TITLE: Maintenance Worker, WG-47479, Grade 8; $20.77 - $24.23 / HOURLY
TYPE OF POSITION: Career/Career-Conditional
DIVISION: - Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division, Fred L. Whipple Observatory
LOCATION: Amado, AZ
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to current and former Federal employees with permanent status or reinstatement eligibility. Individuals who are eligible for a special appointing authority may also apply; such as applicants with a disability, former Peace Corps volunteers, certain military spouses, veterans seeking a VRA/VEOA appointment, or veterans who have been separated from armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active service.

DUTIES:

The Maintenance Worker will perform a variety of duties involved in the support of scientific projects; maintenance of the Observatory’s facilities, buildings, related structures and grounds; and in the maintenance of the Observatory road.

The Maintenance worker duties include painting, carpentry, plumbing, welding and roofing of facilities, buildings, and related structures.

Participates as a team member with co-workers in working on a variety of modifications and repairs to telescope facilities. This may require repairing seams of a telescope, dome or motor assembly for rotation of it. Assists 60/48-inch telescope staff with changing instruments of telescopes designed for specific astronomical research projects.

Operates heavy equipment such as forklifts, man lifts, front-end loaders, backhoes, cranes, etc. in open areas and on level, hilly and mountainous terrain to move earth, rocks, sand, stumps and other equipment. Operate snow plows and sanders in winter weather, transport optical and scientific equipment, and transport liquid nitrogen dewars for telescope projects.

Performs a variety of routine tasks such as delivery and pick-up of light and heavy objects at Administration Building and mountain facilities, fueling all types of vehicles and heavy equipment on the mountain, and minor service to all types of vehicles and heavy equipment.

Assist with cleaning debris and rocks from culverts (150) in the mountain road in cooperation with co- workers. Removal of fallen rocks is frequently required subsequent to rain storms and high winds.

Drive a 30-passenger bus during the months that public tours are offered.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Your overall experience and training must indicate that you have the minimum knowledge, skills, abilities needed to perform the duties of this position. There is no substitution of education for experience for this position. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Additional information on the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations can be found on OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/x-118c/index.html. Applicants must have a valid driver's license. In accordance with the Smithsonian Institution's Drug and Alcohol Testing and Medical Examinations for Commercial Drivers Program, tentative selectees must pass a drug test AND physical examination in order to be offered an appointment.

Applicants must have at least a Class "A" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the endorsement for passengers (P). A CDL endorsement for bus driving is not required at the time of appointment, but will be mandatory within the first year of employment.

Annual physical examinations are required to maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and to be certified for using a respiratory for a limited number of tasks.

Heavy physical effort will be required in constantly reaching, bending, turning and moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to handle different sets of controls to operate tools, equipment, and vehicles. Due to the nature of some duties, the incumbent is required to work in awkward positions, on ladders and scaffolds, and will handle objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Your resume will be used to evaluate your experience, education, and/or training that address the competencies below:

Ability to do the work of the position, Maintenance Worker, without more than normal supervision (SCREEN- OUT ELEMENT).

Must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the endorsement for passengers (P) (SCREEN- OUT ELEMENT).

Ability to operate a variety of motor vehicles and heavy equipment.

Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.

Ability to make minor repairs to a variety of vehicles and heavy equipment.

Knowledge of safe working and operating procedures and practices pertinent to maintenance worker trades, and operating vehicles and heavy equipment.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: We will only accept applications on line for this position. For complete information about this position and the online application procedures, please visit: USAJOBS

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace.

Visit our SAO website.