Utility System Repairer Operator Supervisor

Full Job Description

OFPM is seeking USRO Supervisors to ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical utilities (steam, chilled water, compressed air) supporting NIST's mission.

Incumbents serve as engineer-in-charge during off-hours, directing operations, supervising staff, and responding to emergencies impacting safety, mission continuity, and research infrastructure.

This announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the date the first 50 applications are received or 04/16/2026, whichever comes first.

There are no specific lengths or level of experience requirements.

The applicant's overall background of experience, education and training must clearly demonstrate the ability to independently perform Utility Systems Repairer/Operator Supervisor duties, such as supervising employees engaged in the operation and maintenance of high-pressure steam boiler plants and large industrial chiller systems, ensuring safe efficient, and compliant plant operations.

AND Applicants must be certified in Universal CFC Certification for handling refrigerants.

Applicants must meet the screen out elements and achieve an overall score of at least fifty (50%) or higher Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification System for Trade and Labor Occupations Handbook.

If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration Major Duties:

This position requires knowledge and ability to supervise personnel in the operation and maintenance of high pressure boilers and associated equipment, industrial compressors/chillers and associated equipment, and co-generation systems including gas turbine, gas compressor, and associated equipment.

The employee will: - Review and analyze chemical tests. - Coordinate Physical Plant operations with local power provider (Pepco).

- Demonstrate working knowledge of pneumatic/direct digital controls (DDC). - Obtain any necessary materials needed to complete repairs.

- Ensure proper procedures are followed and documented as defined by SOPs and/or manufacturer's instructions.

- Apply and instruct on principles and theories of refrigeration cycles, central steam plant cycles, and heat transfers.