Automotive Mechanic Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. SSP-JD-13077799-26-MP Department U.S. Secret Service
Salary $34.71 to $40.55 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/20/2026 Close Date 10/26/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Washington, DC


Automotive Mechanic

Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Secret Service
Secret Service Police, Office of the Chief

Summary

Joining the Secret Service, Secret Service Police, Office of the Chief will allow you to become an essential part of the Secret Service protective mission by performing operational maintenance of all fleet and armored vehicles that are essential to support the United States Secret Service (USSS) mission.

For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here.

Duties

The selectee will serve as an Automotive Mechanic in the Secret Service Police, Office of the Chief. Typical work assignments include:

  • Performing required regular technical maintenance and modifications using complex tooling to solve unique mechanical issues that are specific to the armored vehicle platforms.
  • Serving as parts and supply room attendant and receives, stores, issues, requisitions, inventories, and monitors various tools, equipment, parts, and shop supplies to facilitate the upkeep of all assigned vehicles
  • Responsible for use of and applying technical maintenance to special purpose protective vehicles, armored vehicles and or vehicles deemed essential to support the USSS mission such as buses, motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) and or other small engine equipment that support protective operations.
  • Thoroughly inspect(s) armored/special purpose vehicles to ensure peak operation and protective function to certify asset reliability.
  • Troubleshooting and repairing all major components and subcomponents using a range of test procedures. These include but are not limited to (sensors, water pumps, spark plugs, brake shoes, mufflers, radiator caps, condensers, engine gaskets, a variety of belts and hoses, and complete assemblies such as removing old engines and replacing them with new engines).
Apply for this exciting opportunity to impact the Secret Service's initiatives in the technical maintenance of vehicles in support of its protective mission. This Automotive Mechanic position starts at a per hour wage of $34.71 (WG-10 step 01), with potential to $40.55 (WG-10 step 05).

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service
If selected for this position, you will be required to:
  • Obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Tier 5 clearance. For more information visit OPM Mythbuster Page.
  • Submit a credit check after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted.
  • Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.
  • Posses three (3) or more National Institute of Automative Service Excellence (ASE) certifications or equivalent before being appointed.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To be considered qualified for this position you must meet the following qualification requirements for the respective grade level in which you are applying.

Screen-Out Element:Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the screen out element. You qualify at the WG-10 level (starting hourly rate of $34.71) based on having sufficient training and experience when comparing your application to the Applicant Assessment Questions. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating and those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements.

The screen-out element for this position is:

  • Ability to do the work of an Automotive Mechanic without more than normal supervision.
To meet the Screen-out Element, you should have experience performing the following duties:
  • Perform common Automotive Mechanic duties to include maintenance, repair, overhaul, replacement, installation on major components, assemblies, and other systems such as engines, transmissions, electrical, exhaust, brakes.
  • Use test equipment and machine tools to conduct diagnostic testing and perform necessary repair work.
  • Interpret repair manuals, technical specifications, and safety manuals.

Selective Placement Factor: In addition to the screen-out element described above, you must meet the following requirement(s) to be considered qualified for the position: Applicant must possess and maintain a current and valid U.S. driver's license. Please indicate license numbers, state of license, and expiration dates.

Job Elements: Those who meet the minimum level of experience and training for the screen-out element will then be evaluated in each of the following job elements:

Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading)
Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.
Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic).
Troubleshooting.
Use of Measuring Instruments.

Physical Requirement: This position requires more than a moderate degree of physical exertion and includes standing, stooping & bending, stretching, kneeling, crouching, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The work is performed overhead spaces or in hard-to reach and cramped locations. Frequent lifting of parts and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds is required and occasionally may lift and carry heavier items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions: Work may be done inside a shop or outside, exposing the incumbent to prevailing weather conditions. Exposure to drafts, vehicle fumes, dirt, grease and dust is common. May stand on hard surfaces for long periods of time, crawl under vehicles, and may be required to work under vehicles exposed to dampness, heat or cold. Vehicle fluids, battery acids and solvents may cause burns or skin irritation. Incumbent is frequently exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, shocks, bums, strains while working. Independent judgment is used centered on provisions in technical manuals and recognized trade practices. The incumbent is required to use all personal safety equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection, and respirators in accordance with all safety and environmental control programs.

The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Additional information

DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act may submit a written complaint to HRsupport@usss.dhs.gov.

More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade and unit occur.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

The Secret Service prohibits employees from having visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art, and branding) on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers (any area below the wrist bone) (exception: a single conservative and unobtrusive tattoo in the form of a ring is authorized on one finger).

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.

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.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.

Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

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.

Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the duties of the position. All answers provided in the online process must be substantiated by your resume.

  • Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading)
  • Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.
  • Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
  • Troubleshooting

Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the Federal government, you are not ICTAP/CTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP/CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be deemed qualified based on the structured resume review, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must be 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures.) View VEOA information on Feds Hire Vets.

An interview may be required for this position. If an interview is required, failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).

After the U.S. Secret Service completes its hiring, the resumes of the remaining candidates referred for selection consideration may be shared with other DHS Components. During the application process, you may choose to opt-in if you would like your name, application material, and assessment results to be shared. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job opportunity announcements.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

Required Documents

In addition to addressing the vacancy specific questions, you must also submit the following documentation:

  • Resume - Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history should show relevant work experience in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week. To learn how to format and submit a two-page resume, please visit the USAJOBS Help Center.
  • Driver's License - Submit proof of a valid U.S. Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
  • If tentatively selected for the position, you may be required to provide additional documentation (SF50s) to validate eligibility for the position.
  • Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP)? Submit a copy of your agency notice, copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating) and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
  • Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and/or documentation of service-connected disability. If claiming 10-point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View VEOA information on Veterans' information.
  • Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing your tenure code as career or career-conditional (codes 1 or 2, in block 24), and position occupied in the competitive service (code 1, in block 34) In addition, the SF50s must show the highest grade or promotion potential level attained competitively. An award SF-50 does not contain the required information. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50s which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade and that supports one year of experience (i.e., With-in Grade Increase (WRI) SF-50). You may need to submit more than one SF-50 to comply. Also submit your performance appraisals and/or incentive awards.
  • Are you claiming special appointing authority, such as Schedule A? Submit proof of this eligibility. For additional information on special appointing authorities, click here.
  • Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee), Agency beginning and ending dates of your appointment.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. PLEASE NOTE: Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/26/2026 to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS,
  2. Complete the online questionnaire and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section for more detail.
  3. You must complete the application process and submit any required documents no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 10/26/2026.
To view the required online questionnaire please visit https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13077799

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides the Announcement Status and a "You applied on" date. This information does not confirm the agency application status. Use the "Track this Application" link for additional information regarding the agency application status, the documentation you submitted, and any correspondence sent related to this application. The Announcement Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated.

We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may contact the Non-Law Enforcement Talent Acquisition Division at HRSupport@usss.dhs.gov OR by calling (202) 406-6420 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm EST (excluding Federal holidays) prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance.

The Secret Service provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.

Agency contact information

Non-Law Enforcement Talent Acquisition Division

Next steps

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.

To update your application, excluding External Assessment responses, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best- qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 45 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

U.S. Secret Service

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.

Building on a Tradition of Excellence and Meeting the Challenges of the Future, The Secret Service is a premier law enforcement organization with two critical national security missions: protect our nation's leaders and conduct criminal investigations. Our team members continue a tradition of excellence - whether investigating financial crime or protecting national and visiting foreign leaders. In the Secret Service, we serve the country with duty, loyalty, justice, integrity and courage. In the Secret Service, we:

  • Protect the President, the Vice President, and other leaders; investigate threats against them; and safeguard their residences and other facilities
  • Plan and implement security designs for National Special Security Events
  • Investigate financial crimes including fraud, identity theft and computer-based attacks on banking or telecommunications infrastructure

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Agency contact information

Non-Law Enforcement Talent Acquisition Division

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at U.S. Secret Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.secretservice.gov/careers