two weeks of the review date, a Human Resources Specialist will evaluate your application. Ratings will be determined based on the documents and information received by the closing date. Qualified candidates will be sent to the hiring agency's HR office for scheduling the hands-on-test. If you pass, and your question assessment score is determined, the most highly qualified candidates are then referred to the agency's hiring manager for further consideration. If the vacancy was advertised under category rating, then the appropriate veteran's preference will be applied. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly. Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status by email and your USAJOBS account.