Summary

The U.S. Mission in Lusaka, Zambia is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the HVAC/Plumbing Team Lead in the Facilities Management Section.

Overview

Hiring Path: Open to the public. This position is open to: All Interested Applicants / All Sources.

For USEFM - FP grade is FP-7. Actual FP salary authorized by Washington D.C.

Security Clearance Required: Public Trust - Background Investigation

Appointment Type: Permanent

Appointment Type Details: Indefinite subject to successful completion of probationary period

Supervisory Position: Yes

Relocation Expenses Reimbursed: No

Travel Required: Not Required

Duties

Under the supervision of the Building Engineer, the incumbent is the Team Lead for the HVAC and Plumbing shop responsible for managing all shop operations and supervising technical staff. S/he will oversee all residential work orders, projects, and tasks assigned to the shop monitoring the timeliness and quality of completed work. Ensures that shop personnel are fully equipped with the training, tools, materials, and other resources needed for success while promoting teamwork.

Work Planning, Implementation, and Inspection – 40%

The job holder is responsible for all aspects of HVAC and Plumbing work at government-owned and leased residences including the CMR and DCMR. Utilizing the Department’s computerized maintenance management system, GMMS, develops short and long-range plans for the HVAC/Plumbing shop and prioritizes assignments. Ensures availability of materials and tools to complete work. Plans projects and develops cost estimates, schedules, and Statements of Work (SOWs). Reads and interprets blueprints, drawings, manuals, guides, and manufacturers specifications. Reviews inventory of spare parts and supplies and orders replacements as needed. Monitors and tests work of subordinates for quality control and to ensure timely completion of work. Verifies that all work meets applicable building codes and/or standards including both local and U.S. building codes. Prepares written progress reports for the Facility Manager. Ensures that all safety and security protocols are strictly adhered to and enforces mishap reporting requirements for all injuries and accidents. Checks that the workshop and shop vehicles are kept clean and in good condition. Maintains accountability of tools kept at the shop and provides guidance and training to technicians on use of specialized tools, instruments, machines, and equipment. Uses GMMS to provide updates and completion status to stakeholders including customers, managers, and peers. Maintains good working relationships with suppliers, vendors, and contractors.

Supervision – 30%

The incumbent supervises 3 Plumbers and 2 HVAC Technicians performing installation, unscheduled maintenance, and preventive maintenance on ventilation, air-conditioning, and plumbing equipment/systems. Prepares Annual Work Plans (AWPs) for employees, holds mid-year performance discussions, and completes annual performance evaluations for all supervised employees. Recommends and implements performance improvement and/or counseling measures for subordinates who are not meeting expectations including attendance and tardiness issues. Drafts award nominations for deserving team members. Participates in the recruiting and hiring process by providing input to shortlist candidates, preparing interview questions, participating in interviews, administering practical knowledge tests, and providing input for candidate selection. Develops annual training plans and provides on-the-job training for subordinates. Stays up to date on industry trends and best practices and holds subordinates accountable for the same.

Maintenance Support – 10%

Performs hands-on installation, maintenance, and/or repair of HVAC, plumbing, and other mechanical equipment/systems. Work includes but is not limited to package units, ductless mini-split heat pumps, multi-splits, ventilation ducts, exhaust fans, water chillers and heaters, booster pumps, plumbing fixtures, boreholes, domestic water piping, water heaters, sanitary waste systems, and water storage vessels. Proficiently uses tools of the trade to complete work per industry standards while following all Department safety and security protocols.

Contract Administration (COR) and Finance – 10%

Acts as the Contracting Officer’s Representative for the recurring Septic Tank/Sewage disposal contract. May also act as the COR or Government Technical Monitor (GTM) for other maintenance, repair, or construction projects. Acts as an Occasional Money Holder (OMH) for funds to purchase materials and supplies.

Administrative – 10%

Attends weekly Facility Management team meetings to receive and/or provide information and updates for embassy and Facility Management activities. Encouraged to participate in embassy functions including the Locally Employed Staff Executive Committee, the Grean Team, and others.

Requirements

All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a: Public Trust Background Investigation security clearance.

All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam.

Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time 6 Weeks upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Education Requirements

Completion of secondary school and a Trades Certificate (or equivalent) in HVAC or Plumbing is required.

Qualifications

Experience:

Minimum of five (5) years’ experience working in an HVAC or Plumbing capacity at an industrial/manufacturing plant, major resort/hospital, office complex, or a large university/school system that has a fully implemented preventive maintenance program. The applicant’s work experience must demonstrate a progression of increased responsibility throughout their career, including troubleshooting, work planning for self and others, and accountability for building equipment and systems.

Language:

Good working knowledge; speaking, reading and writing English

Job Knowledge:

The applicant must demonstrate that s/he has in-depth theoretical knowledge in the field(s) of HVAC and/or Plumbing. S/he must have exceptional technical understanding to be able to independently troubleshoot and repair complex HVAC and/or Plumbing problems or to complete new system installations. The applicant should have a solid understanding of maintenance techniques and industry recognized best practices. Must be familiar with local and international building codes, industry standards, commonly used materials, and specialty tools of the trade. S/he must have knowledge of leadership principles that promote efficiency and build team morale. S/he must know how to use Microsoft applications including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Skills And Abilities:

The applicant must demonstrate mastery of HVAC and/or Plumbing practical (hands on) skills. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to multitask. Must be highly organized and demonstrate good time management abilities. The applicant should be able to read and interpret drawings, diagrams, and other construction/maintenance/equipment related documents. Must demonstrate computer skills and be able to effectively use Microsoft applications including Outlook, Word, and Excel. S/he must be able to draft clear and concise reports, in English, for the Facility Manager or other stakeholders. Ability to lift and carry heavy items, climb ladders, and traverse work platforms such as scaffolding is required. Must be able to perform basic vehicle inspections and drive vehicles with a manual transmission. Must demonstrate good judgment and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Benefits

The U.S. Mission offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for local employees.

For Eligible Family Member (EFM) applicants, benefits should be discussed with the HR Office. The pay plan is assigned by the HR Office and confirmed by Washington, D.C.

• Manage all HVAC and Plumbing shop operations and supervise technical staff.
• Oversee residential work orders, projects, and tasks assigned to the shop, monitoring timeliness and quality.
• Develop short- and long-range shop plans, prioritize assignments, ensure materials and tools are available, and plan projects, cost estimates, schedules, and Statements of Work.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, manuals, guides, and manufacturers specifications; monitor work quality and compliance with local and U.S. building codes.
• Supervise 3 Plumbers and 2 HVAC Technicians; prepare work plans, conduct performance discussions and evaluations, and provide training.
• Perform hands-on installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC, plumbing, and other mechanical equipment and systems.
• Act as Contracting Officer’s Representative for the recurring Septic Tank/Sewage disposal contract and potentially other projects.
• Act as an Occasional Money Holder for materials and supplies, and attend weekly Facility Management team meetings.

• Mastery of practical HVAC and/or Plumbing skills, including troubleshooting, repair, and installation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and multitask effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and maintenance or equipment documents.
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and use of computerized maintenance management systems.
• Ability to draft clear and concise reports in English.
• Knowledge of maintenance best practices, local and international building codes, industry standards, commonly used materials, and specialty tools.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy items, climb ladders, and traverse scaffolding or other work platforms.
• Ability to perform basic vehicle inspections and drive vehicles with a manual transmission.
• Good judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Completion of secondary school and a Trades Certificate (or equivalent) in HVAC or Plumbing is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience working in an HVAC or Plumbing capacity at an industrial/manufacturing plant, major resort/hospital, office complex, or a large university/school system that has a fully implemented preventive maintenance program.
• Work experience must demonstrate a progression of increased responsibility, including troubleshooting, work planning for self and others, and accountability for building equipment and systems.
• Good working knowledge; speaking, reading and writing English.
• Must be able to obtain and hold a Public Trust Background Investigation security clearance.
• Selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam.
• Must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time 6 Weeks upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications.