Duties

The Life Support Systems and Water Quality Specialist is responsible for assisting in the oversite of the operation, maintenande and management of aquatic exhibits and life support systems within NZCBI.

In This Position, You Will

Operate, maintain, and optimize complex life support systems by adjusting filtration, circulation, aeration, heating/cooling, and disinfection processes to keep aquatic environments stable.
Monitor water quality indicators to diagnose system issues and perform routine and corrective adjustments.
Coordinate with OFMR, contractors, and safety officials during maintenance activities, emergency responses, and hazardous materials work to ensure compliance.
Interpret water quality data, performs adjustments and repairs.
Review engineering designs, support project planning, and advise curators and designers on system requirements
Identify system needs and recommend repairs, maintenance, and capital improvements.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
May need to complete a Probationary Period
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
Must have a valid driver's license to operate government vehicles
Emergency essential required to report in the event of emergencies
Duties may be hazardous areas, weather conditions and exposure to chemicals

Conditions of Employment

Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.

For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on

Qualifications

GS-9 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as assisting in the oversite of the operation, maintenance, and management of aquatic exhibits and life support systems within a government-owned museum; ensuring the health and well-being of aquatic species, the proper functioning of life support systems, and the delivery of an exceptional visitor experience.

Or Education

Master's or equivalent graduate degree

OR

2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree

OR

LL.B. or J.D., if related may be substituted for the required experience.

Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications; For a full explanation of this option please see the

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.

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.

Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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.

More than one selection may be made from this announcement.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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Please see Benefits at

Flexible Spending Accounts -

Health Insurance -

Leave -

Life Insurance -

Long Term Care Insurance -

Retirement Program -

Smithsonian Institution

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Life Support Systems and Water Quality Specialist.