Maintenance Mechanic

Clarification from the agency

Open to Current Permanent Employees of the West Palm Beach VAHCS (Facility Only).

Maintenance Mechanic performs comprehensive maintenance and repair of mechanical systems including compressors, pumps, motors, conveyors, kitchen equipment, wheelchair assembly/repairs and other hospital support systems. Diagnoses malfunctions, disassembles, repairs, reassembles, aligns, and adjusts components to restore proper operation. Must test, study, analyze and diagnose the nature and extent of the malfunctions or problems, consider any established alternative approaches or techniques for the resolution of the difficulty, select the most appropriate and effective of these and make the necessary corrective adjustments or repair. Respond to the changes and deviations during an assignment and make the necessary adjustment.

Additional Duties Include But Not Limited To:

• Ensure equipment reliability by following the manufacturer's instructions, as well as all safety and other applicable standards and specifications. Performs operational testing of new equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Assists in preparing and conducting basic training for users in proper and safe use of mechanical equipment and participates in the formulation of comprehensive preventive maintenance programs.
• Preventive maintenance is an integral part of responsibilities including the documentation of maintenance, testing and results to meet administrative and safety requirements.
• Conducts preventive maintenance inspections, operational testing, and performance checks on a variety of equipment and systems to ensure their optimal operation and reliability.
• Utilizes advanced diagnostic tools such as tachometers, vibration analyzers, special feeler and dial gauges, and other precision measuring instruments to accurately identify and address potential issues before they lead to equipment failure.
• Process of preventive maintenance involves studying and analyzing the nature and extent of any deficiencies or potential problems, considering established alternative approaches or techniques, selecting the most effective method for resolution, and implementing corrective actions.
• Document all activities meticulously, including the recording of maintenance actions, testing results, and any changes or deviations from the established procedures, ensuring compliance with administrative and safety requirements.
• Assists in formulating comprehensive preventive maintenance programs, collaborating with other maintenance personnel to develop schedules and protocols.
• Preparing and conducting basic training sessions for users to promote proper and safe usage of mechanical equipment, which is crucial in preventing misuse and enhancing the longevity of the equipment.
• Ensures that all equipment and systems operate efficiently, meet regulatory and safety standards, and remain reliable for hospital operations and patient care services.
• Applies knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, steam, and pneumatic systems.
• Connects and tests systems involving water, steam, air, oil, and electrical components.
• Performs operational testing of new equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Performs installation, operation and modification of various supply, disposal and utility and equipment, such as water, gas and steam systems. systems using 1/8" to 12" pipe size using copper, brass, cast iron or plastic with threaded, caulked, soft solder, silver solder, cemented and flanged joints.
• Repairs, maintaining, adjusting, installing and improving all allied equipment for plumbing and heating, such as meters, valves, compressors, pumps, steam traps, grease traps, strainers, reducing valves, heating coils, etc. Repair install and maintain pipe insulation of fiberglass, molded magnesium, cork and rubber. Incumbent will perform preventive maintenance with basic activity. Install, repair and maintain various types of equipment, such as dishwashers, kitchen equipment, sterilizers, autoclaves, hot water generators, golf carts, wheelchairs, lawn mowers, generators and various other hospital equipment as assigned.
• Assists in preparing and conducting basic training for users in proper and safe use of mechanical equipment and participates in the formulation of comprehensive preventive maintenance programs.
• Preventive maintenance is an integral part of responsibilities including the documentation of maintenance, testing and results to meet administrative and safety requirements.
• Able to plan, layout and use fabrication techniques to repair, rework, or refit mechanical parts including gears, bushings, seats, etc., to meet tolerances, strength and other functional requirements.
• Must have or acquire proficiency using machine tools or precision handwork to cut, drill, tap, thread, grind and otherwise shape, surface and finish fabricated items requiring precision dimensional tolerance and alignment accuracy.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0700-1530.
Position Description Title/PD#: Maintenance Mechanic/PD03128A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorize.

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 by the closing date of this announcement, 08/03/2026.

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. 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:

• Ability to Inspect
• 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.

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: Requires standing, lifting, climbing, and working in confined spaces. Performs tasks requiring moderate physical exertion, including frequent medium lifting (up to 40 pounds), pushing, pulling, carrying, climbing, bending, stooping, crawling, and negotiating confined spaces, as well as occasional heavy lifting (more than 40 pounds) and strenuous exertion. The employee stands or walks much of the time and must be in good overall physical condition. Physical capability to regularly walk long distances, dexterity, accurate eye-hand coordination, good vision, and accurate color perception are required.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to hazards such as heat, noise, and chemicals. The position may require work in cold, hot, or unventilated areas, or outdoors. Exposure to lubricants, chemicals, fumes, and electrical hazards is common, along with the risks posed by electro-mechanical moving equipment. Work conditions may include exposure to electro-magnetic radiation, sparks, high temperatures, pressurized gases and fluids, noise, and contaminated or infectious biological hazards. The incumbent is subject to being called back for emergency conditions outside regular hours. Should work require the use of a respirator, the incumbent will be required to wear one and be trained in its use, including the use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

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
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

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
• Other (1)
• Other (2)
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

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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