Facilities Maintenance Specialist II (#1915)

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a unique facility located at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD, dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. Established in response to biodefense gaps identified after the Amerithrax attacks of 2001, NBACC has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006.

NBACC supports DHS and national biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization, and bioforensic analyses. It addresses critical scientific knowledge gaps regarding biological agents to protect the public and defend the nation against biological threats - whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate. NBACC also provides federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and the protection of the U.S. bioeconomy.

NBACC is comprised of two centers:

• National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC): Conducts technical analyses to support federal law enforcement investigations.
• National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC): Conducts experiments and studies to gather data for understanding biological vulnerabilities and hazards.

Together, these centers serve as a national resource for assessing risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies, informing biodefense policy and response planning, and supporting the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School graduate (or equivalent) with a minimum of 4 years of experience related to commercial and industrial HVAC systems or critical infrastructure systems. Previous experience maintaining equipment within high-containment facilities is preferred.

• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered as substitution for the specific requirements outlined above.

• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of OSHA safety regulations. OSHA 10 or 30 certification required.
• Specialty knowledge in maintenance of critical infrastructure systems (e.g., industrial HVAC, steam, chilled water, or electrical systems).
• Intermediate understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, including proficiency in using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment for maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics for electrical and control systems
• Proficient computer skills (e.g., electronic forms, office applications, web-based applications).
• Ability to work independently on non-critical systems and under supervision for critical systems.
• Must be willing to obtain and maintain qualifications for maintenance activities in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 biocontainment laboratories.
• Familiarity with Airlock decontamination using Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide preferred.
• Skills and experience to support laboratory activities in accordance with NBACC's management system (e.g., ISO).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance tasks of facility equipment with limited supervision.
• Independently performs minor repairs of equipment and non-critical systems; assists senior technicians with repairs of critical systems.
• Proactively performs periodic inspections of the facility to identify maintenance and repair opportunities and takes appropriate action to address.
• Assists senior technicians during emergency repairs, such as responding to equipment failures or containment breaches.
• Provides escorting for skill-of-craft service vendors and supports vendor/subcontractor services.
• Mentors junior staff on basic maintenance tasks and safety protocols.
• Contributes to the development of maintenance procedures and documentation.
• Follows facility-specific biosafety and biosecurity protocols, including proper use of PPE and adherence to NBACC safety procedures.
• Complete tasks assigned through the Asset Management System.
• Monitors facility systems (e.g., alarms, pressure gauges, and temperature controls) and reports irregularities to supervisors.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists technicians with predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance tasks on specialty facility systems or industrial control systems by performing assigned tasks with limited supervision.
• Assists senior technicians during emergency repairs, such as responding to specialty equipment or system failures or containment breaches.
• Supports the HEPA and Hydrophobic filter certification program by performing assigned tasks with limited direction.
• Mentors junior staff on operation of facility systems.
• Exhibit teamwork, clear communication, openness to ideas, and patience with colleagues.
• Demonstrate ability to multi-task, maintain composure under pressure, and utilize effective time management skills to prioritize tasks.
• Be a self-starter driven by eagerness to succeed, maintain flexibility, adapt to change productively, learn new concepts, and utilize critical thinking to resolve complex problems.
• Maintain appropriate records.
• Perform other duties as assigned/authorized.

SECURITY/ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a U.S. citizen, 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.
• May be required to participate in NBACC's alternative work schedule and/or on-call schedule, depending on business needs.