Electronics Technician

Summary This position is in the Electronics section of the Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) department. The incumbent is responsible for the assessment, installation, intercommunication, and maintenance of complex electronic equipment and systems at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) at both the Seattle and American Lake Divisions, with more than fifty percent of the work in the Seattle Division. Responsibilities Duties to include but are not limited to: Maintains proficient knowledge in basic use and operation of Electronic Equipment (EE) in order to recognize operational problems and operator errors as well as effect efficient maintenance and repair. Maintains sufficient proficiency of analog, digital, wireless, and voice communication systems and networks, to include but not limited to radio repeaters, handheld radios, base stations, pagers, encrypted voice systems, HAM radios, patient call systems, in order to properly and professionally interface with hospital staff and EE users in order to identify user complaints of equipment performance, intermittent problems, and to advise users of operational techniques. Independently represents the Health Technologies Management Section's Equipment Management Program to hospital personnel by performing all assigned tasks, (e.g. repair, preventative maintenance, documentation, user consultations, and supervisory appraisal of activities and problems), in the area(s) of assigned responsibility using applicable standards and codes, and professional judgment. Maintains proficient knowledge in basic use and operation of Electronic Equipment (EE) in order to recognize operational problems and operator errors as well as effect efficient maintenance and repair. Correctly judges the priority levels of multiple tasks by utilizing personal judgment and without necessarily referring to the supervisor or to a specific list of priorities so as to effect efficient time utilization and expeditious BE repair. Maintains sufficient proficiency of computer based electronic equipment systems, computer networks and interfacing, conversant with theory of operation, maintenance and troubleshooting methodologies specifically including nurse call / patient call systems, patient wandering systems, satellite and entertainment systems, complex security and surveillance CCTV systems. Performs periodic electrical safety inspection on all EE as assigned in order to insure an electrically safe environment for patients and operators utilizing a safety analyzer and pertinent VA, NFPA, and applicable device manufacturer's electrical leakage and operational specifications. Performs periodic operational inspection, preventive maintenance, and calibration on all EE as assigned in order to insure device safety, proper operation and diagnostic and/or therapeutic efficacy by utilizing STE and appropriate industry standards (JCAHO, NFPA, UL, VA) and guides. Identifies and/or responds to manufacturer, FDA, or VA identified defective EE in order to determine the existence and extent of defect and to perform appropriate corrective action utilizing manufacturers' specifications, safety circulars, VA directives and STE. Reviews with appropriate users and inspects as necessary EE on the Equipment Inventory Lists to determine device retention value with regard to potential obsolescence and/or retaining life-cycle cost as pertaining to technical and functional aspects utilizing STE and appropriate device specifications. Responds to user identified EE malfunctions in order to determine validity of device deficiencies utilizing visual observation of problem, user-provided information, STE and appropriate analyzing equipment. Evaluates EE assemblies/subassemblies/components in order to determine probable cause(s) and/or location(s) of device problems utilizing STE. Evaluates extent of identified solution to device malfunction for cost-effectiveness utilizing an analysis of device historical data, expected remaining device life-line, user needs and parts availability. After installation of proper repair items (mechanical parts/sub- assemblies/printed-circuit boards/discrete components), re-tests device for patient/user safety and proper operation utilizing appropriate calibration standards and STE. Once repair decision has been made identifies specific repair parts/ materials and provides proper purchasing information utilizing manufacturer's listing of parts and prices. If the required part(s) cannot be procured from manufacturer, incumbent then identifies an acceptable substitution in order to facilitate the procurement process and repair the device in the minimum time possible utilizing published parts substitution manuals and knowledge of the complete operational characteristics of the device. When possible, identifies sources for parts that are substantially more economical than manufacturer so as to reduce repair expenditures and down time by cross referencing parts listings from independent sources and US Government listings. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Electronics Technician/PD41799A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 A pre-placement physical examination is required. Driving requirement. Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( 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, 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, 09/14/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): An IOR is a basic requirement that must be met in order to qualify for the 0856 occupational series. To qualify for this occupational series, applicants MUST have the knowledge of the techniques and theories characteristic of electronics, such as a knowledge of basic electricity and electronic theory, algebra, and elementary physics; Knowledge of electronic equipment design, development, evaluation, testing, installation, and maintenance; and knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, operations, design, characteristics, and functional use of a variety of types and models of electronic equipment and systems related to, but less than, a full professional knowledge of electronic engineering. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: IOR/Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Work as a technician, instructor, inspector, or mechanic (civilian or military) that showed progression in theoretical and practical knowledge of electronic theory, and of the characteristics, function, operation, and capabilities of a variety of types of electronic equipment. This experience must have included the use of schematic diagrams, a variety of test equipment, and the application of appropriate electronic formulas involved in such duties as testing, troubleshooting, modifying, designing, calibrating, installing, maintaining, repairing, constructing, developing, and instructing on electronic equipment, or similar functions. Experience in developing policies, standards, and procedures for maintenance, installation, or similar functions, provided the work clearly shows that the applicant applied a specialized knowledge of the theories and principles of a variety of electronic systems or equipment. DRIVING REQUIREMENT: Incidental operators are employees, other than those occupying a position officially classified as a motor vehicle operator, who are required to operate a Government-owned or -leased motor vehicle to properly carry out their assigned duties. To qualify as an incidental operator, an employee must possess a valid State license, have a safe driving record, pass a road test, and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely. Must have an unrestricted State Driver's License Must be cleared (upon hire) by Occupational Health to drive a government vehicle Driver's License - A current, valid state-issued Driver's License is required for this position. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state-issued Driver's License For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at Education There is no educational substitution at this grade level. Additional Information 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. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced 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 for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at 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.