Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results
 

Maintenance Mechanic

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
James H. Quillen VAMC

Summary

The incumbent is assigned to the Maintenance Unit in Facilities Management Service performing Maintenance Mechanic duties, which includes A/C Equipment Mechanic and Sheet Metal Mechanic.

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/21/2026 to 06/01/2026
Salary
$28.56 - $33.31 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 10
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Johnson City, TN
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
CBTG-12966477-26-PS
Control number
870205000

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Videos

Duties

Help

Duties included but not limited to:

Performs work such as install equipment recognize origination of faulty equipment, calibrate, modify, relocate, perform maintenance, and makes repairs on a variety of large complex refrigeration and air conditioning units.

The incumbent handles equipment, which provides specific temperatures and critical conditions such as blood banks, laboratory equipment, computerized equipment, operating rooms, kitchens, and galley equipment and for servicing heat pumps in existing buildings.

The incumbent must maintain ,calibrate, and balance a wide variety of equipment, which provides heating, humidification, dehumidification, filtration, and ventilation in addition to cooling. Also must be certified to use Freon when maintaining and making repairs on all types of refrigeration equipment such as; walk-in refrigerators and freezers, ice cream cabinets, refrigerated food carts, reach-in coolers, ice machines, refrigerated, centrifuge, and other refrigerated lab equipment, and any other refrigerant type equipment.

Must modify systems and balance various elements installed throughout the hospital and offices by contractors in order to produce and meet critical temperatures or specific conditions. Most repairs require specialized equipment in order to perform task. Also Incumbent performs tests, plan and layout work details to make modifications with minimum instructions.

Diagnoses troubles, calibrates, and installs thermostats, pneumatic controls, electronic solid state controls, electric controls of various types, electronic components and devices (such as electronic expansion valves, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, digital system controllers, and electronic pneumatic transmitters.) The system uses a variety of methods of air conditioning such as mechanical compression, vapor compression, and absorption.

Performs tests, major repairs, complete overhaul, and duties related to controlling the formation of scale and corrosion in the air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

The incumbent develops patterns and layouts, cut form, assemble, and install items and systems such as deflectors, air-handling units, pans, containers, and metal furniture and all other items and systems which have combined straight and curved edges or irregular curves and planes .. They work under the supervision of higher graded worker or supervisor.

Incumbent must be able to assemble using a variety of instruments such as sliproll forming machines box and pan brakes, rotary machines with extra form rolls, and crimpers and beading machines.

Required work under general supervision and with other trades assigned within the maintenance unit providing assistance as needed. Performs ·maintenance and minor repairs such as but not limited to laying floor tiles, painting, carpentry work, install safety treads on steps, installing-ceiling tiles, installing and/or hanging various medical and office accessories, installing light fixtures, switches, and receptacles. Incumbent is also involved in moderately skilled use of general and some special tools and equipment or various building trades.

Must use knowledge of refrigeration cycle of a variety of commercial and industrial systems to locate and check elements such as those which control low side and high side pressure, the temperature of the cooling units, the temperature of the liquid and suction lines; and the running time of the various mechanisms. Must know principles and theories of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, proper use and safe handling of Freon, how to calculate and balance airflow, water flow, heat transfer, and pressure temperature characteristics.

The incumbent must have knowledge which include systems a variety of compressors such as gear reciprocating, centrifugal, or rotary pump, and a variety of refrigerant controls, a variety of complicated motor controls such as semi-automatic defrosting controls, relays, and various types of pour sources used with pulleys, belts, horse power and tensioners. Also he must have some electronic knowledge in dealing with equipment.



Work Schedule: 0730 to 4:30pm Mon to Fri
Position Description Title/PD#: Maintenance Mechanic/PD07265A
Physical Requirements: Considerable physical exertion is required at due to large equipment and compone.ms in the systems that must be maneuvered into and out of specific locations while dismantling and reassembling. Considering manual manipulation, and physical strain exerted in tedious repairs and hard to get to locations or hard to reach places. Works in tiring positions, stooping, stretching, bending, kneeling, and standing.

Requirements

Help

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:

  • Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
  • 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.
  • Knowledge of Materials
  • Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)


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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is 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. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. 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.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

The VA Midsouth Healthcare Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care within a High Reliability Organization (HRO). Veterans and employees are empowered to achieve optimal health and well-being through a Whole Health model that connects with what matters most. Employees will commit to transforming every interaction from transactional to relational through personal health planning.

Johnson City, located in upper East Tennessee, has invigorating music, and amazing outdoor activities. Local festivals include the Umoja Festival, Blue Plum Festival, The Unicoi Apple Festival, and the Rhythm and Roots Reunion in Bristol TN/VA. Enjoy year-round outdoor activities at our area lakes and parks. Other attractions in the area are the Barter Theater, Bristol Motor Speedway, and Asheville, NC's Biltmore Estate. Come and enjoy an affordable cost of living, no state income tax, and excellent schools and universities! Start your adventure in Johnson City, Tennessee! A Hometown Heart with a Big City Soul!

Agency contact information

Paulette Stewart
Email
paulette.stewart@va.gov
Address
James H Quillen VA Medical Center
Corner of Lamont Street and Veterans Way
Mountain Home, TN 37684
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Veterans Health Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.va.gov/jobs

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.