Locksmith

Clarification from the agency

Special authorities include: Former overseas employees and foreign service employees. Clarification for these authorities is provided in the questionnaire. First Area of Consideration (AOC) is Facility employees; Second AOC is VA Agency; Third AOC are all other eligible applicants.

• Coordinates with the supervisor and police to discuss special locking requirements and determine suitable locks to be utilized in solving security problems.
• Improvises trade techniques to adapt locking mechanisms for uses to which they were not specifically designed, to hamper or prevent the use of standard neutralization techniques. Determines whether locking devices have been tampered with and provides professional documentation to the Police Service as required.
• Makes independent judgments in determining work sequence, selection and use of trade tools, and techniques applied. May be required to provide technical assistance and guidance to other staff at any Puget Sound Healthcare remote location.
• Performs visual and operational checks to locate trouble sources and determine the best methods of correcting problems. Removes locks, disassembles, and detects worn or damaged parts. i.e. broken springs, jammed pins, bent discs, broken tail pieces, rust and corrosion. Lubricates and cleans parts, straightens bent parts, replaces broken parts, reassembles, tests, and reinstalls devices.
• Keys and rekeys locks by using standard key coding practices to conform to station policy and VA criteria. Maintains blank keys of all known locking devices, cuts keys required for issue and replacement as required; does not maintain "extra" keys, precut keys, or discarded turned-in keys. Carefully monitors the key accountability system. Maintains master keying plans for the facility.
• Install's, troubleshoots, maintains and repairs locks in doors, desks. office furniture, cabinets, safes and other units as required by approved work orders only. Makes necessary alterations to locking mechanisms and units to assure correct fit. Places escutcheon and face plates on doors to change size of existing holes, measures precisely and cuts off excess spindles, changes position of spline key to reverse lock case direction. Responsible for the installation, programming, maintenance of all type of combination locks, both standard and electronic. Install's panic hardware, closers, hinges and other miscellaneous door and cabinet hardware.
• Picks or neutralizes looks as required in emergency situation 'When keys are unavailable, removes broken keys from key ways, corrects doors sag by tightening hinges to bring locking components into proper alignment, and makes minor adjustments to door closures/coordinators to ensure proper locking alignment.
• Maintains materials and full set of tools and equipment Requisitions and stocks all supplies required In performance of duty.
• Works with computer to ensure that necessary Information Is on file pertaining 1o key issues to Include area designation and to program key control systems .(Proximity alarms and Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) and Site Master).
• Develops and maintains a special key hardware system for use In special areas such as mental health, meeting all special requirements for these areas. Works closely with the Safety Department on ensuring al equipment is in compliance with the latest VA requirements for these environments.
• Has a working knowledge of all types of electronic security locking devices for basic maintenance and repair. Incumbent has the ability to program look related software, transfer data to off-line electronic locks using PDA or a computer, generates electronic reports, lock & key audits, and maintains electronic records.
• Must have a good working knowledge required of architectural trades for the construction, maintenance and repair of a commercial or institutional building. Must have knowledge of ceramic tile. vinyl wall covering, plaster walls and ceilings, vinyl floor tile, various metals and suspended lay-in ceilings.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Locksmith/PD40749A
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
• Pre-employment physical required
• 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 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 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 within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 09/24/2026.

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 is the ability to perform as a Locksmith without more than normal supervision. Duties may include but are not limited to: Thorough knowledge of the full range of locking devices, hinges, door assemblies, door closers, and door operators and their parts in order to select substitute parts which would be suitable for use in repairing and fabricating devices to meet special security objectives; Experiment with various types of materials such as metals, alloys, and plastics when developing parts and component; Able to select appropriate materials considering such factors as needed strength and hardness, machining characteristics, environmental factors, and the extent to which the materials used could complicate or hamper the use of standard neutralization techniques; Skilled in servicing a wide variety of commonly used locks, and the functions they perform involve repairing, replacing or fabricating parts covered by manufacturer parts catalogs and specifications.

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
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Measuring Instruments
• Technical Practices
• Troubleshooting
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• 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: Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs equipment or components from ladders, platforms, and scaffolding, and in cramped or hard-to-reach areas. This can require walking long distances, prolonged standing, stooping, kneeling, bending, and climbing in uncomfortable or tiring positions. Frequently lifts, carries, and sets up materials and equipment weighing up to 10 pounds. He/she may occasionally handle materials and equipment weighing more than 50 lbs.

Working Conditions: Working conditions vary by environment. It may be indoors or outside and is generally dirty, dusty, greasy, and may involve inclement weather. May be assigned to work in areas where certain potentially harmful physical and/or chemical agents are present, such as in research labs. To ensure safety and health, personnel protection programs are maintained. These programs may include engineering controls, 1raining, work procedures, use of personal protective equipment, and medical surveillance. As part of the medical surveillance program, employees may be required to undergo medical examinations to assess their medical qualification for duty.

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.

Resume Reminder - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:

• Job title
• Duties (be as detailed as possible)
• Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
• Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
• Salary/Rank etc.
• Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
• References, current or recent supervisor

Do not include the following types of information in your resume:

• Classified or Government sensitive information
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Photos of yourself
• Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.

Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. The experience stated in your resume must support your assessment responses.

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)
• 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.

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