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Mechanical Engineer/Electrical Engineer

USDA Forest Service
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The Forest Products Laboratory, a part of Research and Development for the U.S. Forest Service, is announcing a vacancy for an Interdisciplinary Mechanical Engineer/Electrical Engineer (GS-0830/0850-9/11/12). The duty location is Madison, Wisconsin.  

This position may be filled permanently through use of special hiring authorities or advertised competitively.  All respondents will be forwarded the vacancy announcement information once it is advertised in USAJOBS. 

The hiring manager is considering the use of special hiring authorities to fill the position:

Interested candidates should respond to express interest and be place on the list of those to be contacted when the job is advertised competitively on USAJOBS.  Those who are eligible for a special hiring authority must respond for non-competitive hiring consideration.  Please follow the instructions for responding to this notice and note special hiring authorities if applicable. 

To express interest in this position, send a cover letter, documents confirming special hiring authority eligibility (if applicable), and resume to Angela Hanz, Assistant Director for Business Operations, at angela.hanz@usda.gov. 

Point of Contact

For more information about this position please contact Angela Hanz, Assistant Director for Business Operations, at angela.hanz@usda.gov. 

About the Position

Major Duties

This position serves as the Energy Manager for the Forest Products Laboratory and Northern Research Station.   The incumbent is responsible for all efforts related to energy/utilities saving and management, and building automation systems. The incumbent also provides planning, design, and construction support for projects involving their area of expertise (mechanical or electrical engineering). 

This position includes, but is not limited to, the following key activities:

  • Serves as the Energy Manager and as the designated Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) Facility Energy Manager. Tracks energy and utility usage and costs. Measures energy performance, implements energy conservation measures, recommends, and develops projects for energy/utilities savings or improvements, and verifies energy data. 
  • Develops, writes, and manages upward reporting requirements. Coordinates and manages smart utility meter programs. Monitors, reviews, summarizes, and analyzes smart meter data and utility consumption/usage trends to determine sources of waste and recommends/develops policies, procedures, and projects to eliminate waste.
  • Performs regular energy and utility audits/evaluations for the research unit. Maintains data systems for energy management, such as the EISA Compliance Tracking System and the Energy Star Portfolio Manager. Identifies potential energy and utility conservation measures and projects for approval and development by others.
  • Coordinates and manages any Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Inspects and verifies performance of ESPC contractors and authorizes payments.

Required Key Skills & Abilities

  • Knowledge and skills in in applying, a wide range of various electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, software development and engineering, and energy and utility systems theories, concepts, principles, standards, methods, and practices.
  • Ability to evaluate and manage utilities systems, energy systems, and Building Automation Systems (BAS).
  • Knowledge to program, modify, adapt, and correct BAS software and Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems.
  • Knowledge of building HVAC controls, security, fire alarm, lighting, and energy management systems to recommend actions to correct or enhance such systems.
  • Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair parts, components, and systems for a wide range of assignments related to BAS, HVAC systems, and DDC.

Other Information of Interest

  • The work schedule is Maxi flex.
  • Position is telework eligible according to agency policy.
  • This is a bargaining unit position represented by National Federation of Federal Employees (nffe.org).
  • The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional information is available at the Office of Personnel Management website.

About the Forest Products Laboratory

The Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin is the only national Forest Service laboratory facility. Producing high-quality, science-based innovation, the Lab research improves the safety, comfort, and well-being of every American, every day. Forest Product Laboratory scientists investigate wood and wood fiber properties, harness cutting-edge technologies to develop renewable polymers and green chemicals from wood, and research ways to make structures safer and more sustainable.

Much of the Forest Service’s forest products research is conducted at the Lab in Madison, Wisconsin. Research programs include biorefinery and biomass utilization, nanotechnology, wood science, wood structures, wood and polymeric composites, biotechnology, pulp, paper, wood preservation, and life-cycle assessments. Agency scientists also provide technical support to the public and industries for using wood, wood identification, building code development, and international standards development. 

Wood is a renewable resource and sustainable material when it is harvested from responsibly managed forests. It is also a fundamental building block of the U.S. economy. Forest Service research advances wood science and applications to drive a circular economy, diversify wood applications and markets, keep manufacturing jobs in the U.S., and contribute to the prosperity of rural communities. 

The Lab has about 150 employees including 60 scientists primarily located in Madison, Wisconsin. 

Community Information

The Forest Product Laboratory is in Madison, the capital of Wisconsin. It lies west of Milwaukee. Known for the domed Wisconsin State Capitol, which sits on an isthmus between lakes Mendota and Monona, it is one of only two major U.S. cities built on an isthmus. The city's paved Capital City State Trail runs past Monona Terrace, a lakefront convention center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. 

Madison is where big-city opportunities meet small-town conveniences. Vibrant streetscapes lead to lakeside retreats. Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin where the college and capital city blend together, creating a unique atmosphere. Madison is a bike friendly city, and many enthusiasts commute by bike all year around. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to swimming, sailing, and hiking in the warmer months, Madison offers many active outdoor activities.

Madison is in a temperate climate zone with four distinct seasons. During the warmest months of June, July, and August, high temperatures average 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius). Winters are cold with temperatures average 25 degrees Fahrenheit (−4 Celsius) though temperatures can fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (−18 Celsius). Snowfall is moderate with an average annual snowfall of 44 inches (112 cm).

The Visit Madison Visitors Guide, the Destination Madison website, and the City of Madison website can provide more detailed information about Madison.