Summary This position is located in the Durham VA Medical Center Facilities and Engineering Service and serves as an Electronic Technician. The purpose of this position is to provide system and medical equipment analysis support through preventive maintenance inspections, assessments, instructional repairs, calibrations, installations, modification designations, and user training. Responsibilities Duties include, but are not limited to: Responsible for comprehensive technical support of highly complex medical and non-medical direct patient care electronic systems and devices. Typical devices or systems include, but is not limited to, intelligent nurse call and code blue systems, patient wandering systems, quad/paraplegic environmental controls, audio/visual systems, intrusion/security alarm systems, computer driven fire alarm systems, refrigerant temperature tracking, pharmacy robotic equipment, 2-way radios, and surveillance closed circuit television systems. The paramount equipment is direct patient care and non-medical in nature. Evaluates, identifies and provides corrective action and recommendations for equipment system malfunctions of complex microprocessor based systems that utilize state of the art technology and have vitally interrelated and sometimes dispersed subsystems. The equipment systems are assembled from numerous constituent advanced degree subsystems with complex devices. Performs electronically challenging interfacing such as, locks controlled by the Security system which is also tied into the Fire Alarm system to release in case of fire; Patient Wandering system integrates with the Security system via electronic door locks and closed circuit television cameras and monitors as well as integrating with the elevators and other alarm systems to control dementia patient access control. The Nurse Call system integrates with the Code Blue system, Wireless Paging system, televisions and the Environmental Control systems utilized by the quadriplegic and paraplegic patients. The incumbent must possess sufficient knowledge to recognize the ability to merge components of these different systems while assuring compatibility and continuity for the critical functions associated with the equipment. Serves as a technical advisor and subject matter expert for consultant to physicians, engineers, and medical personnel on proper operation of existing equipment, purchase of new instrumentation, planning of new systems, and modification of existing systems to meet special needs. Develops procedural instructions for others to follow as it relates to equipment and systems and develops station policy drafts for hirer level concurrence on new methods or new system integration. Inspects and evaluates new systems upon receipt to determine that all government regulations, manufacturer specifications, and contract requirements are met. Designs and implements modifications to allow for proper integration of various systems to interrelate with one another such as allowing the Patient Environmental Control systems to integrate into existing or new Nurse Call systems or assuring that physical security equipment is tied in with fire safety equipment. Recognizes hazardous conditions and procedures with electronic instrumentation systems, and initiates appropriate preventive or corrective action; and determines whether a system is to be removed from, be restored to, or allowed to remain in service in clinical areas. Exercises extensive skill and originality to keep equipment functioning by recommending, developing, implementing, redesigning, reconfiguring, or modifying operating procedures to reduce equipment failures, eliminate hazards, or enhance accuracy and reliability. Plans, schedules and performs emergency maintenance on equipment to ensure that this equipment is operating and calibrated in compliance with codes and standards. Alert to all situations; subject to emergency call backs; determines equipment or systems commission status; notifies the service and the Supervisor immediately of unserviceable, unsafe, or any prolonged disruptive action that requires additional analysis, reprogramming, redesigning, or modifying according to manufacturing and other governing specifications. Failure or prolonged failure of this equipment may seriously impair the mission of the medical center. Has Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) responsibilities, which involves designing, reviewing A/E designs and monitoring of performance contracts. The incumbent will oversee work done by Contractors on the installation of electronic systems within Minor, NRM and station-level construction projects. Performs other directly related duties. Work Schedule: 3:30 pm - 12:00 am, Monday - Friday Position Description/PD#: Electronic Technician/PD06509A Requirements 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 You may be required to serve a probationary/trial period Subject to background/security investigation 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/04/2025. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. The Electronics Technician requires an Individual Occupation Requirement that must be met. Please understand that the Individual Occupational Requirement is required IN ADDITION to the required Specialized Experience. Individual Occupation Requirement: This series covers technical positions supervising, leading, or performing work involving applying: knowledge of the techniques and theories characteristic of electronics, such as a knowledge of basic electricity and electronic theory, algebra, and elementary physics; knowledge of electronic equipment design, development, evaluation, testing, installation, and maintenance; and knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, operations, design, characteristics, and functional use of a variety of @types and models of electronic equipment and systems related to, but less than, a full professional knowledge of electronic engineering. Electronics technicians may have gained experience assisting in work situations including: Maintenance - Developing maintenance standards and procedures for use by others. Analyzing repair practices and developing procedural instructions for use by others on methods and steps to repair equipment. Installation - Planning and directing the installation of complex systems and associated facilities, particularly where there are site selection and construction problems, dealings with contractors and public utilities, and the possible need to modify equipment for novel site characteristics. Fabrication - Designing and analyzing circuits, determining design feasibility, evaluating equipment performance under varying environmental conditions, and collecting performance data. Designing or modifying designs to achieve performance and cost objectives. Evaluating the adequacy of equipment for such purposes as repair, calibration, and testing. Testing and Evaluation/Research and Development - Developing or evaluating new or modified electronic systems. Completing testing, evaluating data, and determining acceptability of equipment modifications, validity, test procedures and data, or legality of operation. Technicians support professional engineers in performing experiments, research, and developmental activities requiring an in-depth knowledge of technical engineering methods, applications, practices, and principles to work on concepts, proto@types, and experimental projects that are without precedent and support state-of-the-art research. Sustainment - Developing, performing, evaluating, or modifying calibration and test equipment, systems, and procedures. Reporting, analyzing, and archiving test data. Performing complex calculations and manipulations of test data to improve performance of systems, instrumentation, measurement standards, techniques, and procedures. Troubleshooting - Analyzing and diagnosing faults in the operational configuration of electronic systems and equipment. Interpreting circuit wiring, logic cable diagrams, drawings, specifications, and schematics of complete systems and equipment to understand the function and interconnections of the various assemblies and troubleshoot the system. You may qualify based on education and/or experience as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Knowledge to recognize the ability to merge components of various systems assuring compatibility and continuity for the critical functions associate with the equipment. Plans, schedule and performs emergency maintenance on equipment to ensure that equipment is operating and calibrated within codes and standards compliance. Since travel is required for this position, a current, valid drivers license is required. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Customer Service Electronics Engineering Problem Solving Systems Integration Technical Problem Solving 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. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS: Travel is sometimes required and incumbent may be required to work beyond normal duty hours or be subject to emergency call-back. Trips to Community Based Outpatient Clinics are sometimes necessary and will involve transportation via station vehicle or privately owned vehicle. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education There is no educational substitution at this grade level. Additional Information Physical Requirements: Physical demands of this position involves walking, stooping, sitting, climbing ladders, standing, and long periods of intense concentration. Routinely required to crawl on rooftops and under buildings to investigate equipment malfunctions and recommend alternate methods and or other resolutions as applicable. Commonly lift objects between 10 and 40 pounds and heavier objects as required. Working Conditions: Work is generally performed indoors and predominately performed in clinical settings that are well heated or air conditioned with proper lighting. The incumbent often work in patient environments that are sometimes under negative pressure or in highly contagious areas. Special safety precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance must be taken when working in non-ionizing radiation and infectious environments for the well being of the incumbent, staff and veterans. Incumbent occasionally work with, around, and otherwise exposed to hazardous such as; noisy machinery; aerosol solvents and other materials used while performing duties. Adherence to proper hazardous material safety practices and the use of personal safety protection equipment and universal precautions is a must. Often the setting is with uncooperative or controversial individuals wherein a consensus is needed or tact and diplomacy must be used to demonstrate the benefits of the new technology in order to assure compliance with the mandate. Receiving Service Credit or 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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. 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.
