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Engineering Technician (Utility Instrumentation)


Job Location:

Washington, DC - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 77771 - 77771
Posted: 6 October 2026 (2 days ago)
Application Deadline: 4 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

The position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) Office of the Chief of Operations Director Utilities and Power Plant Operations Assistant Director Utility Services Division Utility Distribution Branch.

The incumbent ensures accurate flow measurement reliable system performance proper data collection and integration with facility monitoring systems to support operations maintenance planning energy management utility accounting and regulatory compliance.


Duties

The incumbent serves as a Utility Instrumentation Technician and is responsible for oversight management and monitoring the installation operation maintenance calibration testing troubleshooting repair and performance verification of flow measurement systems and associated instrumentation supporting the Capitol Power Plant Utility Distribution Systems (UDS). The incumbent supports accurate monitoring of steam condensate return chilled water domestic water and other utility systems serving facilities throughout the Capitol campus.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Confined Space Certification to inspect underground utility tunnels.

This position requires a valid D.C. or State motor vehicle operators license.

This position may be filled at the GS-10 GS-11 or GS-12. If starting at the lower levels developmental assignments will be given with the goal of attaining the full performance level. Promotions can be attained without further competition up to the GS-12. Duties quoted below are for the GS-12 level.

Utility Instrumentation Operation and Maintenance (35%)

Serves as the Utility Distribution Branch technical specialist for flow metering systems instrumentation and associated monitoring equipment.

Oversees and manages Installation commissioning configuration calibration and maintaining a variety of flow measurement technologies including magnetic ultrasonic differential pressure insertion and mechanical flow meters.

Performs routine inspections operational testing calibration verification and preventive maintenance of flow meters and associated instrumentation.

Diagnoses meter inaccuracies communication failures instrumentation problems and system performance issues. Performs corrective maintenance and coordinates repairs with contractors and equipment manufacturers as necessary.

Conducts field investigations to verify meter accuracy identify utility losses detect abnormal flow conditions and support operational troubleshooting.

Maintains accurate calibration records maintenance logs testing reports and equipment documentation using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and other data management tools.

Reviews manufacturer recommendations industry standards and operational requirements to develop and update maintenance procedures and testing protocols.

Instrumentation and Data Management (30%)

Supports integration and operation of flow meters with SCADA systems building automation systems data loggers and other monitoring platforms.

Collects validates analyzes and reports utility flow data used for operational decision-making energy management asset management and system performance evaluations.

Assists with development and maintenance of utility metering databases equipment inventories and historical performance records.

Verifies data integrity and coordinates corrective actions when communication reporting or instrumentation issues are identified.

Coordinates and evaluates development of performance metrics and reports related to utility consumption system efficiency and infrastructure condition assessments.

Project Support and Technical Assistance (30%)

Provides technical support for utility metering improvement projects flow meter replacements new installations and system upgrades.

Assists with project planning field investigations equipment selection testing requirements and commissioning activities.

Reviews technical drawings equipment specifications wiring diagrams and manufacturer documentation related to metering and instrumentation systems.

Coordinates with engineers project managers contractors and utility personnel during design installation testing and startup activities.

Participates in field inspections to verify contractor performance installation quality and compliance with project requirements.

Provides guidance technical advice and consultation on program and project administration. Contributes to the resolution of technical difficulties that are amenable to changes in approach criteria or requirements. Conducts studies to develop criteria for situations encountered in field inspections.

Shall acquire the required training to serve as the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) for UDS Instrumentations (including flow meters) operations and maintenance contract.

Utilizes professional expertise to develop and review: (1) technical specifications; (2) construction documents; (3) internal government cost estimates; (4) construction cost estimates; (5) statements of work; and (6) work plans for construction projects and professional design services. Develops and maintains progress schedules and reports. Manages critical path activities recommending courses of action for problem resolution.


Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • You must meet the definition of specialized experience.
  • You must meet the education requirements for an engineer.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Confined Space Certification to inspect underground utility tunnels.

This position requires a valid D.C. or State motor vehicle operators license.

Qualifications

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Managements (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at OPM Qualifications Standards

Specialized experience: is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.


Candidates for the GS-10 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-09 grade level in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as having the following experience. GS-12 must demonstrate 4 out of 6 skillsets.

Demonstrated knowledge of flow measurement technologies instrumentation systems and utility distribution infrastructure.

2. Demonstrated knowledge of installation calibration testing troubleshooting and maintenance of flow meters and associated instrumentation.

3. Demonstrated knowledge of steam condensate chilled water domestic water and related utility systems.

4. Demonstrated knowledge of SCADA systems data acquisition systems communications protocols and computerized monitoring systems.

5. Ability to interpret engineering drawings schematics piping diagrams instrumentation diagrams technical specifications and manufacturer manuals.

6. Ability to analyze technical data identify equipment deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.

Candidates for the GS-11 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-10 grade level in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as having the following experience. GS-12 must demonstrate 5 out of 6 skillsets.

  1. Demonstrated knowledge of flow measurement technologies instrumentation systems and utility distribution infrastructure.

2. Demonstrated knowledge of installation calibration testing troubleshooting and maintenance of flow meters and associated instrumentation.

3. Demonstrated knowledge of steam condensate chilled water domestic water and related utility systems.

4. Demonstrated knowledge of SCADA systems data acquisition systems communications protocols and computerized monitoring systems.

5. Ability to interpret engineering drawings schematics piping diagrams instrumentation diagrams technical specifications and manufacturer manuals.

6. Ability to analyze technical data identify equipment deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.

Candidates for the GS-12 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-11 grade level in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as having the following experience. GS-12 must demonstrate 6 out of 6 skillsets.

  1. Demonstrated knowledge of flow measurement technologies instrumentation systems and utility distribution infrastructure.

2. Demonstrated knowledge of installation calibration testing troubleshooting and maintenance of flow meters and associated instrumentation.

3. Demonstrated knowledge of steam condensate chilled water domestic water and related utility systems.

4. Demonstrated knowledge of SCADA systems data acquisition systems communications protocols and computerized monitoring systems.

5. Ability to interpret engineering drawings schematics piping diagrams instrumentation diagrams technical specifications and manufacturer manuals.

6. Ability to analyze technical data identify equipment deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.

A valid D.C. or State motor vehicle operators license.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans preference is applied on this vacancy announcement. If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF-15 if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability if applicable. For more information please visit OPM vet guide

If you are a male applicant born after December 31 1959 you must certify that you have registered with theSelective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit theSelective Service Systemwebsite for more information.

DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOCs suitability assessment a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employeeis required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule provide and cover the cost for the drug test.

The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol.

The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employees Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS E-VERIFY electronic system. For more information on E-Verify please visit Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color sex religion age national origin sexual orientation gender identity genetic information and/or disability.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Moving expenses are not authorized.

Relocation expenses are not authorized.

Probationary Period-A newly appointed selectee is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol.

All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holidays; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities etc.

Selected applicant(s) may be eligible to earn a higher annual leave accrual rate credit towards annual leave accrual based on prior non-Federal or uniformed service work experience. The amount of service credit will be based on specialized experience or qualifying experience that is provided on the applicant profile submitted. As such if you are a new employee to the Federal Government or a rehire it is important that you provide a work history that lists all directly related positions held and it must include the dates of employment (month/day/year).

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.


Required Experience:

IC