Become a Facility Operations Specialist with the USGS in Seattle
Are you a skilled technician looking to apply your expertise to vital environmental research? The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is currently recruiting for a Facility Operations Specialist to support the Western Fisheries Research Center in Seattle, Washington. This role is essential for maintaining the infrastructure that enables groundbreaking aquatic research.
Job Responsibilities
The Facility Operations Specialist serves as the primary technician for the research campus. Key duties include:
- Wet Lab Maintenance: Operating and troubleshooting water quality, temperature, and oxygenation systems to support ongoing fisheries research.
- System Upkeep: Scheduling and performing preventive and corrective maintenance on water filtration, pump houses, and plumbing.
- Automation: Managing building automation systems and adjusting control protocols for mechanical and hydronic infrastructure.
- Technical Planning: Providing input on statements of work and cost estimates for facility upgrades and equipment replacements.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet specific criteria:
| Requirement Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Experience | Equivalent to at least 1 year at the GS-09 level |
| Driver's License | Valid license required |
| Education | Relevant degree in engineering or property management (optional substitution) |
| Probation | 1-year trial period mandatory |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $83,935 to $109,122. Beyond the pay, federal employees are eligible for a robust benefits package, which includes:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- A secure federal pension plan and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Federal holiday pay.
How to Apply
Your application must be submitted through the official USAJobs portal by October 6, 2026.
- Draft your Resume: Ensure it is exactly two pages or less.
- Gather Documents: Include all relevant transcripts and, if applicable, military discharge papers (DD-214).
- Submit Online: Use the application link provided on the USAJobs announcement.
- Complete Assessments: Follow the instructions regarding the USA Hire Assessment carefully.
If you have a background in HVAC, mechanical maintenance, or facility operations, this is a unique opportunity to use your skills for a noble cause. By keeping the Western Fisheries Research Center fully operational, you enable scientists to continue their critical work in conservation and aquatic health. Start your application today to join a team committed to excellence and the future of our natural resources.
Why This Facility Operations Specialist Job Matters
Join the Western Fisheries Research Center in Seattle and play a pivotal role in maintaining the high-tech infrastructure that powers critical aquatic research.
Facility Operations Specialist Job Overview
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking a skilled Facility Operations Specialist to join the Western Fisheries Research Center in Seattle, Washington. This term position serves as a technical anchor, ensuring that specialized wet laboratories, water filtration systems, and campus facilities operate at peak efficiency. You will be responsible for the complex maintenance of systems vital to environmental science, providing the necessary operational support for ongoing fisheries research projects.
Requirements for Facility Operations Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Willingness to undergo a background investigation and suitability check.
- Ability to perform regular physical tasks including climbing ladders, lifting heavy equipment, and navigating confined spaces.
- Must be available for weekend work as required.
Preferred Qualifications for Facility Operations Specialist
- EPA Universal Certification for HVAC systems.
- Professional HVAC technical certification from an accredited institution.
- Proficiency with building automation systems, specifically BACnet and Modbus control protocols.
- Direct experience in managing maintenance for research laboratories, aquaculture facilities, or similar specialized environments.
- Experience with water filtration, UV systems, and complex process piping.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health and life insurance programs.
- ✓Comprehensive federal retirement benefits.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of the Interior.
- ✓Access to transit benefits and work-life balance programs.
💡 How to Apply Facility Operations Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Facility Operations Specialist Job
- Review the full job announcement carefully to ensure all requirements are understood.
- Prepare a federal-style resume (max 2 pages) detailing relevant experience with hours worked per week.
- Gather necessary documentation, including academic transcripts if substituting education for experience.
- Click the 'Apply Online' button on USAJobs to navigate to the application portal.
- Complete the online questionnaire and attach all required documents.
- Submit your application before the deadline on October 6, 2026.
- Monitor email for notifications regarding the USA Hire Assessment and follow instructions to complete it if prompted.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit and font size requirements to avoid disqualification.
- Clearly distinguish between full-time and part-time experience in your resume, including hours worked per week.
- When submitting transcripts, ensure they include your name, the institution, GPA, and graduation date.
- Use the USA Hire practice resources provided in the vacancy announcement to prepare for the assessment phase.
- Double-check your application packet for completeness; missing documents will lead to an incomplete rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
No, this is a term appointment expected to last at least 13 months, with the potential to be extended up to a total of four years based on agency needs.
Can I submit my resume in a format other than a federal resume?
You must use a federal-style resume that includes dates of employment in month-year format and specifies the hours worked per week. It must not exceed two pages.
Are there physical demands associated with this role?
Yes. You will need to walk throughout the campus, climb ladders, and carry equipment or piping. The role requires good physical stamina for performing maintenance in various settings.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.
What is the work environment like?
You will split your time between office, laboratory, and outdoor settings. Expect to work with mechanical equipment and potentially encounter wet conditions associated with fisheries research.
Job from Geological Survey
The U.S. Geological Survey is the scientific arm of the Department of the Interior. It focuses on monitoring, analyzing, and predicting Earth-system interactions. From natural hazards to water resource management, the USGS provides the actionable data needed to make informed decisions about our environment. Working at the Western Fisheries Research Center offers you the chance to contribute to this mission by keeping complex laboratory and life-support systems running smoothly.