Summary This position is at the full performance level located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the (VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System) VA Medical Center (VAMC) in the Engineering Department, Maintenance and Operations Section. The Locksmith performs work involved with repairing, overhauling, modifying, testing, and installing a variety of locking devices typically found on secured locations. Responsibilities Performs the full range of work in the installation, repair, maintenance and modification of a wide variety of commercial locking devices with varying makes and models found in doors, desks, safes, vaults, compartments, mobile equipment, and secured areas. Disassembles repairs, cleans, reassembles, and reinstalls a large variety of moderate to extremely complex locking devices. Provides expert advice and recommendations to management on the most appropriate locks/systems for specific security requirements. Modifies the Master Key system adding new divisions as the need of the facility changes and realigns. Designs and installs such master key systems. Attends seminars and carefully reviews trade journals, catalogs, regulations and manuals to maintain expert knowledge of locks and associated hardware, new products, and regulatory requirements affecting work. Able to add and delete cardholders from the database, maintain accurate lock and door association. Troubleshoots to determine malfunctioning components and repairs by reworking existing parts based on knowledge of internal structure plus the operating characteristics of a wide range of models and of their working interrelationship with related components. Carefully examines all locks worked on for evidence of attempted neutralization and, if found, takes the steps necessary to decertify the lock and/or container. Uses a. large variety of intricate tools to perform this work and provides maintenance on same. Installs new parts as needed and fabricates repair items such as locking bolts and special screws. May also fabricate parts necessary to repair locks no longer in production, requiring careful determination of dimensions/specifications and the use of a variety of hand and power tools. Attempts to preclude neutralization of items worked on by repairing them to higher than original strength by the addition of harder steel at critical access points. Makes operational tests to assure devices function properly. Performs other related duties as assigned. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: MONDAY - FRIDAY; 7:00 am - 3:30 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Locksmith/PD11370A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job 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 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, 04/27/2026. 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) Measuring Instruments Technical Practices 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: Work assignments require standing, stooping, bending, kneeling for prolonged periods as well as working in cramped and awkward positions. Incumbent is required to lift items weighing up to approximately 50 pounds. Work is normally performed in well-lighted, heated and ventilated area. Occasionally work is done outside in inclement weather or in areas that are drafty and poorly lighted. Incumbent is exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, scrapes, and serious burns. 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.
