Electronics Mechanic

Clarification from the agency

Qualified candidates will be referred in the following order: 1) Current, Permanent employees of the Long Beach VA Health Care System, 2) Other Current, Permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 3) All Other Qualified Applicants.

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Overhauls, installs, maintains and repairs of a variety of electronics systems and numerous types of electronics equipment.
• Repairs switching units that employ photo-sensitive and photo-multiplying cells.
• Plans and lays out the routing, placement, type, size, gauge, balance, load continuity, and safe operation of electrical lines, circuits, systems, equipment and controls.
• Installs, modifies, repairs, and maintains electrical lines, circuits, systems and associated fixtures, controls, and equipment.
• Installs newer systems and/or components with existing older systems which are likely not compatible.
• Operates, programs, and repairs the Switzer Relays controlling our 12,000 Volt electrical distribution system.
• Determines, installs, and replaces distribution panels, transformers, wiring, conduit, fixtures, and other electrical devices.
• Applies comprehensive knowledge of operating electronic principles.
• Understands when circuit theory must be used in the operation of individual circuits, and the possible interaction of other circuits.
• Interprets complex drawings, specifications, and schematics of complete systems to recognize the function and interconnections of the various assemblies.
• Troubleshoots and repairs electronic systems and components when instruction manuals, wiring diagrams, and technical information are not available.
• Modifies systems by adding, altering, or removing components to standardize or alter the purpose of the equipment on the component level, or to incorporate new features developed since the equipment was manufactured.
• Performs circuit card repair on systems containing a combination of similar electronic components, such as, transistors, capacitors, diodes, resistors, silicone-controlled relays, etc.
• Works from building plans, blueprints, wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, and electrical maintenance and repair manuals.
• Troubleshoots, installs, and repairs malfunctions in complex electronic systems.
• Troubleshoots systems from a schematic, following signal paths through complex interconnections of components, assemblies, sub-assemblies and connecting cable harnesses.
• Reads and traces out trouble in very complicated circuits.
• Interacts with engineers, manufacturers, representatives, engineering personnel and field unit personnel in troubleshooting and developing modifications, substitutions, or corrections to equipment.
• Interacts with external personnel to reduce breakdowns and/or simplify repairs, servicing, or operation.
• Consults the Engineering Design Section during planning phases of remodeling and construction.

May perform other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; Hours TBD
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Authorized
Position Description Title/PD#: Electronics Mechanic/PD14242A
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

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 qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/23/2026.

EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. The SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT for this position is: Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.

Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:

• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Ingenuity
• Technical Practices (Electrical Electronic)
• Test Equipment - Electronics
• Troubleshooting (Electronic Equipment)
• Use Hand and Power Tools - Electronics
• Without more than normal supervision

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; religions; 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.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: Make repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, man lifts, and other hard-to-reach places. This requires standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Frequently lifts and carries tools, equipment, and parts weighing up to 20 pounds and, less often, up to 40 pounds. Occasionally lifts or moves with assistance, moderately heavy objects weighing more than 40 pounds.

Working Conditions: Work is performed both inside and outside. Sometimes required to make repairs and installations in bright daylight and potentially in the rain, work is sometimes required after hours to respond to emergency call outs, inside generator rooms while generators are running. Work may require using a flashlight in less lit areas, on scaffolding or man lifts at heights of 30 or more feet, and in close quarters such as manholes or attics. Incumbent is subject to high temperatures, dust, grease, diesel fuel and gasoline smell and possible contact with these and other chemicals. The environment can be extremely noisy and slip trip and fall hazards exist. Floor and deck surfaces are sometimes uneven, oily, and slippery. They are frequently exposed to moving objects and sharp edges with the possibility of cuts and bruises, and to noise and vibration from machines. Incumbent is occasionally exposed to the possibility of injury from falling, electrical shock, burns, and rotary devices such as electrical motors. Occasionally they climb and work from ladders and scaffolding exposing the repairers to the possibility of severe injury from slipping and falling. Dirt, grease, and dampness are frequently encountered. Various protective devices such as hard hats, gloves, safety shoes, and glasses are used.

How you will be evaluated

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

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Proof of Marriage Status
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):

• Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
• An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
• Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
  • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
  • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
  • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

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