Job Information
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Electronics Technician in Ames, Iowa
Summary As an Electronics Technician you will provide support in the acquisition, use, care, handling, and calibration of instrumentation in the Calibration Laboratory of the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL). Test results directly derived from properly maintained and calibrated equipment have direct impact on long-term research projects, production of accurate, reliable and timely diagnostic test results, and credibility of our national and international health programs. Responsibilities The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Utilizes precise measurement standards in performing calibrations to ensure traceability, reproducibility, and repeatability. Assists in establishing and maintaining the Calibration Lab’s (CL) traceability to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other authorized international agencies. Performs calibrations, adjustments, preventive maintenance and repair of other laboratory equipment. Troubleshoots and performs repair of malfunctioning equipment, and/or assists supervisor or other laboratory staff or vendors in the performance of same. Utilizes in place quality software tools of the NVSL Quality Assurance program to ensure compliance with quality standards, established industry good practices and regulatory code. Participates in internal auditing according to NVSL policy and procedures. Provides operational service support of the site automated environmental monitoring system, monitoring over 1000 critical environmental and safety parameters in multiple locations. Assists in the development of training programs related to safe instrument use, function check protocols, equipment maintenance and calibration, and maintaining measurement traceability. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Communicating technical and operational electronics information through written and verbal communication to co-workers and customers. Applying a high degree of hand dexterity for prolonged periods of continual and precise manipulations of electronic equipment such as pipettes and balance thermometers, including tedious and repetitive motions. Calibrating electronic laboratory equipment, applying a variety of protocols, guidelines, manuals, standard reference materials, calibration laboratory procedures, ISO/IEC 17025, and any other relevant procedures and standards. OR Successful completion of all the requirements for a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electronics technology. OR 3 years of study in an accredited (by an Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) curriculum in electronics. OR Full 4-year course of study leading to a Bachelor's degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of courses in engineering, physical science, technology, or mathematics. At least 12 of the 24 hours must have been in electronics courses. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-05 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that 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 Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP 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/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit (union), specifically the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2315. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.