Instrument Mechanic

Summary

The Instrument Mechanic position is intended to perform work in support of the mission of continuous operations of physical facilities in the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS). In addition, services are provided to tenants on the CTVHCS campuses to include Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Veterans Benefits Administration files building, Health Revenue Center, and Austin Financial Service Center Branch.

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Duties

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Major duties include, but not limited to:

• Performs tasks relative to maintenance, repair, modification, expansion of and conversion of pneumatic to electronic systems and engineering equipment networks; currently lnet-7(peer to peer network) at the Waco Campus and Johnson Controls Metasys system for the Temple Campus, Inform (polling type network), Temptrak and Powerlogic (wireless RF mesh network). This includes but is not limited to DDC panels, dedicated RS485 to Ethernet routers, RS485-RS232 Ethernet controllers, unlicensed 900 MHz band for wireless monitoring, RS485 to wireless modems, Veeder Root TLS 350 tank monitors, and their various components.
• Utilize various systems and networks, incumbent monitors temperature of medication and pharmacy equipment, cold storage, walk-in and reach-in freezers, domestic refrigerators, water tower levels, total electrical usage for each building, status of stand-by generators, and the level of fuel tanks; performing a nightly leak test on all tanks.
• Interpret highly technical electronic/pneumatic data, reference materials, and manufacturer's specification, wiring and schematic diagrams to make an independent judgment in determining work sequence and selection of test equipment. This includes digital multimeters, Ethernet testers, milliamp testers, pressure gauges, 0-scope, laptop computers, and various other test equipment to determine the cause of malfunctions and to properly and safely service equipment.
• Respond to emergency calls after hours and on weekends from the medical center, investigating and depending on the urgency and complexity of the problem will make repairs conserving manpower, utilities, and supplies.
• Familiarize self with how job activities impact VA's goal to implement sound stewardship practices that are protective of the air, water, land, and other natural and cultural resources. This may include activities associated with proper storage, handling, and disposal and/ or recycling of wastes associated with their trades.
• In accordance with the goals of the VA Gems program, seeks to cost-effectively meet or exceed compliance with applicable Federal, State and local environmental public health and resource protection laws, regulations, and VA requirements.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm

Position Description Title/PD#: 08569-A

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Requirements

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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 ( 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, 10/06/2026.

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)
• Technical Practices
• Technical Practices (Electrical Electronic)
• 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: Incumbent makes repairs and installation from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms where the parts of systems worked on are frequently in hard to reach places. He/she is required to stoop, bend, stretch, kneel and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions for long periods of time. He/she frequently carries and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 60 pounds. Hoists, holders, and pulleys are operating when removing equipment. Incumbent must be able to wear a respirator when required. Systems and equipment are located in many different buildings, exposing the incumbent to different environments and to all functional activities and usage of the medical center's operation. Although most work is indoors, incumbent is occasionally required to work outside in the weather, in cold and freezer vaults, and in cramped areas with low overheads. Incumbent is subject to hazards including electrical shock, dust, grease, abnormal temperatures. Uncomfortable face masks and protective clothing may be worn occasionally when there is a possibility of exposure to fumes from diesel fuel or gasoline.

Education

There is no educational substitution 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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.