Trade Helper Job Vacancy at the US Embassy
A Trade Helper is a semi-skilled worker who assists skilled trade workers with routine maintenance and repair tasks. Their responsibilities include carrying out tasks using hand tools, ladders, and other safety equipment.
These positions can be found at United States embassies and consulates abroad as part of the mission staff, or for hire by direct-hire employees and their family members. Employment opportunities vary greatly from post to post.
Overview
The Trade Helper is the newest and most exciting member of the Embassy’s merry band. This position is responsible for assisting the skilled tradesmen with their daily tasks. Typical duties include performing routine and preventive maintenance on electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems as well as supplying and operating specialized tools such as threading machines.
The Trades Helper is not for the faint of heart; this is a highly demanding and time consuming job. In addition to the aforementioned responsibilities, this position also performs a variety of clerical and data entry duties.
This includes typing in a large volume of English language correspondence. It also entails learning about the many different computer and electronic programs and applications available to U.S. Embassy employees as well as a host of new technologies that are becoming more prevalent by the day.
Job Duties
The job duties of a Trade Helper vary depending on the type of trade that the worker is working in. These include obtaining parts, equipment, tools and materials for supervising tradesmen.
The employee must be able to use hand and power tools for repairs on HVAC and electrical equipment. They may also be asked to perform other maintenance work.
The incumbent will assist the skilled trade technicians in routine and preventive maintenance, new installations and demolition of HVAC equipment throughout the New Embassy Compound/New Consulate Compound (NEC/NCC) office buildings and grounds and residential owned/leased properties. They may also be assigned tasks such as material handling, painting and custodial type work.
Benefits
The US embassy is an international institution that helps the United States achieve its foreign policy goals. Working in a US embassy can be an exciting and rewarding career choice.
The embassy offers excellent benefits to employees, including medical insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and tax-free housing. Additionally, employees have the opportunity to travel abroad and experience different cultures.
There are three kinds of jobs at an embassy: full time permanent US government employees, Foreign Service Officers, and other officers of other federal agencies. These employees are all on official written orders for a fixed period of time, then they move on to another assignment in a different location.
Qualifications and Evaluations
The qualifications for the Trade Helper job vacancy include education and experience. Candidates must also pass a language test and skills test and be eligible for work in the United States.
Applicants should apply online using the Electronic Recruitment Application (ERA) system. Missions worldwide post vacancies announcements through this system. Qualifications based on education may require submitting an official diploma and transcript. These are sent to the Department of State.
Employment opportunities vary from mission to mission and depend on a family member’s citizenship, recent naturalization, ability to obtain a clearance, language skills, qualifications, and nepotism. If you are unsure of your eligibility for this position, please contact the Community Liaison Office Coordinator or Human Resources Officer at your post to discuss your options.
How to Apply
Trades helpers assist skilled maintenance workers in a specific trade. Duties vary from trade to trade but typically include supplying, lifting, and holding materials or tools; cleaning working areas; fire watch duties; and performing general unskilled tasks as directed by a full performance journeyman.
Applicants should read the entire vacancy announcement and ensure that they meet all eligibility and qualification requirements before submitting their application. They must upload relevant supporting documents (education certificate/degree, experience letter, any license if required) while submitting their application through the Electronic Recruitment Application.