Become a Key Part of National Security: Carpenter Opportunity at the NBAF
Are you a skilled carpenter looking for a career that combines your trade expertise with a mission of national importance? The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is currently hiring for a Carpenter position at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. This is not your typical construction role; it is a vital position in a high-security facility dedicated to protecting America’s agricultural infrastructure.
Job Responsibilities
As a Carpenter at the NBAF, your daily responsibilities will go far beyond basic wood framing. You will be responsible for:
- Security Hardware: Maintaining and repairing complex door hardware, including panic devices, electrified locking systems, and access-control interfaces.
- Facility Maintenance: Constructing, altering, and repairing building structures using a variety of materials, including wood, sheetrock, and metal.
- System Troubleshooting: Diagnosing electrical and mechanical malfunctions in facility hardware.
- Collaboration: Working closely with security, contractors, and other maintenance teams to ensure repairs are documented and do not disrupt critical research operations.
Requirements
This position requires someone who is not only a skilled tradesperson but also capable of working in a high-containment environment. Requirements include:
- Ability to adhere to strict biosafety protocols, including mandatory showering and respirator use.
- Compliance with facial hair restrictions to ensure proper safety equipment fit.
- Passing a background investigation for a Secret security clearance.
- Willingness to comply with Personal Recognizance Quarantine (PRQ) regarding contact with specific livestock.
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Clearance | Secret |
| Location | Manhattan, KS |
| Travel | Occasional |
| Education | None Required |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $29.26 to $34.24. Employees may also benefit from potential relocation assistance depending on the hiring determination, and the stability that comes with a federal government position.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Your resume MUST be two pages or fewer. Applications that exceed this limit are automatically excluded.
- Be Specific: Ensure your resume clearly links your past experience with the specific duties listed in the job description.
- Use the System: Apply through the official USAJobs portal and double-check that your documents have successfully uploaded.
Working as a Carpenter at the NBAF is a chance to use your professional trade skills to contribute to national security. If you have the technical knowledge and the dedication to work in a high-stakes environment, apply today to start your career with the USDA.
Why This Carpenter Job Matters
Join the mission at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility—where precision carpentry meets national security. Help maintain the world-class infrastructure protecting America's agricultural future.
Carpenter Job Overview
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking a skilled Carpenter to support the mission-critical operations at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. You will play a vital role in the maintenance and modification of facility structures, with specialized responsibilities involving advanced security hardware, electrified locking systems, and facility-wide repairs within a high-security environment.
Requirements for Carpenter
- Ability to perform full-body showers as part of daily decontamination protocols.
- Must be able to pass a background investigation for a Secret security clearance.
- Willingness to submit to pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Must adhere to facial hair restrictions for proper respirator fit.
- Ability to work in confined or awkward spaces and perform physical tasks like climbing and lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Must be able to follow strict biosafety protocols, including potential vaccination requirements.
- Adherence to a Personal Recognizance Quarantine (PRQ) regarding contact with specific livestock.
Preferred Qualifications for Carpenter
- Extensive experience in structural repair and modification.
- Proven proficiency in installing and troubleshooting electrified door hardware and access-control systems.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret complex technical instructions and blueprints.
- Skilled in the operation and maintenance of a wide range of powered and hand carpentry tools.
- Expertise in measurement, material layout, and precise fabrication.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Relocation expenses may be authorized for qualified candidates.
- âś“Competitive hourly pay range.
- âś“Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge federal research facility.
- âś“Comprehensive federal benefits package potentially including health, retirement, and leave programs.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Carpenter Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Carpenter Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on the USAJobs portal.
- Prepare a resume that strictly adheres to the two-page limit.
- Click the 'Apply' button to access the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documentation, ensuring files are under 5MB and in supported formats.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline on November 18, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; the two-page limit is strictly enforced and exceeding it will result in automatic disqualification.
- Clearly highlight your experience with electrified door hardware and security locking systems.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are readable and not encrypted.
- Double-check your responses to the assessment questionnaire to ensure they align directly with your resume's experience section.
- Monitor your email for status updates via your USAJobs account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the security clearance for this role?
This position requires a Secret level security clearance.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes. Due to the high-containment environment, you must be able to perform daily full-body showers, wear a respirator, and follow strict biosafety and quarantine protocols.
Can I have pets or livestock at home?
There are restrictions regarding contact with certain species such as cattle, sheep, goats, and swine due to the nature of the research at the facility.
Job from Agricultural Research Service
The Agricultural Research Service is the in-house scientific research arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Their work spans from the field to the table, solving agricultural challenges that affect everyone. By joining the team at the NBAF, you will contribute directly to the maintenance of a facility designed to handle the most complex biological research in the country.