UTILITY SYSTEMS REPAIRER OPERATOR Job in Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Vacancy No. DE-12801656-25-DAF Department Washington Headquarters Services
Salary $30.89 to $42.20 Grade 8 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/8/2025 Close Date 10/14/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Pentagon, Arlington, VA


Summary

This position is located in the Pentagon Heating and Refrigeration Plant (PH&RP), Facilities Operations Group (FOG), Federal Facilities Division (FOSD), Facilities Services Directorate (FSD), Washington Headquarters Services (WHS).

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

The public

Duties

This position is being filled under Direct Hire Authority (DHA) in accordance with Section 1109 of FY 2020 NDAA; P.L. 116-92 and Section 9905 of Title 5, U.S.C. (Section 9905 of Title 5, U.S.C.)

Typical work assignments may include, but is not limited to the following under direct supervision:

  • Maintain, repair, and test a variety of complex equipment and systems involving power boilers, single and multiple fuel power boilers, and associated auxiliary and pollution control equipment.
  • Plan and lay out installation, repair, and/or modification of a variety of complex equipment and systems.
  • Apply and interpret information in detailed blueprints, charts, and sketches to adjust, replace, and repair equipment.
  • Maintain records and documents actions. Determines causes of unusual or improper operation and operating conditions.
  • Evaluate a situation and initiate the corrective actions to prevent recurrence of improper operation or equipment failure.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Required to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)
  • This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the civilian drug-testing program and you are required to pass screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.
  • Required to participate in the direct deposit program
  • The selectee must adhere to DoD Standards of Conduct
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period.
  • Required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays and/or overtime.
  • Required to work rotating shifts, weekends, overtime, holidays and may be subject to call 24 hours a day.
  • This position is designated Mission Critical. Mission Critical. employees may be required to report for, or remain at, work in dismissal or closure situations due to adverse weather conditions unless specifically excused by their supervisor.
  • Employee must possess or obtain the following license - Universal Refrigerant Technician license.
  • The wearing of a uniform is required in the performance of duties.
  • Required to successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination as well as successfully passing an annual physical examination with medical certification to wear a Negative Pressure Regulator thereafter.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standards https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/

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; religions; 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.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the questions. The screen-out element for this position is The Ability to Lead or Supervise.

JOB ELEMENTS: Those who meet the minimum level of experience and training for the screen-out element will then be evaluated in each of the following job elements:
Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)

All qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

Additional information

Other priority consideration programs will continue under their current operating procedures.

A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.

Washington Headquarters Services uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application. Please view the following link for information on how to obtain an alternative application https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?%20title=Alternate_Application_Information

Appointment Authorities: For more information on appointment authority eligibility requirements:

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.

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.

When the application process is complete, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to the Occupational Questionnaire, along with your supporting documentation to determine your ability to demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
  • Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)


Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Your application (resumes and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed in this announcement.

Veterans' preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this DHA. Section 9905 of Title 5, U.S. Code (U.S.C.) authorizes the Secretary of Defense to non-competitively appoint qualified candidates to certain positions in the competitive service without regard to chapter 33, subchapter 1 of Title 5, U.S.C., other than sections 3303 and 3328.

Required Documents

You MUST upload the applicable documents with your application package. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Your resume must address your technical qualifications for the position, and it may not exceed two (2) pages. Your 2-page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 1" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration.

If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent.

If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you will not be considered for this vacancy.

2. Other supporting documents:

  • Cover Letter, optional
  • Most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade held (WHS serviced employees SF-50s will be verified via eOPF).
  • DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities
  • Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
  • PPP Registrants/Eligibles: Must submit the following applicable documents: 1) PPP registration 2) PCS orders (if applicable)
ARE YOU A VETERAN CLAIMING SOLE SURVIVORSHIP PREFERENCE OR 5-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?1. You must provide legible copy/copies of the following: DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as type of discharge and character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) or Statement of Service/Proof of Service (in lieu of a DD-214) from your command or local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). The Statement of Service/Proof of Service must provide all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Veterans should upload their DD-214 once they receive it upon separation.2. You should also document your complete military service information in the Veterans Preference and Military Service Section of the assessment questionnaire (type of preference, dates of service, date of VA letter, character of service, disability claim and rank and date of retirement if retired).

ARE YOU A DISABLED VETERAN or CLAIMING 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?1. Disabled veterans, veterans, widows, spouses or the mother of a veteran, who are eligible for 10-point veterans' preference, you must provide legible copies of the following: Applicable supporting documents as noted on Standard Form-15 (SF-15). To obtain a copy of SF-15, go to: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/ng-paths/veterans/

ARE YOU A CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL SCHEDULE A, SCHEDULE C, NON-CAREER SES OR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE EMPLOYEE? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:.

Position title
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
Agency; and
Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DOCUMENT IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION CLAIMS. You MUST upload the applicable documents with your application package. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. Your resume may be submitted in any format that includes your name and contact information (telephone number and/or email).If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."

If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you will not be considered for this vacancy.

2. Other supporting documents:

  • Cover Letter, optional
  • Most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade held (WHS serviced employees SF-50s will be verified via eOPF).
  • DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities
  • Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable
  • Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
  • PPP Registrants/Eligibles: Must submit the following applicable documents: 1) PPP registration 2) PCS orders (if applicable).
DOES THIS POSITION REQUIRE A LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE? You are strongly encouraged to provide a copy of your license or certificate in your application package. It is also acceptable to document your license number and the name of the licensing authority in your resume.

ARE YOU A VETERAN CLAIMING SOLE SURVIVORSHIP PREFERENCE OR 5-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?

1. You must provide legible copy/copies of the following: DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as type of discharge and character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) or Statement of Service/Proof of Service (in lieu of a DD-214) from your command or local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). The Statement of Service/Proof of Service must provide all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Veterans should upload their DD-214 once they receive it upon separation.

2. You should also document your complete military service information in the Veterans Preference and Military Service Section of the assessment questionnaire (type of preference, dates of service, date of VA letter, character of service, disability claim and rank and date of retirement if retired).

ARE YOU A CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL SCHEDULE A, SCHEDULE C, NON-CAREER SES OR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE EMPLOYEE?

Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment.
  • Position title;
  • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
  • Agency; and,
  • Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

Agency contact information

Washington HQ Services
Address
WHS Facilities Services Directorate
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Applicant/Application/ListApplications?

Washington Headquarters Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Washington Headquarters Services uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify


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