Trades Helper at Embassy of The United States

Duties

The incumbent reports directly to the Building Engineer Supervisor.  The position holder is employed as a Trades Helper to assist the technicians of the skilled trades in the performance of routine and preventive maintenance, and new installations and demolition work.  The Building Engineer Supervisor will assign the incumbent to any of the skilled trade shops on a daily basis to assist the skilled technicians with maintenance and repair work throughout the Embassy Compound (NEC) office buildings, grounds and residential owned/leased properties.  In addition to assisting the skilled trade technicians, the incumbent may be assigned tasks include material handling, painting, custodial type work, snow removal, common laborer work, and  grounds maintenance and gardening work.  

JOB KNOWLEDGE: 

Must have a basic technical understanding of major building mechanical systems and equipment. Must be familiar with construction techniques and workplace safety, personal protective equipment (PPE) – how and when to use it.

Education Requirements:

• Completion of secondary school is required.

Evaluations:

• Post may choose to add the phrase “This may be tested” after a language, skill, and/or ability.  Review the VA template for specific information.

LANGUAGE: 

• English level II (Limited knowledge) Written/Speaking/Reading is required (This may be tested).
• Kiswahili level III (Good knowledge) Written/Speaking/Reading is required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• The incumbent must be a visionary, forward thinker, and quick understudy with an aptitude to learn so he/she can anticipate the materials and tools the skilled technician will need ahead of time.  
• Must be able to use  the typical lot of hand tools, small handheld power tools, vacuum cleaners, gardening tools, and ladders; must be adept at keeping  work sites free of clutter and debris, clean and neat;
• Must have a valid driver’s license for standard vehicles with at least five (5) years of experience driving.
• Must use good safety practices and follow all safety requirements in execution of tasks and be able to use all appropriate PPE; additional abilities include responding to emergency situations in an efficient and timely manner to effect immediate repairs; work in various adverse conditions such as tight or enclosed spaces, heights, and temperature extremes, indoors or outdoors to complete work assignments;
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to handle a large workload and multiple tasks; be able to take direction and must be organized; communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, contractors and vendors to obtain and provide pertinent information. 

EXPERIENCE:  

• minimum of two (2) years of maintenance or construction semi-skilled work experience in skilled trades such as mechanical (HVAC and Plumbing), electrical, carpentry, with significant focus on building systems