Summary The purpose of this position is to complete communications infrastructure upgrades, repairs, and new digital and analog installations. The incumbent's tasks shall include but are not limited to; installation, upgrade, repair and removal of communications equipment, fiber optic cable, installation of CAT 5E/ CAT 6 cabling systems, and all other required cable installations. Responsibilities Major duties include but are not limited to; Work with conduit and need to know how to install conduit and run wiring and cabling through the conduit. The incumbent must know how switches, circuit breakers, fuses, relays and outlets are installed and how they operate. The work requires frequent bending, pulling cables, working in awkward positions, walking and standing for long periods of time, and climbing ladders. Working environments may include, trenches, pits, and confined spaces as required such as manholes. Exposed to dust, dirt and falls from ladders while installing cable. Installation, upgrade, repair and removal of communications equipment, communications transport cabling, wireless LAN mounting, fiber optic cable, splicing and termination of fiber optic cable, fiber optic patch panels, fiber to the desktop, installation of CAT 5E/ CAT 6 cabling systems, installation of back boards, cable trays, raceways, J-Hooks, data and voice jacks, telephone punch down blocks and cross connects and television RG6U cable installations. Complete communications infrastructure upgrades, repairs and new digital and analog installations. Removing and replacing light fixtures, modifying fixtures to LEDs, running wiring for LED and other light fixtures, splicing, soldering, safe off of defective wiring changing out fluorescent light bulbs and performing ballast bypass. Installs switches, circuit breakers, fuses, relays and outlets. Survey the installation area to determine work methods, tools and materials required to complete the tasks. Install and terminate copper core and/or fiber optic house cables. Uses judgment of where light fixtures and wiring should be installed for certain applications, such as offices, surgical areas and common areas. Uses blueprints, measuring tools such as digital and clamp meters, tape measures, voltmeters and other common tools including portable power tools, screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, strippers, drills, soldering irons, conduit benders and threads, and test equipment. Apply a thorough knowledge of copper core and fiber optic transmission principles. Apply a thorough knowledge of different electronic and solid-state voice and data systems including their capabilities, functions of their major circuits, and the associated cables and wiring used to interconnect the systems. Knowledge of the correct conduit size, the @type of cable for applications such as fire alarms, televisions, data and voice jacks and tele@type equipment. Have knowledge of a fluke network tester which will be able to indicate if there are any reflectance in fiber optic cable. Knowledge of removing light fixture, replacing fluorescent light bulbs, running wiring for LED and other light fixtures, splicing, soldering, safe off of defective wiring, and ballast bypasses for lights. Have knowledge of CAT cable, fiber optics, communications transport cabling, RG6U cabling and low voltage wires. Install, remove, maintain, modify, troubleshoot, and repair voice and/or nonvoice communications systems including intercom, alarm systems, tele@type equipment, terminal and communications equipment, including modems, multiplexers, fiber optic end equipment. Performs preventative maintenance on all @types and voltages of switches, receptacles, lighting, magnetic starters, relays and motors. Independently review work orders and layout sheets to select equipment and circuits required. Reads blueprints to determine lay out and routes for cable destination before it is punched down. Work requires lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs. without assistance. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Position Description Title/PD#: Telecommunications Mechanic/PD25104A 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, 05/08/2026. 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: Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading) Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc. Knowledge of Materials Materials Technical Practices Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic) Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment 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: The work requires frequent bending, pulling cables, working in awkward positions, walking and standing for long periods of time, and climbing ladders. In addition, the work requires lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs. without assistance. Work is performed inside and outside under all @types of weather. Inside work areas can range from well lit, heated, and climatically controlled to poorly illuminated work areas such as attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Cable installation and maintenance extends to exterior locations. Workers are exposed to dust, dirt and falls from ladders while installing cable. Workers are exposed to bruises and minor cuts from handling cable and equipment and from using hand tools. Working environments may include, trenches, pits, and confined spaces as required such as manholes. Safety goggles, hard hats, and safety boots will be required when work is being completed. Education There are no education requirement for this position. 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.
