Videos

• From work orders and blueprint specifications, incumbent plans, lays out and fabricates forms, pours and finishes a variety of cement and concrete surfaces and structures. Lays common brick, clay/hollow, ceramic tile, cement and block to construct or repair walls, partitions, manholes, window and doorway openings and corners.
• Uses a variety of hand and power shop tools in accomplishing assignments.
• Most projects require precise measurements and setting forms in curved as well as straight lines using appropriate methods and accepted trade practices.
• Also sets bolts or other items in concrete as required by print specifications. As required, applies master plate or other conductive material.
• Performs. a variety of duties in the maintenance and repair of brick and other masonry structures. Lays face brick, cinder and cement block, terra cotta, firebrick and natural stone. Plans and lays out the work, selecting the proper too.ls and materials and performs the work in accordance with trade practices. Uses whole brick, block and stone; in addition, cuts and shapes brick and block in cutting door and window openings and repairing corners.
• Plans and lays out work determining area to be repaired or renovated and removes damaged tiles. Replaces with tile, ensuring best match with existing tile as possible. Cuts tile to ensure proper fit. Lays ceramic tile, vinyl composite tile, plank flooring and sheet flooring; levels floors, re-grouts, repairs or replaces ceramic tile floors and walls.
• Repairs or replaces a variety of wooden structures to support masonry duties, such as framework, trusses, beams, and other structural backing as necessary. Removes damaged portion and replaces, determining materials and methods to use.
• Builds molds and forms for concrete work. In mixing mortar, incumbent must insure that the proper proportions of sand, lime,
  cement and water are used to obtain desired consistency.
• Incumbent must be able to use a variety of hand and power tools such as brick or napping hammer, brick or skill saw in cutting and shaping brick, trowel in spreading mortar and finishing joints, and in the use of gauge rule (masons rule), spirit level, and plumb bob\in obtaining straight courses. Incumbent uses jack hammers, hand hammers, chisels and crowbars to remove portions of walls and in
  preparing damaged areas for repair.
• Selects lumber, materials, and supplies. Measures and cuts materials to the required lengths and dimensions. Installs rafters, studs, sills, plates, braces, joists, floors, sub-floors, panels (including sheetrock, metal studs, plywood, and veneers), siding, sheathing, roofing, building paper, insulating materials, door and window frames, and interior and exterior trim.
• Fabricates repairs and installs shelves, counters, plywood duct-work, bulletin boards, cabinets, bookcases, and related features having built-in characteristics. Insures that installed components are level and accurately aligned with other parts of the structure.
• Fabricates parts necessary for repair and assembly of cabinets, office equipment and fixtures, furniture, window valances, and numerous one-time assignments involving more intricate designs. Selects, cuts, turns, shapes, joins, bonds, fits, assembles and decorates wooden materials and parts using the full range of hand and power woodworking tools and techniques working to close dimensions (up to 1/64-inch tolerance).
• Works with a variety of hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, veneer, and wood substitutes. Fabricates parts and items involving features such as scrollwork, miniature parts, matched panels and complex joints. Techniques include grain matching, plastic and other synthetic overlaying. Selects or suggests appropriate wood or substitutes based on anticipated usage and placement of item, and in consideration of cost, durability and appearance of finished product.
• Incumbent mixes, applies and finishes plaster surfaces in the construction and repair of interior walls and ceilings.
• Determines extent of damage and repairs or replaces roofing including asphalt shingles, asphalt built up, membrane, cold tar pitch and other roofing materials. Installs sheet, roll, shingle and membrane, roofing, insuring proper alignment and overlap. Installs new roof or
  opens roof to install pipes, ventilators, etc., and assures final work is waterproof.
• Follows all required safety precautions when using tools or operating shop machinery.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am till 3:30pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Mason / Carpenter/PD018490

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• 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.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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.

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:

• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Operation of Equipment/Machinery
• Physical Strength and Agility
• 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/Working Conditions: Work requires standing, bending, stooping, considerable arm movement, and working in
cramped or awkward positions. Incumbent must be able to lift and carry up to ninety (90) pounds. Receives assistance in carrying heavier items. Incumbent is continually required to stand while working and must frequently climb ladders and scaffolds. Works indoors and outdoors and may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions while outdoors. When working from ladders, scaffolds and man lifts there is danger of falling. There is also exposure to dust and dirt while mixing mortar and plaster while handling various masonry and plastering materials. Frequently exposed to eye, skin, nose, and lung irritation from glue, bonding chemicals, vapors, splinters, and sawdust. Frequently exposed to possible serious injuries from accidents while using machines. May be required to work in asbestos contaminated areas. Incumbent must not have any physical restrictions that would prevent the use of required safety equipment, respirators, protective clothing, dust mask, etc.

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. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

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.
Financial disclosure not required.

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.