Summary

Field Operations Core Functional Area's senior expert in the field of facility management. Specific responsibilities involve planning, organizing, and administering a comprehensive program which encompasses construction, remodeling, and maintenance support for all Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) operations located at the National Plant Germplasm Quarantine Center (NPGQC) in Beltsville, Maryland .

Duties

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• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Develops and oversees the implementation of operating procedures and ensures that the programming of manpower, material, and equipment for preventive and emergency maintenance.
• Technical expertise planning, analysis, design, development, and maintenance on various quarantine greenhouses, Bio Safety Level-3 (BSL-3) AG high containment buildings, and molecular diagnostic laboratories for plant disease programs.
• Oversees the operation, maintenance, and repair of all major utility systems and infrastructure at the facility.
• Serves as a core member on the NPGQC's Board of Directors (BOD) appointed by the PPQ Executive Team Members.
• Responsible for identifying, reviewing, and improving operational functions, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the NPGQC, and maximizing the use of common facilities, equipment, and expertise to support PPQ programs.
• Serves as the Biocontainment/Biosecurity Facilities Officer and is responsible for the 24/7 continuous operation and maintenance of the BSL-3AG High Containment Greenhouse and Laboratory building and associated microwave waste sterilization system.
• Provides the programmatic leadership, environmental oversight, guidance, and compliance responsibilities for the NPGQC Environmental Management System (EMS), structured using the ISO 14001 model.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
• Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Apply advanced maintenance management principles across HVAC, electrical, water, waste, custodial, and energy systems.
• Interpret complex mechanical, electrical, civil, and structural designs to ensure contract compliance.
• Implement high-containment facility procedures to ensure safe pathogen management and regulatory compliance.
• Direct personnel and resources using supervisory techniques aligned with Agency and Department regulations.
• Manage multifaceted projects using strong analytical skills and knowledge of procurement and budget processes.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

• Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP/RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
• Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Employees: Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period.
• Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee.

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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

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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.

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.