Facility Worker (Onsite)

The enrollee will perform work as a Facility Worker Helper/Groundskeeper, responsible for performing the full range of activities involved in the USDA-ARS Foreign Disease/Weed Science Research Unit?s (FDWSRU) maintenance and landscaping. This includes performing maintenance and repair tasks for building and mechanical systems, basic carpentry, plumbing, and painting, as well as operating various landscaping and snow removal equipment, and vehicles for material transport.The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Government employee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinating federal agencies? areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees.

• Maintenance Duties. Enrollee performs assigned duties required for the maintenance and repair of building and/or mechanical systems in the repair and maintenance of the Laboratory/Office buildings. Performs basic carpentry repair which may include repair decking, railing, shelving, dry wall, mudding, taping, and minor framing as directed. Selects tools and determines methods based on guidance from a higher graded employee. Performs basic plumbing repair which may include the repair of faucets, toilets, urinal, valves, piping, etc., and related systems. Performs basic painting such as sanding, scraping, prepping, and coating with all types of paints, stains and sealers. Performs basic building maintenance which may include mopping/waxing floors, lubrication of doors, equipment, cabinets and drawers, hanging bulletin board, pictures, cable, moving furniture, equipment, cleaning/organizing of mechanical/storage rooms. Replaces air filters, lubricates fans or motors, vacuum or broom cleans handling compartments and related work.   55%
• Landscaping and Equipment Operation. Enrollee operates lawn mowers, landscape support vehicles, and snow removal equipment. Operates equipment including mowers, aerators, plows, harrows, chippers, sprayers, post hole diggers, front-end loading devices, tractors with towed or attachment equipment, movable dozer blades, moldboard plows, post hole augers, power rakes, power brooms, over-seeders, and backhoes. Weeds, mulches, plants and removes small trees/brush, prunes and trims shrubs, trees, and other plants as required to obtain a proper balance between roots and top growth. Removes snow using shovels and/or snow removal machines.   40%
• Vehicle Operation. Enrollee operates pickup trucks, panel trucks, flatbed trucks and other vehicles (weight up to 10,000 pounds) to tow and carry equipment, lawn materials and supplies, etc.   5%

• IT, security, and related topics.
• Training provided as needed.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Will need to complete ARS and FDWSRU specific safety training, and training on safe operations of lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other landscape and facilities maintenance equipment.This position is located in a plant disease containment facility. While plant diseases are not harmful to humans, strict adherence to biocontainment protocols is essential to prevent the transmission of disease-causing organisms. Therefore, the incumbent must be able to shower out of biocontainment one or more times daily, without any skin conditions that would impede this requirement. All body piercings must be removable prior to entry into biocontainment. Additionally, any external medical assist devices must be removable before entering biocontainment, and the individual must retain the ability to shower out unassisted.
• Required Safety Gear: The Safety and Occupational Health Specialist will identify safety equipment needs on the first day in the workplace.
• Physical requirements: May require lifting of items up to 50 lbs., need to be able to kneel and bend to maintain landscape, and need to be able to operate mechanical equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.