Facilities Maintenance Specialist I (#1880)

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a one-of-a-kind facility located on Fort Detrick in Frederick MD and is dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. Its work supports DHS and National biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization and bioforensic analyses. It is the first national laboratory created by DHS in response to biodefense gaps identified following the Amerithrax attacks of 2001 and has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006. Since its inception, NBACC and its staff have filled critical shortfalls in our scientific knowledge of biological agents needed to protect the public and defend the Nation from biological threats, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate and provided federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and protection of the US bioeconomy.

NBACC includes two centers: the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC), which conducts the technical analyses in support of federal law enforcement investigations, and the National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC), which conducts experiments and studies to obtain data required for a better understanding of biological vulnerabilities and hazards. Together these centers offer a unique national resource for understanding the risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies to inform biodefense policy and response planning and the operational capability to support the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

As a Facilities Maintenance Specialist I you will assist senior technicians with maintenance activities, inspections and monitoring of industrial systems (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical, sterilization and/or decontamination systems). You may also be involved in the support of vendor or subcontractor services and maintenance and support of research spaces as a member of Infrastructure Operations.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School graduate (or equivalent) and minimum of 0-4 years of experience working with HVAC systems and related utility support systems. Previous experience in maintaining equipment within high-containment facilities is preferred.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of safety regulations. OSHA 10 or 30 certification preferred.
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems, including the ability to identify and use hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Familiarity with basic mechanical and electrical principles including the ability to safely work on industrial systems under direct supervision.
• Basic computer skills (e.g. electronic forms, office applications, web based applications) are preferred.
• Skills and experience to support laboratory activities and work in accordance with NBACC's management system (e.g., ISO).
• Must be a citizen of the United States, able to obtain and maintain an interim secret clearance leading to a top-secret clearance and suitability for DHS.
• Participation in the Immunization Program, Medical Surveillance Program, and/or enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) is required.
• Required to participate in NBACC's alternative work schedule and/or on-call schedule.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in performing predictive and preventive maintenance tasks of facility equipment under direct supervision.
• Performs periodic or special inspections of premises to determine repair work necessary to building systems.
• Performs minor repairs of equipment and non-critical systems under the guidance of experienced personnel.
• Assists senior technicians during emergency repairs, such as responding to equipment failures or containment breaches.
• Provides escorting for skill of craft service vendors.
• Follows all facility-specific biosafety and biosecurity protocols, including proper use of PPE and adherence to NBACC safety procedures and OSHA-related safety training.
• Monitors facility systems (e.g., alarms, pressure gauges, and temperature controls) and reports irregularities to supervisors.
• Performs other skill of craft duties associated with utility/building systems.
• Must be a team player, communicate clearly, be open to hearing ideas and suggestions from others, diffuse situations, and exercise empathy and patience with colleagues.
• Must have the ability to multi-task, maintain composure under pressure, and utilize effective time management skills to prioritize tasks.
• Must be a self-starter driven by an eagerness to succeed, maintain flexibility, adapt to change in a productive and positive manner, learn new concepts, and utilize critical thinking to resolve complex problems.
• Maintains appropriate records.
• Performs other duties as assigned/authorized.