Demo

Instrumentation Controls Technician

US Architect of the Capitol
Washington, DC Full Time
POSTED ON 9/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/22/2027

Summary

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Utilities Power Plant Operations, Assistant Director Engineering Division, Instrumentation and Controls Branch. The Instrumentation Controls Technician will provide expertise in troubleshooting, maintaining, installing and repairing state of the art digital, analog and industrial equipment typically found in power plants.

Learn more about this agency


This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all U.S. Citizens. Please be advised that federal retired annuitant candidates may only be considered as a temporary employee if the role can be filled in that capacity. This position is open until filled.


Duties

The selectee will perform maintenance, repair, calibration, installation and reading of various meters, controls and control systems, gauges, and a wide variety of industrial instrumentation utilized for the production and control of steam and chilled water in the Capitol Power Plant.

Duties include:

  • Performs, maintains, adjusts, troubleshoots and repairs pneumatic and digital control mechanisms (e.g., level and pressure transmitters, relays, valve positioners, power drives, pneumatic and electric operated valves, pressure controllers and similar mechanisms), refrigerant leak monitors, emissions monitoring equipment, opacity systems, and electromechanical control mechanisms (e.g., water softener and de-alkalizer control system, fly ash system and chemical field process equipment.
  • Maintains, repairs, adjusts and calibrates a variety of field mounted instrumentation (e.g. temperature devices, flow meters, differential pressure transmitters, pressure transmitters, pressure switches, differential pressure switches, pneumatic and electronic flow indicators, recorders and gauges (e.g. low pressure, high pressure and vacuum.
  • Maintains, adjusts, and repairs electric motor driven valves, electro-hydraulic valves and air diaphragm motor valves with needle type, double seated type or three-way type inner valves in lines associated with control systems for production of steam and chilled water (e.g., continuous blow down lines, condensate lines, city water supply, boiler feed water, condenser water lines and chilled water lines).
  • Maintains and adjusts the operation of metering pumps and valves associated with automatic liquid feed systems in the steam production plant (e.g. softener tanks, brine tanks, de-alkalizers, and hot well and de aerator tanks), the chilled water makeup and the cooling towers of the refrigerant plants.
  • Solves moderate to complex problems by analyzing installation, circuitry and operating characteristics of the control systems. Adjusts and aligns system sensors, transmitters, amplifiers, power supplies, transponders, actuators, installs serviceable components and performs total systems alignments and calibrations in accordance with existing technical instructions. Accomplishes the modification of components or systems and completes thorough system checks for proper operation. Maintains, modifies, calibrates and inspects a wide variety of user test, measurement and diagnostic equipment.
  • Installs, maintains and modifies pneumatic, electric, and pneumatic controls and control systems for industrial type applications such as fly ash removal system, stack emission monitoring. Ensures that installed systems and controls function to meet operating needs by mounting instrumentation, installing its associated process tubing, and connecting wiring to appropriate terminations.
  • Maintains and calibrates building ventilation controls for heating and air conditioning.
  • Requires working at heights greater than 100 feet above the ground on exterior mounted equipment.


Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • You must be able to pass a drug test.
  • Your resume and question responses must demonstrate job-related elements.

.

Qualifications

You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.

You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT(S) required for this position.

  • Ability to do the work of this position without more than normal supervision.

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 the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information.

DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC’s suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is 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 employee's 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 http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm

The 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.

Benefits

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).

The Architect of the Capitol offers eligible employees opportunity to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program.

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.


How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions.

Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate the job elements for this position, possession of any specialized experience, and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement. The self-assessment questions relate to the following job elements and competencies:

  • -Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.

  • -Technical Knowledge

  • -Interpreting Instructions

  • -Ability to use hand and power tools to install, maintain, modify, or repair equipment

  • -Ability to troubleshoot equipment and diagnose.

Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions. Falsifying your background, education and/or experience is cause for non-selection or disqualification from further consideration.

Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the “Required Documents” section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application).


You may preview questions for this vacancy.


Required Documents

The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) job application process is designed to ensure you only provide information necessary to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the position vacancy.

To apply for this position, you only need to submit: a) your resume and b) answers to the online vacancy assessment questionnaire. The online questionnaire contains eligibility and screening questions and other relevant information. No additional documentation or attachments are required at the time of application.

Your resume should list your education, training and work experience including job titles, employment dates, duties and accomplishments.

Nothing further is required until it is requested by AOC’s Human Capital Management Division. If additional documentation is required for the position, you will be asked to provide it during the interview or selection process. At that time, you may be asked to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume.

For example, you may be asked to provide a copy of your diploma, college transcripts, or proof of Federal employment status. If the position requires licensure or certification, you will be asked to provide proof at the time of selection.

If Veterans’ preference is claimed, you will be asked to submit proof (DD-214, and, if claiming a 10-point preference, a SF-15 and the proof required by that form).

Failure to provide the required documents will end further consideration and/or result in the withdrawal of any tentative job offers.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.


How to Apply

You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

If you are a new user to the USAJOBS Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJOBS user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help with setting up an account or for general assistance in using USAJOBS, go to USAJOBS Help Page.

NEED HELP?
If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at MGSHELP@monster.com. The help desk is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times.

All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS “Saved Documents” feature.

If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.


Agency contact information

Nyika Hinson
Phone
202-226-7000
Email
nyika.hinson@aoc.gov
Address
Architect of the Capitol
United States Capitol
Washington, District of Columbia 20515
United States

Next steps

You will receive a notice generated by the USAJOBS System when you have successfully submitted your application. We will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.

You can check the status of your application by logging into http://www.usajobs.gov. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJOBS Account, editing your profile and changing the ‘Notification Settings’ to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes. Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within two (2) weeks after the closing date of this vacancy announcement.


Overview

Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
1 vacancy
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$38.35 - $44.74 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 12
Promotion potential
12
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time - This is an Excepted Service position and does not require or confer civil service Competitive Status
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent - Permanent, Full Time
Occupations and job series
  • 3359 Instrument Mechanic
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
  • Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CPP-2026-001
Control number
876109300

Salary : $38 - $45

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Instrumentation Controls Technician?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Instrumentation Controls Technician career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$83,914 - $110,257
Income Estimation: 
$96,858 - $126,329
Income Estimation: 
$89,966 - $112,616
Income Estimation: 
$118,163 - $145,996
Income Estimation: 
$120,777 - $151,022
Income Estimation: 
$129,363 - $167,316
Income Estimation: 
$86,891 - $130,303
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at US Architect of the Capitol

  • US Architect of the Capitol Washington, DC
  • Summary Located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), House Office Buildings , Day or Night Labor Branch. The AOC seeks temporary Laborer (Recycler's) for... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • US Architect of the Capitol Washington, DC
  • Summary This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Chief Engineer, Construction Division, Construction Branch. The selectee pr... more
  • 16 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Instrumentation Controls Technician jobs in the Washington, DC area that may be a better fit.

  • Alpha Generation Brandywine, MD
  • Work Locations: Brandywine, MD Compensation: $48 - $60 Per Hour Schedule: 40 hours/week, with required overtime and on-call response during plant outages (... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • Johnson Controls International Capitol Heights, MD
  • Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use ene... more
  • 1 Month Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!