Agricultural Research Service Logo
Position Title
Building Automation Specialist Technician
Agency
Agricultural Research Service
Announcement Number
ARS-S20Y-10915756-ABS Opens in new window
Open Period
Wednesday, September 23, 2020 to Tuesday, October 13, 2020
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2.
Are you a current USDA employee who meets the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee, in which received official notice that your job is no longer needed or that you will lose your job by Reduction-in-Force (RIF)? If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy;  AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
 
 
(limit characters)
3.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than USDA? If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy;  AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

 For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
 
 
(limit characters)
4. Have you registered for reemployment consideration AND meet one of the below: 

• Are you a current or former competitive service USDA employee who will be or was separated by Reduction-In-Force (RIF) and received a rating of satisfactory or above as your last annual performance rating? 
OR 
• Are you a former USDA competitive service employee who separated due to a compensable injury or disability?
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Your responses to the questions below will be used in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Your resume and application materials must support the level of experience and/or education you claim in this questionnaire. If, after a complete review of your application package, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications, you may be rated ineligible for this position. (limit characters)
1. From the choices below, please select the response that best describes how your experience meets the minimum qualification requirements for this position at the GS-09 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select or you will be rated as not qualified.
(limit characters)
2. From the choices below, please select the response that best describes how your experience meets the minimum qualification requirements for this position at the GS-11 level. Your resume must clearly support the response you select or you will be rated as not qualified.
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
3. Consult with control specialists, technicians, and management in order to troubleshoot and solve building system problems and work on complex building automation systems to control and maximize resources.
(limit characters)
4. Design and verify proper installation, operation, and calibration of building control devices.
(limit characters)
5. Build and maintain trend logs for uses such as but not limited to energy usage, preventative and predictive maintenance and trouble shooting and other related activities.
(limit characters)
6. Operate and maintain the building automation systems in order to ensure on-going and effective systems operations.
(limit characters)
7. Make modifications or adjustments to building automation systems controls such as repositioning, calibrating, or adding sensors or modification of set points and schedules in accordance with guidelines.
(limit characters)
8. Check for factors external to the building automation systems within the facility which may affect building automation systems controls and data received (such as occupant activity and laboratory equipment near room sensor causing overheating to surrounding area), improperly operating HVAC systems, etc.
(limit characters)
9. I have provided technical support and guidance to control shop and other staff involved in the following: (Select all that apply)
(limit characters)
10. I have served as the focal point for building automation for which I have performed the following activities: (Select all that apply)
(limit characters)
11. I have troubleshot building automation systems controls using the following: (Select all that apply)
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
12. Troubleshoot problems with building automation systems and coordinates solutions with outside or in-house technicians and specialists.
(limit characters)
13. Perform daily system operation checks and facility alarm monitoring for notification of problems requiring immediate response.
(limit characters)
14. Provide remote technical support and course of action for HVAC-R system issues and dispatches maintenance personnel to resolve mechanical problems.
(limit characters)
15. Perform meter testing, addressing, and calibration which involves advanced metering devices to ensure proper function and reporting.
(limit characters)
16. Implement troubleshooting procedures to correct nonoperational deficiencies utilizing a variety of test equipment and tools such as circuit testing instruments on sensors and wiring.
(limit characters)
17. Identify issues through data monitoring and checks to identify whether issues or problems involve sensors or calibration.
(limit characters)
18. Consult and collaborate with trades people and engineers on technical issues to ensure that maintenance and installations are planned efficiently and implemented effectively.
(limit characters)
19. Work as part of a team in providing technical advice, guidance, and review of diagrams and drawings related to building automation work.
(limit characters)
20. Provide training on building automation systems to staff.
(limit characters)
21. Keep abreast of new technology, enforcement and programs involving building automation systems.
(limit characters)
22. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.
(limit characters)