Summary This position is located at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts. Responsibilities Perform maintenance, overhaul, and repair work on a large variety of automotive, engineering, and grounds maintenance equipment powered by electricity, gasoline, and diesel fuel. The equipment includes items such as: dump trucks, pickup trucks, all-terrain forklifts, leaf vacuum units, discs, point hitch rototillers, plows for tractors, front-end loader, vans, golf carts, backhoes, tracked excavators, utility vehicles, ATVs, Bobcat, tractors, and various mowers of graduating sizes up to a 16', and 85 horse power turbo charged diesel mower. Work is also performed on compressors, tampers, chain saws, generators, string trimmers, shears, towed equipment, plows, and snow throwing equipment. Able to trace and locate defects which cause hydraulic and other major systems to fail or not perform up to specifications regarding power output, lifting capacity, speed and pressure. Be experienced using fuel pump testers, injector testers, ignition timers, tachometers, voltmeters and gauges, micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators. Able to select and comply with technical manuals, illustrations, specifications, diagrams, schematics, and similar guides to make repairs and modifications according to specifications and procedures. For example, some of these guides describe and show the complete assembly of engines and transmissions, and the layout of hydraulic systems with related pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical connections and controls. Have skill in measuring, fitting, and instating components, such as pistons, valves, bearings, gears, and cylinders, to specified clearance. They can connect, mesh, align, and adjust parts and systems to assure proper operation of the complete system or vehicle. For example, adjust pumps, power boosters, drive chains, and tension devices; synchronize remote or manual electrical or automatic controls; and set timing of magnetos, distributors, injectors, and injection pumps to engine specifications. If interested in applying for this position you may preview the online application: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13070953 Work schedule: May be required to work Monday through Friday to include occasional weekends. Due to the mission of the National Cemetery, the cemetery cannot be closed for more than 2 consecutive days at any given time. Additionally, when a Federal holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, staff may be required to work on that holiday or a Saturday. All staff is required to work Memorial Day each year. Staff will be required to work overtime, weekends and holidays when necessary to meet the needs of the cemetery. Occasionally staff may be called back to the facility to perform emergency overtime work. Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Position Description Title/PD#:Automotive Mechanic/PD136410 The full performance level of this position is WG-10. Relocation Expenses: Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/07/2026. Candidates must demonstrate the potential to perform work involved in performing maintenance and repair work on a variety of automotive, engineering, and grounds equipment. Evidence of this potential can be shown through work, training, or relevant activities that indicate the potential to perform these duties effectively. 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 Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C ( www.opm.gov/qualifications/x-118c). 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. The screen-out element(s) for this position is/are: Ability to do the job without more than normal supervision. Must possess and maintain a valid REAL ID compliant state driver's license. JOB ELEMENTS: Those who meet the minimum level of experience and training for the screen-out element will then be evaluated in each of the following job elements: Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Measuring Instruments 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: Frequently works in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Frequently lifts or carries items weighing up to 50 lbs. Frequent standing for long periods of time, bending, stooping, and crawling under vehicles to make repairs in tight spaces is required. Working Conditions: Works indoors most of time, and occasionally outdoors on large equipment or in emergencies. Continuous exposure to dirt, grease, noise, and fumes. Is subject to cuts and abrasions when using had tools in confined places. Following prescribed safety practices and use of safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses and respirators is required. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Education Additional Information The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
