Clarification from the agency

Open to status candidates only.

Major duties of this position include, but are not limited to:
Equipment Maintenance: The incumbent maintains a variety of computerized and networked equipment and software, which is vital to the medical center's ability to provide quality health care. The incumbent is capable of planning and performing scheduled and unscheduled (emergency) maintenance on equipment to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards. The incumbent must seek ways to reduce breakdowns, eliminate safety hazards, or enhance accuracy and reliability. The incumbent assists other Electronics Technicians and clinical engineering personnel with maintenance of complex equipment and systems as necessary or assigned, especially in the area of nurse call, overhead paging, sound masking and other key medical systems.
Test Methods and Techniques: The incumbent shall determine if equipment is performing satisfactorily. To make this determination, he/she must selector design test setups and employ them to evaluate equipment performance to ensure the validity and efficiency of operation. The incumbent shall utilize modem computer technology as well as conventional and Specialized Test Equipment (STE) to accomplish his/her assignments. The incumbent is independently required to draw on his/her resourcefulness, or exercise some versatility in situations, which may require unconventional applications of computer technology, Specialized Test Equipment and techniques without explicit instructions. This applies not only for maintenance but also for incoming inspections and evaluations of new equipment. The incumbents work will have a major impact on warranty disputes, safety determinations, diagnostic or therapeutic success or failure, and expenditures of funds to replace or acquire equipment.
Purchasing Recommendations: The incumbent is recognized as being an Electronics Technician (Clinical Engineering). He/she serves as a technical advisor to their supervisor, other clinical engineering management, Physicians, Clinical Associates, as well as other Engineering personnel on the principles and practices that relate to the nurse call system, hospital beds, overhead paging, sound masking, and other critical hospital wide systems when evaluating equipment to meet current and projected medical center needs. Additionally, the incumbent will be a government purchase card holder to assist with service and parts ordering when necessary . The incumbent is also responsible for coordinating and working with vendors when they are onsite for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.
Design: The incumbent may participate in design and development projects of extreme difficult. In such work the incumbent may be given a small assignment. He she will be given an explanation of proposed function. However the incumbent will work independent of supervision regarding the design method or technique, unless guidance is necessary to integrate the design into a larger assembly or system, little supervision will be given during design assignments; however resulting designs will be carefully examined to ensure that it meets previously established design parameters.
Written Assignments: The incumbent will use advanced writing skills to clearly and accurately communicate matters of importance. He/she will relate results of testing or procedural monitoring and will recommend courses of action to be followed that will enhance the mission of the medical center as a result of such testing or monitoring. He /she will participate in planning and investigations as necessary. He/she may recommend., draft, and develop procedural changes to obtain desired results.
Teaching Assignments: The incumbent will be called upon to teach operation, maintenance, and procedural protocols of nurse call system, hospital beds, ceiling lifts, and other system wide hospital systems to other personnel. Incumbent will instruct equipment operators in correct equipment usage and operator level preventative maintenance. The incumbent will participate in operation and maintenance education at both formal and informal levels.

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 07:30AM-04:00PM
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Electronics Technician/PD13158A and PD07090-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• Physical Requirements: The incumbent will frequently handle objects weighing up to 20 pounds and will occasionally handle objects up to 50 pounds. Frequently work will be performed in cramped and awkward positions. The work requires prolonged periods of kneeling, standing and walking.
• 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 dentification 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 will 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, 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, 11/21/2025.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-10 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-10. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows 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. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.


There is an Individual Occupational Requirement for the GS-0856 series:
Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 or equivalent and above):

• Work as a technician, instructor, inspector, or mechanic (civilian or military) that showed progression in theoretical and practical knowledge of electronic theory, and of the characteristics, function, operation, and capabilities of a variety of types of electronic equipment. This experience must have included the use of schematic diagrams, a variety of test equipment, and the application of appropriate electronic formulas involved in such duties as testing, troubleshooting, modifying, designing, calibrating, installing, maintaining, repairing, constructing, developing, and instructing on electronic equipment, or similar functions.
• Experience in developing policies, standards, and procedures for maintenance, installation, or similar functions, provided the work clearly shows that the applicant applied a specialized knowledge of the theories and principles of a variety of electronic systems or equipment.

OR
Education: For GS-5 or equivalent: Successful completion of (a) all the requirements for a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electronics technology, or (b) 3 years of study in an accredited (by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) curriculum in electronics, or (c) a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree that included major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above for GS-4 or equivalent. At least 12 of the 24 semester hours must have been in electronics courses.
Alternate Standard: The Examining Guide for Electronics Mechanic (2604) should be used as the qualification standard for qualifying applicants for either competitive or noncompetitive actions when the position's primary duty or responsibility, its primary purpose or reason for existence, relationship to other positions, the mission and responsibility of the organization in which it is located, and the essential, requisite qualifications required to do the work meet the definition of Trade, Craft, or Labor Work (see Technical Work in the Engineering and Architecture Group 0800).

Addition to Individual Occupational Requirement, You may qualify based on your experience as described below:

• Specialized Experience GS-10: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade, GS-09, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
• Provide comprehensive technical support of Electronic Equipment (EE) and Complex Electronic Instrumentation Systems (CEIS). Ability to communicate and interact with campus leaders on a daily basis.
• Ensure that all work is functionally correct and in compliance with applicable standards and technical practice. Skills of soldering, wiring and/or installation of cabling for the networking of complex microcomputer and computer-based equipment are needed.
• Recommend, develop, and implement, reconfigure or modify operation procedures to reduce breakdowns and to eliminate hazards, or enhance accuracy and reliability.
• Plan and perform scheduled and unscheduled emergency maintenance on equipment to ensure that they are operating properly, calibrated properly, and in compliance with all applicable codes and standards.
• Discuss maintenance problems with other technicians or at manufacturer's facilities.
• Specialized Experience GS-11: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade, GS-10, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
• Provide comprehensive technical support of Electronic Equipment (EE) and Complex Electronic Instrumentation Systems (CEIS). Ability to communicate and interact with campus leaders on a daily basis.
• Ensure that all work is functionally correct and in compliance with applicable standards and technical practice. Skills of soldering, wiring and/or installation of cabling for the networking of complex microcomputer and computer-based equipment are needed.
• Recommend, develop, and implement, reconfigure or modify operation procedures to reduce breakdowns and to eliminate hazards, or enhance accuracy and reliability.
• Plan and perform scheduled and unscheduled emergency maintenance on equipment to ensure that they are operating properly, calibrated properly, and in compliance with all applicable codes and standards.
• Discuss maintenance problems with other technicians or at manufacturer's facilities.
• Plan and perform design, development or modification projects on equipment to perform new or different functions to meet staff needs.
• Design test setups and employ them to evaluate equipment performance to ensure validity and efficiency of operation.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

• Accountability
• Applies Technology to Tasks
• Attention to Detail
• Communications
• Creative Thinking
• Customer Service
• Customer Service (Clerical/Technical)
• Decision Making
• Electronics
• Engineering and Technology
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Network Management
• Reading Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork
• Technical Competence
• Technical Documentation
• Technical Problem Solving

Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. 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. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

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)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• 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.

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.

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

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

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.

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