Launch Your Federal Career: Maintenance Worker at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility
Are you a skilled professional with a background in groundskeeping or exterior maintenance? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking for a dedicated Maintenance Worker to join the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Manhattan, Kansas. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF).
Job Responsibilities
As a Maintenance Worker, you will be part of the Grounds/Vehicle Group. Your primary focus will be the exterior maintenance of the NBAF campus. Key duties include:
- Landscaping and Grounds: Pruning, trimming, and maintaining campus greenery.
- Surface Maintenance: Repairing and maintaining roads, sidewalks, ramps, and curbs.
- Equipment Operation: Safely operating vehicles up to 10,000 pounds to transport materials and equipment.
- Site Preparation: Removing concrete and preparing subsurfaces for various infrastructure repairs.
Requirements & Physical Demands
The position is physically demanding, requiring the ability to lift up to 100 pounds, climb ladders, and perform repetitive movements. You will work in a high-security environment that requires adherence to strict decontamination and medical monitoring protocols.
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Drug Testing | Mandatory Pre-employment & Random Testing |
| Physicality | Ability to lift 100 lbs & work in all weather |
| Security | Background check & Biocontainment compliance |
| Quarantine | 5-day rule for specific livestock exposure |
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a stable career path with comprehensive benefits. Beyond the competitive hourly wage, you may be eligible for relocation incentives, excellent training opportunities, and the satisfaction of supporting a mission-critical federal research site.
Application Tips
- Watch the Length: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Longer resumes will be disqualified.
- Be Specific: Detail your technical knowledge. Simply claiming you can do the job isn't enough; provide evidence of your skills.
- Follow Procedures: The USDA uses a category rating system. Ensure your resume highlights the specific competencies requested in the job announcement.
This role is ideal for individuals who take pride in maintaining high-functioning facilities and are eager to work in an environment that serves the greater good. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to contribute to a world-class facility, apply today through the USAJOBS portal.
Why This Maintenance Worker Job Matters
Join the mission at the cutting edge of agricultural defense at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) as a Maintenance Worker in Manhattan, Kansas.
Maintenance Worker Job Overview
The USDA Agricultural Research Service is seeking a dedicated Maintenance Worker to join the Facilities Engineering team at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. In this role, you will play a critical part in maintaining the exterior campus environment, ensuring that grounds, roads, and facilities meet high standards of safety and operational readiness. You will be responsible for a wide range of landscaping and general maintenance duties, supporting the essential scientific mission of the agency.
Requirements for Maintenance Worker
- Must be able to perform duties with minimal supervision.
- Ability to lift and move up to 100 pounds, including using mechanical lifting devices.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and ongoing medical monitoring.
- Ability to meet specific biocontainment protocols, including medical screening and decontamination procedures.
- Compliance with animal contact restrictions and mandatory 5-day quarantine periods if working in high-security zones.
- Must undergo and pass pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Must reside in a location where the required animal-contact quarantine can be strictly enforced.
Preferred Qualifications for Maintenance Worker
- Experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or exterior facility maintenance.
- Proficiency in operating various maintenance vehicles, including pickup and flatbed trucks.
- Ability to read blueprints and interpret technical specifications.
- Skill in the use and maintenance of varied industrial tools and equipment.
- Proven ability to manage physical tasks such as climbing ladders, pruning, and ground preparation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly wage
- ✓Federal career benefits package
- ✓Opportunity for relocation incentive
- ✓Professional development in a high-security research environment
- ✓Training in specialized biocontainment protocols
💡 How to Apply Maintenance Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Maintenance Worker Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details.
- Prepare a concise resume (maximum 2 pages).
- Complete the online Assessment Questionnaire via the official portal.
- Attach all required documents, including DD214 (for veterans) or transcripts if applicable.
- Submit your application package electronically by the closing date.
- Monitor your USAJOBS account for status updates.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit.
- Provide specific examples of your maintenance experience that address the screen-out elements.
- Double-check that all uploaded files are in acceptable formats (PDF, DOC, etc.) and under 5MB.
- Clearly define your work experience, including dates and hours worked per week.
- Reach out to the agency contact early if you require reasonable accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work environment like at NBAF?
The work environment involves both indoor and outdoor tasks. You will be subject to varying weather conditions, noise, and physical labor. Given the nature of the facility, you must adhere to strict biocontainment and biosafety protocols.
Are there specific restrictions on pets or livestock?
Yes. Due to the nature of the research at NBAF, employees may be restricted from contact with specific animals (cattle, sheep, goats, swine, etc.) and cannot house these animals on their premises.
Is a drug test required?
Yes, this is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). You must pass a pre-employment urinalysis and will be subject to random drug testing throughout your employment.
Job from Agricultural Research Service
The Agricultural Research Service is the USDA’s chief internal scientific research agency. Their mission is to find solutions to agricultural challenges that impact Americans daily, from the farm to the kitchen table. By joining the team at the NBAF, you are supporting national defense against agricultural threats, playing a vital role in protecting the nation's food supply.