POSITION

• WG-4749-05, Maintenance Worker

SALARY

• $19.63 per Hour Starting

PROGRAM AREA

• Plant Protection and Quarantine, Field Ops, District 6

DUTY LOCATION

• Phoenix, AZ

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full-time

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT

• Term Appointment – 13 month initial, extensions up to a total of 4 years

NUMBER OF VACANCIES

• 1

TRAVEL REQUIRED

• Occasional travel may be required for training and/or work assignments

WHO MAY APPLY

• Non-competitive Hiring Authorities. Veterans – VRA or 30% or More Disabled Veterans, Schedule A

(persons with disabilities), Military Spouses, Peace Corps or VISTA Volunteer.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a US Citizen or US National.

• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.

• Successful completion of one-year trial period or probationary period as applicable.

• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments

made by direct deposit to their financial institution.

OVERVIEW

APHIS is a multi-faceted Agency with a broad mission area that includes protecting and promoting U.S. 

agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act and 

carrying out wildlife damage management activities. These efforts support the overall mission of USDA, which 

is to protect and promote food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues. Plant Protection and 

Quarantine (PPQ) is a program within APHIS which safeguards U.S. agriculture and natural resources against 

the entry, establishment, and spread of economically and environmentally significant pests, and facilitates the 
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safe trade of agricultural products. Join our team and gain valuable experience working in the field to stop this 

invasive species from harming our nation’s agriculture.

This position is located at the Phoenix Rearing Facility. The incumbent in this position performs a wide variety 

of basic tasks in support of higher graded maintenance staff, i.e. construction; preventative maintenance; and 

repairs and modification of facility equipment and grounds.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs basic preventive maintenance of existing air conditioning equipment and refrigeration units

with a scheduled maintenance check list, including lubricating electric motors, pressure checking, 

cleaning evaporative coils, checking belts for wear and replacing if necessary, and cleaning or replacing 

filters.

• Performs basic electrical repairs and maintenance, to include changing defective switches, receptacles, 

electric motors, fixtures, and small appliances, and will also be responsible for the regularly scheduled 

periodic checks and maintenance of the emergency electrical generator.

• Performs general maintenance tasks on steam equipment such as checking pressure gauges and 

regulators; and reports any defects, steam leaks or more significant maintenance concerns to the 

supervisor.

• Assists with scheduled maintenance of clean air systems by changing filters, checking for leaks, and 

checking air flow with an air flow gauge (CFM).

• Performs a variety of routine plumbing tasks.

• Performs standard sheet metal work from a pattern provided, including cutting, bending, rolling, and 

joining with materials such as galvanized steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.

• Performs routine ground maintenance such as spraying, watering, raking, and general upkeep of 

facility grounds.

• Operates forklift after receiving training and certifications from local or state agencies to do so when 

required.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants will be graded on a series of Job Element related questions and multiple-choice answers 

provided by the Hiring Organization. Answers must be supported by information in the applicants 

resume work history.

• Job Elements

o Ability to do the work of a maintenance worker without more than normal supervision

o Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, repair, etc

o Technical practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)

o Use of measuring instruments

o Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc.

o Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment
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HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are required to submit the following items for consideration to gary.a.rakow@usda.gov Please list 

the Position Title in the subject line.

• Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) 

education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties 

including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if 

applicable); 4) other qualifications or certifications; and 5) supervisors name and phone number for 

each work period listed and whether or not they may be contacted for reference checks.

• When claiming Veterans' preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active 

Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active 

duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active-duty service under 

honorable conditions within 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.

• Disabled Veterans must also submit a VA Disability Letter (if applicable) for verification of serviceconnected disability.

• Schedule A candidates must include a Schedule A Letter for eligible disabled persons. To be eligible for 

Schedule A, you must provide a proof of a disability letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, 

severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. You can get this letter from your doctor, a licensed 

medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist or any federal, state, or local agency 

that issues or provides disability benefits. Letter must be on office Letterhead.

• Military Spouses must provide a copy of: Spouse ID card, Copy of Active-Duty spouses military orders, and 

marriage certificate.

• Must submit a copy of Transcripts if qualifying with education as listed in qualifications section. 

Transcripts can be unofficial but, if selected, candidates will be required to submit official transcripts 

before start date.

Equal Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

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