Summary The Automotive Worker reports directly to the Supervisor of the Grounds and Transportation Unit within Engineering Service at the Tuscaloosa V AMC. The primary purpose of this position is to perform general equipment repairs, including maintenance and troubleshooting of combustion-powered engines motorized, and hydraulic systems located throughout the facility. This work is conducted to continuously ensure efficient operation of all automotive equipment assigned for repair. Responsibilities Major duties include: Performs preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, overhaul, modification, testing, and calibration on a wide variety of automotive, motorized, mechanical, and engineering equipment. Performs weekly operational checks and inspections and completes repairs identified during inspections, including repairs associated with diesel-fueled standby emergency generators. Diagnoses and repairs motorized equipment by performing engine tune-ups, motor rebuilding, brake system overhauls, oil and fluid changes, and replacement of belts, filters, and other worn or defective components. Troubleshoots, maintains, and repairs hydraulic systems on engineering and grounds equipment, including lifts, garbage compactor trucks, forklifts, tractors, riding mowers, gang reel mowers, and similar equipment. Maintains and repairs equipment such as GSA vehicles, generators, utility vehicles, forklifts, air compressors, food carts, lawn equipment, tillers, chainsaws, blowers, edgers, and other small-engine equipment. Reads and interprets blueprints, electrical and electronic schematics, sketches, drawings, technical bulletins, equipment manuals, and other technical specifications to diagnose problems and complete repairs. Plans the sequence of repairs and work assignments, determines required parts and materials, and selects appropriate repair techniques, procedures, tools, and equipment. Uses diagnostic, testing, and calibration equipment such as volt/ohm meters, amp meters, line monitors, pressure and flow-rate measuring instruments, calipers, micrometers, pressure gauges, timing lights, and other specialized testing devices. Uses welding, brazing, and soldering equipment, as well as various hand and power tools, to fabricate, install, replace, or repair equipment components and small engines. Performs equipment assembly, disassembly, fabrication, adjustment, installation, and repair, ensuring required clearances, tolerances, settings, and adjustments are accurate. Identifies required replacement parts and materials and maintains an appropriate stock of spare parts to minimize equipment downtime. Independently performs assigned repairs and preventive maintenance while referring complex or unusual problems to the supervisor for technical guidance. Enters, updates, and closes work orders and preventive maintenance records, including documenting labor, materials, services, repairs, and maintenance performed. Evaluates the time and materials necessary to complete repairs and communicates parts, material, and service needs to the supervisor. Establishes and follows preventive maintenance schedules, inspection intervals, and procedures for equipment assigned to the Grounds and Transportation Unit. Communicates with coworkers, management officials, vendors, contractors, and other personnel to coordinate maintenance and repair activities, obtain information, and provide status updates on work orders and projects. Follows applicable safety, fire-prevention, environmental, and workplace procedures, including use of required protective equipment and maintaining equipment safety guards. Performs physically demanding work requiring prolonged standing, stooping, crouching, lifting, moving, positioning, and holding heavy equipment, engines, wheels, tires, and components during repairs. Performs maintenance and repair work under varying environmental conditions and around hazards such as gasoline and exhaust fumes, solvents, oils, grease, battery acids, hot surfaces, electrical equipment, and moving machinery. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4pm. Work schedule may change based on agency need. Position Description Title/PD#: Automotive Worker/PD115340 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 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, 08/27/2026. 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. Preferred Experience: 1. Knowledge in auto and small engine repairs, etc. 2. Knowledge and skills to perform repairs both major and minor, diagnosing troubles and making necessary repairs/adjustments with the least possible delay. 3. Knowledgeable of all phases of equipment serviced to include complete assembly, disassembly, fabrication and operation. Skills to replace worn parts, weld broken parts, connection to steam, hot, cold water, gas and air lines. 4. Knowledgeable of mechanics, hydraulics, electricity, electronics, steam and natural gas systems, as well as welding and brazing techniques. Knowledge of computer work order and preventive maintenance program to enter required data for, entering and closing work orders and recording preventive maintenance data. 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: Dexterity and Safety Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Operation of Equipment/Machinery 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: The incumbent will be subjected to prolonged duration of physical strain while in performance of the duties. Incumbent must lift small engines, wheels and tires, axles, drive shafts, radiators and numerous other equipment. Incumbent must loosen rusted and corroded fittings to remove and replace worn parts. Incumbents must be able to move large objects such as barrels containing oil, pieces of equipment being repaired, etc. Incumbent must withstand long periods of being in one position, whether standing, stooping, crouching while performing duties. These positions may involve physical strain and exertion. Incumbents must lift heavy objects and hold them in place for long periods of time causing stress. Working Conditions: Incumbent works in all kinds of weather conditions, extreme heat and cold, dry and wet. Incumbents must perform maintenance and repair of machinery wherever it happens to malfunction so that it can be transported to the shop area for complete repair. Incumbent is exposed to fumes from gasoline, exhaust from equipment, cleaning solvents, oils and greases, battery acids, etc. The hazards of cuts, bruises, abrasions are high. There are additional hazards to acid bums, bums from torches and exhaust pipes, toxic fumes and electrical shocks. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. 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.
