A full-time, permanent, federal job with Smithsonian Institution in Washington, District of Columbia. It pays $38.21–$46.88 per hour (annualised at 2,087 hours) at grade WL-10. Applications close on Nov 23, 2026 — 18 days left.
- Working pattern
- On site
- Who can apply
- Open to the public
- Clearance
- Other
Main duties
- The Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Leader serves under the general supervision of the Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO) Supervisor and performs a variety of technical and leadership duties within the zone.
- In this position, you will: Participate and assure compliance with OSHEM and OFMR safety program.
- Assure team members receive appropriate training and that they exercise safe and productive work habits, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Estimate labor and materials costs from work orders.
Full details
About the role
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in one of the Smithsonian Institution's facilities serviced by the Office of Facilities Management (FM).
The Office of Facilities Management (FM) is responsible for all Smithsonian facilities, many of which are designated as historic and all of which are visited by millions of people each year.
What you will do
- The Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Leader serves under the general supervision of the Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO) Supervisor and performs a variety of technical and leadership duties within the zone.
- In this position, you will: Participate and assure compliance with OSHEM and OFMR safety program.
- Assure team members receive appropriate training and that they exercise safe and productive work habits, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Estimate labor and materials costs from work orders.
- Assure the continuous operation and monitoring of the Direct Digital Control (DDC) System in order to monitor and control the buildings automated physical plant and related equipment.
- Lead and instruct coworkers on difficult work operations.
- Review work in progress and suggest necessary adjustments in plans and assignments.
Requirements
- This position requires the physical ability to perform moderately heavy work including lifting and carrying heavy objects up to 50 lbs.; work outside in all weather conditions with exposure to dirt, dust, pollen and insects; climb ladders and stairs; and stand and walk for extended periods.
- Must possess a current EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification.
- (You must submit a copy with your application) Must have a valid State driver's license.
- (You must submit a copy with your application) Must be available to work any one of the various shifts and/or assigned workdays that include holidays, weekends, and call back emergencies.
- Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the job opportunity announcement.
- For information on the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations, see OPM's website.
How you will be evaluated
Applications will first be evaluated to determine whether the following screen out element is met: Ability to lead a full range of operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and control work.
If an applicant meets the screen-out element, the following Job Elements will be evaluated: Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, operations, repair and maintenance (HVAC, electrical, steam). Knowledge of HVAC technical practices (theoretical, precise, artistic). Use of Measuring Instruments.
Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc. (includes blueprint reading). Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment. Knowledge of Utility System Materials.
Applicants who meet or exceed the screen-out element will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria: Best Category - Meets the screen-out element and excels in most of the job-related elements above. Good Category - Meets the screen-out element but does not satisfy most of the job-related elements above to a substantive degree.
This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-veterans within each category.
A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no veteran in that category is passed over to select a non-veteran in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied.
Veterans who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.
Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the announcement questions will not be considered for this position. Important Note: Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency.
If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Documents you must provide
- Resume - Your resume can be uploaded and attached to your application or created using the USA Jobs on-line resume builder.
- Ensure your resume contains the job title (including the occupational series and grade if it is Federal), job-related qualifications, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary for each employment period.
- It is your responsibility to ensure all information is submitted.
- Failure to include this information may result in disqualification for the position.
- For assistance with creating a resume, please click here.
- Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran.
- Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter.
- Proof of a current EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification.
- (You must submit a copy with your application) Proof of a valid State driver's license.
- (You must submit a copy with your application)
Benefits
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options. Please see Benefits at *** for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - *** Health Insurance - *** Leave - *** Life Insurance - *** Long Term Care Insurance - *** Retirement Program - ***
What to expect next
At the end of the application process you will be able to create and save a PDF file that contains your responses to the assessment questions. You may save this file as initial receipt of your application. After the job announcement closes, you will receive an email from the Smithsonian with confirmation of receipt.
The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process.
You may also check your application status by logging into *** and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing ***; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed. Additional Information: Tips on applying for Smithsonian jobs are available at ***
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses but recruitment incentives may be authorized. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer. Additional information can be found on our website at (***).
Additional information
This position is included in the bargaining unit. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability.
If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI).
By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
How to apply
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Details on this page reflect the source posting as of Nov 6, 2026. Closing dates and salary ranges can change without notice — the official listing is always authoritative. How our coverage works.
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