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Maintenance Mechanic

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
VA San Diego Healthcare System, Engineering Service

Summary

The position is at the VA San Diego Healthcare System in the Engineering Service, Electrical Shop, Maintenance and Repair Section. The primary purpose of the position is to assist the supervisor in responding and performing numerous preventive and corrective maintenance request throughout the Medical Center and its facilities which require journeyman level skills.

Overview

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Accepting applications
This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$31.91 - $37.19 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 10
Promotion potential
10
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBSX-13111144-27-JP
Control number
892817300

This job is open to

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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.

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Duties

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Duties include but are not limited to:

  • Performs a variety of maintenance task to include steam and water plumbing, pumps and motors, low pressure air systems, electrical power, low voltage controls, alarm and monitoring as they relate to equipment 's and machines to support the daily function and operation of various services: dietetics, environmental management service, material and logistics, research, veteran's canteen service and transportation.
  • Have knowledge and understand the mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic system and principles of operation of a fix or mobile equipment, machines, and machinery.
  • Initiates electronic work orders, documents man hours, findings, repairs and materials use on identified deficiencies and includes time spent on administrative functions and requirements of the Electrical Shop, Engineering Service and the VA San Diego Healthcare System.
  • Performs at the journeymen level on a variety of equipment and systems, working with a team of different trades to the betterment of equipment, systems and service to our veterans and their dependents.
  • Tasks will require installation, assembly, troubleshooting and repair, maintenance, modification, alteration, cosmetics, disassembly and removal, testing and operation, research and identification of drawings and manuals, procuring parts and materials.
  • Conducts initial inspections, testing and operation of newly acquired equipment and machinery, documents and retains records, warranties, drawings and manuals.
  • Determines the most efficient methods and techniques, devices, and materials necessary to accomplish the job.
  • Plans and lays out the routing, placement, materials needed to feed new equipment and machinery installation.
  • Performs electrical work through making repairs accomplished by replacing, tightening, splicing, soldering, insulating defective wiring, controls, equipment, switches, relays, loose connections, fittings, and thermostats.
  • Troubleshoots, diagnose, modify, and repair faulty equipment and machinery and power and control issues using electrical and electronic test equipment.
  • Responsible for installing, repairing, and adjusting air conditioning and refrigeration equipment throughout the medical center.
  • Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on a variety of critical hospital equipment and systems that achieve required climatic conditions.
  • Diagnose and identify the cause of faulty equipment or machinery, and conducts and completes repair on support systems on commercial and industrial heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning systems that provide a variety of functions (i.e., preheat, reheat, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying, exhaust, supply, cleaning, filtering, and circulating) and uses a variety of methods of air conditioning (mechanical , vapor compression and absorption).
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 2:30pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Maintenance Mechanic/PD12994A
Physical Requirements: May handle or carry weights up to 50 pounds, and occasionally more. Assistance is usually available for handling of heavier material and equipment. Heavy exertion is required at frequent intervals. Work requires pushing, pulling, lifting, reaching, walking, climbing, stooping, ability for normal mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, normal hearing and vision. Must have physical capabilities for working inside and outside in excessive heat and cold, noise, confined areas, inclement weather and on intermittent slippery or uneven surfaces that can be found at or in transit to or from work sites. May receive minor cuts and abrasions while performing these duties. Must be able to work from ladders and platforms, and work in awkward and uncomfortable positions.

Working Conditions: Incumbent may be assigned to work in areas/confined spaces where certain potentially harmful physical and chemical agents are present. These agents may include, but are not limited to fumes, dust, noise, heat, ionizing, and non-ionizing radiation, chemicals, etc. To ensure employee safety and health, personnel protection programs are maintained consistent with applicable laws and regulations. Incumbent will be required to wear respirators and must be physically able to perform assigned work tasks as directed above and operate safety equipment. Pulmonary function test, chest ex-ray, completion of personal history questionnaire, and a physical evaluation conducted by a physician is required prior to start and then annually. Typical safety equipment required by the trade is safety shoes, safety glasses, respirators, protective clothing and hard hats.

Incumbent will be exposed to asbestos containing areas. Incumbent must follow VASDHS Medical Center Memorandum 00-52, Airborne Asbestos Protection.

Requirements

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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, 11/20/2026.

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:

  • Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
  • Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
  • Technical Practices
  • 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Desert Pacific Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model that is based in a partnership across time, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Agency contact information

Joshua Purpura
Phone
(385) 560-4320
Email
joshua.purpura@va.gov
Address
San Diego VA Medical Center
3350 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92161
US

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