Summary The Primary Purpose of the Position is to serve as an Instrument Mechanic the duties of which are to perform specific work supporting the continuous operations of extended care units, nursing home care units, psychiatry, canteen service, laundry, and administrative areas. The work requires the knowledge and application of electrical and mechanical principles; knowledge of pneumatic and/or hydraulic mechanisms; and, in some work situations, knowledge of electronic principles and theory. Responsibilities Area of Consideration- Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: 1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility. 2. All other VA employees. 3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies. 4. All other applicants. Note: Veterans' Preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal agencies. Major duties include, but not limited to: Incumbent performs tasks relative to maintenance, repair, modification, expansion of and conversion of pneumatic to electronic systems and engineering equipment networks; currently Inet-7(peer to peer network) at the Waco Campus and Johnson Controls Metasys system for the Temple Campus, Inform (polling @type network), Temptrak and Powerlogic (wireless RF mesh network). This includes but is not limited to DDC panels, dedicated RS485 to Ethernet routers, RS485-RS232 Ethernet controllers, unlicensed 900 MHz band for wireless monitoring, RS485 to wireless modems, Veeder Root TLS 350 tank monitors, and their various components. Utilizing the various systems and networks, incumbent monitors temperature of medication and pharmacy equipment, cold storage, walk-in and reach-in freezers, domestic refrigerators, water tower levels, total electrical usage for each building, status of stand-by generators, and the level of fuel tanks; performing a nightly leak test on all tanks. Incumbent interprets highly technical electronic/pneumatic data, reference materials, and manufacturer's specification, wiring and schematic diagrams to make an independent judgment in determining work sequence and selection of test equipment. This includes digital multimeters, Ethernet testers, milliamp testers, pressure gauges, Oscope, laptop computers, and various other test equipment to determine the cause of malfunctions and to properly and safely service equipment. Incumbent responds to emergency calls after hours and on weekends from the medical center, investigating and depending on the urgency and complexity of the problem will make repairs conserving manpower, utilities, and supplies. Familiarizes self with how job activities impact VA's goal to implement sound stewardship practices that are protective of the air, water, land, and other natural and cultural resources. This may include activities associated with proper storage, handling, and disposal and/or recycling of wastes associated with their trades. In accordance with the goals of the VA Gems program, seeks to cost-effectively meet or exceed compliance with applicable Federal, State and local environmental public health and resource protection laws, regulations, and VA requirements. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Instrument Mechanic/PD08569A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized 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 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 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) 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, 04/02/2026. 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 Technical Practices (Electrical Electronic) Troubleshooting 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: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling (1 hours); Pushing (2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (2 hours); Crawling (1 hours); Kneeling (1 hours); Repeated bending (1 hours); Climbing, legs only (2 hours); Climbing, use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted) Environmental Factors: Outside and inside; Excessive heat; Excessive cold; Excessive humidity; Excessive dampness or chilling; Dry atmospheric conditions; Excessive noise, intermittent; Constant noise; Dust; Fumes, smoke, or gases; Electrical energy; Slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Working around machinery with moving parts; Working around moving objects or vehicles; Working on ladders or scaffolding; Vibration; Working closely with others; Working alone Education Additional Information 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. 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.
