Launch Your Career in Agricultural Defense: Safety Technician Role
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking for a skilled professional to join the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). If you are looking for a career that combines technical maintenance, laboratory safety, and national security, the Safety Technician role at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) offers a unique path. This role is fundamental to the facility’s mission of protecting the American food supply from dangerous agricultural diseases.
Job Responsibilities
As a Safety Technician, your primary goal is to ensure the integrity of the facility's biocontainment systems. Key responsibilities include:
- System Maintenance: Perform operational and preventative maintenance on HVAC, filtration, and effluent decontamination systems.
- Decontamination: Execute and monitor gaseous sterilization processes for laboratory equipment and rooms.
- Environmental Monitoring: Keep strict watch over temperature and humidity levels to maximize sterilization efficacy.
- Quality Control: Conduct biological assays and smoke tests to ensure containment standards are met.
- Data Management: Calibrate sensitive equipment and maintain precise records for regulatory reporting.
Requirements
Success in this role requires strict adherence to safety protocols and the following qualifications:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
- A clean-shaven face (for respirator compliance) and the ability to wear PPE.
- Willingness to participate in a medical surveillance program, including blood draws and regular health exams.
- Commitment to a 5-day quarantine policy regarding specific livestock species.
Comparison of Qualification Levels
| Grade Level | Specialized Experience Focus |
|---|---|
| GS-07 | Assisting with HVAC, HEPA filters, and smoke testing. |
| GS-08 | Performing operation, maintenance, and sterilization of containment systems. |
| GS-09 | Independently managing biocontainment systems and certifying filtration components. |
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is classified under the GS schedule, ranging from $50,460 to $80,243 per year. Compensation is determined by experience level and the specific grade for which the applicant qualifies.
Benefits
Employees of the USDA enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, which includes:
- Health and dental insurance options.
- Retirement savings through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
Application Tips
To stand out during the hiring process, ensure your resume is concise and strictly follows the two-page limit. Emphasize your technical experience with biocontainment or complex mechanical systems. Verify that all your supporting documents are formatted correctly—avoid Adobe Portfolios and encrypted files—as these cannot be processed. Finally, prepare for the USA Hire assessment by reviewing the practice guides provided in the official vacancy announcement.
Serving as a Safety Technician at the NBAF is more than just a job; it is a vital service to national agriculture. If you have the technical skills and the dedication to work in a high-consequence safety environment, this opportunity offers a challenging and rewarding career path in the heart of Kansas.
Why This Safety Technician Job Matters
Join the forefront of agricultural defense: Play a critical role in high-containment biosafety at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility.
Safety Technician Job Overview
The USDA Agricultural Research Service is seeking a dedicated Safety Technician to join the team at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. This role is essential for maintaining the highest standards of biocontainment, ensuring that critical facilities and equipment meet stringent biosafety regulations and operational protocols. You will be responsible for the inspection, calibration, and maintenance of specialized containment systems, directly contributing to national agricultural security.
Requirements for Safety Technician
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Registration with Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)
- Successful completion of a background investigation and fingerprint check
- Willingness to participate in ongoing medical and psychological monitoring, including blood draws and physical exams
- Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including tight-fitting respirators (requires clean-shaven face for fit testing)
- Ability to perform full-body showering with soap/shampoo without assistance
- Adherence to a five-day personal quarantine from specific livestock species after exiting biocontainment
Preferred Qualifications for Safety Technician
- Demonstrated expertise in the operation and maintenance of biocontainment systems
- Technical experience with HEPA/PALL filter certifications and smoke testing
- Hands-on knowledge of Effluent Decontamination Systems (EDS) and Biosafety Cabinets (BCS)
- Proven ability to conduct environmental monitoring and data analysis for sterilization efficacy
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Federal employee health and life insurance programs
- âś“Retirement savings plans (FERS)
- âś“Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- âś“Potential for career development and promotion
- âś“Flexible work arrangements (subject to agency policy)
đź’ˇ How to Apply Safety Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Safety Technician Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Click the Apply Online button within the USAJOBS portal.
- Complete the online questionnaire and attach all required documentation.
- Monitor your email for a unique USA Hire assessment link if required.
- Submit your final package before the closing date of 11/12/2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Your resume must explicitly detail your specialized experience, including dates, hours worked, and specific technical duties.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are under 5MB and in accepted formats (PDF, Word, etc.).
- Do not exceed the two-page resume limit, as this will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Practice using the USA Hire assessment resources before your deadline.
- Ensure your email settings allow notifications from the agency to track your status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work environment like?
You will work in a mix of office settings, infectious disease laboratories, and animal holding areas. The role involves exposure to temperature extremes, potential biological hazards, and the necessity of wearing full-body PPE or respirators.
Are there medical requirements for this position?
Yes. Due to the high-containment nature of the facility, you must undergo baseline and periodic health monitoring, including blood draws. You must also be able to perform unassisted daily showers and may be required to receive specific vaccinations.
Why is there a personal quarantine requirement?
The facility studies high-consequence agricultural diseases. To prevent cross-contamination to the livestock industry, staff are required to avoid contact with specific susceptible species, such as cattle and swine, for five days after leaving the biocontainment area.
Is relocation assistance offered?
Relocation incentives may be authorized, but they are subject to a final determination by the hiring official at the time of an offer.
What is the medical surveillance program?
To ensure a safe working environment, employees are enrolled in a health monitoring program that includes periodic medical exams and serological testing.
Job from Agricultural Research Service
The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) is a premier laboratory focused on researching and defending against foreign animal diseases. Located in Manhattan, Kansas, it serves as a cornerstone of the nation’s effort to prevent biological threats to agriculture. By working here, you join a specialized team dedicated to innovative science and high-containment safety.