Maintenance Mechanic at Architect of the Capitol

This position is at the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG). The USBG is a public garden in the legislative branch and was established by Congress in 1820. The Garden inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally. We provide educational experiences to 1 million visitors annually, present horticultural displays and exhibits, strive to break down barriers to inclusion, and advance the exchange of ideas and information. Learn more: U.S. Botanic Garden.

Major duties

• This position serves as a Maintenance Mechanic at the United States Botanic Garden (USBG), performing journey-level and developmental work across multiple skilled trades, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing/pipefitting, boiler plant operations, and carpentry. Employees selected at the WG-09 level will perform developmental assignments under closer supervision. As experience and proficiency increase, assignments become progressively more complex until the full performance level is reached. This is a career ladder position with promotion potential to WG-11. This is an essential position. The incumbent is required to report to work during emergencies and inclement weather. The position requires availability from Saturday through Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Candidates should be prepared to work during holidays, weekends, and participate in rotating shifts as needed to support operational requirements. Duties quoted below are for the WG-10 grade level. Major Duties Include: Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, install, and operate a wide range of commercial and industrial HVAC systems. Diagnose control and equipment malfunctions using testing instruments and prescribed procedures. Perform repairs involving heating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification, filtration, and air circulation systems supporting USBG facilities and greenhouses. Balance systems and resolve complex HVAC performance issues. Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical control and monitoring systems. Diagnose malfunctions in relay systems, interface devices, and analog/digital controls. Test electrical systems for correct operating conditions and compliance with applicable codes. Install, alter, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair high- and low-pressure piping systems. Work on domestic water, sewage, steam generation, hydronic heating, fire sprinkler, irrigation, and tempered water systems. Construct, install, repair, and modify wood and wood substitute structures. Perform glazing, painting, finishing, and installation of partitions, flooring, ceilings, countertops, moldings, and greenhouse glazing components. Safely operate hand and power woodworking tools. Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair low- and medium-pressure boilers and associated auxiliary equipment. Conduct scheduled preventive maintenance, inspections, and seasonal system shutdown/startup activities. Monitor and adjust computer-operated environmental control systems supporting greenhouse environments. Perform fleet and automotive maintenance, small engine repair, fire alarm system maintenance, water reverse osmosis system repair, elevator inspection, and event setup/breakdown. Sustain efficient combustion levels and ensure compliance with air pollution laws or regulations. Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) certification by an EPA-Approved Technician's Certification Program is desired. WG‐09: Exposure to refrigerant handling; certification preferred upon entry. WG‐10: EPA 608 CFC certification strongly preferred; candidates should be able to service refrigerant‐bearing systems. WG‐11: EPA 608 CFC certification required or obtained within 6 months; leads complex HVAC system service and compliance.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must show experience in at least two of the following occupational areas: Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing or Carpentry. This experience must be reflected in your resume. You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT: Ability to perform the duties of a maintenance mechanic (i.e. heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, carpentry, plumbing/pipefitting boiler plant maintenance) without more than normal supervision. You may qualify at the WG-09 (Developmental) level: Performing basic maintenance mechanic tasks in at least two trades (HVAC, electrical, plumbing/pipefitting, carpentry, and boiler plant operations) under close supervision. Work is developmental, focused on preventive maintenance, assisting with repairs, and learning to apply procedures and safety practices; assignments increase in complexity as proficiency grows. You may qualify at the WG-10 (Journey) level: Independently performing journey-level maintenance mechanic duties across multiple trades, including diagnosing controls/equipment, repairing HVAC systems, working on electrical monitoring systems, and installing/repairing high- and low-pressure piping systems. Operates and troubleshoots boilers, balances systems; follows codes and OSHA requirements with minimal supervision. You may qualify at the WG-11 (Advanced Journey) level: Independently performing advanced journey-level duties with a lead/problem-solving focus, integrating systems, optimizing performance, and contributing to energy management and sustainability initiatives. Plans and executes complex corrective actions, mentors others, and coordinates work with contractors/CORs, all without more than normal supervision. Note: Applicants must clearly describe their experience addressing the screen-out element for the grade they are applying for in their resume. Failure to do so will result in ineligibility for the position. You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.