Advance Your Career: Supervisory Facility Operations Specialist at the USDA
Are you a facilities management professional with a passion for leadership and operational excellence? The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is looking for a Supervisory Facility Operations Specialist at the Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health in Ithaca, New York. This role is essential to maintaining the infrastructure that supports some of the most important agricultural research in the country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Facility Operations Specialist, you will wear many hats. Your primary goal is to ensure the long-term functionality and safety of our research buildings. Key duties include:
- Strategic Planning: Providing budget recommendations and operational strategies.
- Emergency Response: Serving as the point of contact for facility incidents outside of normal hours.
- Systems Oversight: Analyzing and repairing complex HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Documentation: Managing building modifications, manuals, and warranty records.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must demonstrate:
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level.
- Expertise in facility/property record maintenance.
- Experience in contract management for repairs and construction.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $89,508 – $116,362 |
| Grade Level | GS-12 |
| Telework Potential | Up to 4 days/week |
| Location | Ithaca, NY |
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less.
- Support Your Answers: Ensure your resume clearly demonstrates the experience claimed in the assessment questionnaire.
- Use the Right Format: Upload your documents in standard formats like PDF or Word, ensuring they are under 5MB.
This role offers a unique opportunity to lead facility operations within a mission-driven federal environment. If you possess the technical expertise and the leadership skills to maintain complex research infrastructure, we encourage you to apply before the closing date. Join the ARS team and contribute to the future of American agriculture.
Why This Supervisory Facility Operations Specialist Job Matters
Join the Agricultural Research Service in Ithaca, NY, and take a lead role in maintaining the facilities that drive vital scientific discovery for our nation’s food and health security.
Supervisory Facility Operations Specialist Job Overview
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Facility Operations Specialist to join the Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the daily operations, maintenance, and strategic planning for multiple facilities. You will be instrumental in ensuring that our research environments—ranging from specialized laboratories to greenhouses—remain safe, functional, and fully optimized to support high-impact agricultural research.
Requirements for Supervisory Facility Operations Specialist
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level) if currently a federal employee.
- Must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- Ability to pass a background check and maintain suitability clearance.
- Must be physically capable of performing inspections, including climbing ladders and lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Submission of a concise, two-page resume detailing relevant experience and skills.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Facility Operations Specialist
- Extensive experience managing complex facility maintenance contracts and budgets.
- Proven track record in diagnosing and troubleshooting HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Strong leadership capabilities with experience in team building, conflict management, and strategic planning.
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
- Demonstrated proficiency in maintaining regulatory compliance and safety documentation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Potential for telework arrangements up to four days per week.
- ✓Flexible work schedules based on agency policy.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- ✓Eligibility for recruitment or relocation incentives (based on hiring official determination).
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Facility Operations Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Facility Operations Specialist Job
- Visit the official job portal and review the full announcement details.
- Prepare a two-page resume that clearly highlights your relevant experience, including dates, hours per week, and salary/grade.
- Complete the online Assessment Questionnaire accurately.
- Upload all required documentation, including transcripts (if applicable) and SF-50s for current/former federal employees.
- Verify that your documents have successfully transferred to the agency's internal staffing system.
- Submit your application package prior to the 11:59 p.m. ET deadline on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; exceeding this limit will lead to disqualification.
- Ensure your resume explicitly addresses the specialized experience requirements mentioned in the announcement.
- Turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile to receive real-time updates.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are in an approved format (e.g., PDF, DOC, TXT) and under 5MB.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, contact the Agency Contact listed in the announcement early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a degree required for this position?
No, there is no specific education qualification requirement for this role. Candidates are evaluated based on their relevant specialized experience.
Can I work remotely?
While this position is based in Ithaca, NY, it may be eligible for telework up to four days per week, depending on specific duties and agency policy.
What is the physical nature of this job?
The role involves strenuous physical activity, including inspecting inaccessible areas, climbing ladders, operating machinery, and moving objects up to 50 pounds.
What if I have a physical limitation?
*A: The agency provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the agency point of contact to request assistance.*
Are there travel requirements?
*A: Yes, the role requires local travel, often by motor vehicle, to manage various facility sites.*
Job from Agricultural Research Service
The Agricultural Research Service is the primary in-house research agency for the USDA. Our mission is to find practical, scientific solutions to the agricultural challenges facing the nation. By maintaining state-of-the-art facilities, our team ensures that scientists can innovate effectively to support farmers, ranchers, and the global food supply.