Automotive Technician (20176)

Automotive Technician

United States Postal Service
Dulles VA VMF, 22363 Randolph Dr, Sterling, VA 20166

Position Information

• Salary: Starting annual salary $66,836, paid bi-weekly
• Hours: 1500 – 2330 (3:00 PM – 11:30 PM)
• Non-Scheduled Days: Saturday, Sunday
• FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt

Functional Purpose

Performs routine and complex repairs and maintenance on all types of motor vehicles used in the postal fleet; troubleshoots and diagnoses more complex vehicle malfunctions using a variety of computerized test equipment; may provide assistance to lower level employees.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Diagnose operating difficulties on a variety of vehicles and perform operational checks on engines and their major supporting systems, parts, components, and assemblies, including emissions, electrical, computer, and electronically controlled components.
• Perform computerized and electronic diagnostic tests using specialized equipment; interpret trouble codes and data from electronic scanners and test analyzers; use service manuals and wiring schematics to determine operational difficulties and drivability problems and evaluate performance efficiency.
• Conduct visual and auditory vehicle inspections, road calls, and road tests before and after maintenance and repairs; annotate vehicle problems on work orders.
• Provide technical guidance and instruction to mechanics and technicians on more difficult repairs and on specialized computer-aided diagnostic equipment.
• Perform maintenance and repairs resulting from normal preventive maintenance inspections.
• Prepare, update, and maintain vehicle records; annotate labor time, parts and/or equipment, and other pertinent data on work orders.
• Perform engine tune-ups; remove, replace, adjust, and clean parts, components, assemblies, and accessories; use specialized test equipment to adjust systems and components to prescribed operating tolerances.
• Troubleshoot malfunctioning vehicles resulting from road calls, identify improperly functioning parts, and repair or replace them.
• Repair and replace major components including transmissions, differentials, brake systems, power assist units, and steering and suspension assemblies.
• Perform other job-related duties in support of primary duties.
• Follow all established safety practices and procedures; comply with all postal, local, state, and federal environmental regulations and policies.

Supervision

• Reports to the Manager, Vehicle Maintenance; Supervisor, Vehicle Maintenance; or other designated supervisor.

Requirements (Qualification Standard 5823c, 5823-0001)

Successful candidates must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities through a combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge

• Electrical/ignition systems: Terminology, characteristics, and operation of alternators, batteries, voltage regulators, starter motors, ignition and lighting systems, indicating devices, electronic computer-enhanced components, sensors, and starting aids.
• Fuel systems: Fuel delivery systems and related assemblies such as fuel pumps, turbochargers, superchargers, intercoolers, and fuel injectors, and how the fuel system interfaces with electronic controls.
• Emission control systems: Operation of emission control systems as they relate to overall engine operation, performance specifications, and environmental quality regulations.
• Engine systems: Engine valves, piston assemblies, engine bearings, cylinders, cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, crankshaft assemblies, compression ignition, and cooling systems.
• Power train systems: Clutches, universal joints, manual and computer-enhanced automatic transmissions, differentials, and drive axles.
• Suspension systems: Standard and computerized/air-controlled suspension, standard and power-assisted steering, wheel alignment systems, and steering geometry.
• Braking systems: Air and hydraulically actuated braking components such as cylinders, valves, linkage, calipers, sensors, control modules, and anti-lock brake systems.

Abilities

• Technical reference materials: Read, comprehend, and interpret technical information such as illustrated parts breakdowns, checklists, flow charts, electronic media, and schematics.
• Troubleshooting and diagnosis: Observe, test, analyze, and isolate sources of trouble in electrical/electronic systems, engine, power train, fuel delivery, suspension, and braking systems using appropriate test equipment.
• Automotive test equipment: Proficiency with electrical/electronic diagnostic equipment such as voltage/amperage testers (VAT), multimeters (VOM), test lights, scanners, and gas analyzers.
• Mechanical test equipment and hand tools: Proficiency with tools such as micrometers, calipers, and pressure gauges.
• Minor repairs: Replace parts or make adjustments to electrical/ignition, emissions, fuel delivery, engine, suspension, power train, braking, intake, exhaust, and starting aid systems.
• Major repairs: Overhaul or rebuild power train, engine, fuel delivery, suspension, and braking systems or their components.

Driving Requirements

• Valid state driver's license from the state in which you live at the time of appointment.
• Safe driving record, demonstrated and maintained.
• At least two years of unsupervised experience driving passenger cars or larger, in the U.S. or its possessions or territories, or on U.S. military installations worldwide.
• Must successfully complete Vehicle Familiarization and Safe Operation training, including demonstrating the ability to safely drive the type of vehicle used on the job.

Examination, Physical, and Training Requirements

• Must successfully complete Postal Service Test 943 and Test 944 to demonstrate knowledge and ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and make minor and major repairs to automotive systems. (Exam 941 Automotive Bench Test is suspended until further notice, effective June 11, 2022.)
• Must be physically able to perform the duties of the position efficiently.
• May be required to complete prescribed training course(s) prior to reassignment or promotion.

Additional Conditions of Employment

• Must be able to communicate in and understand the English language, with or without a reasonable disability accommodation under the Rehabilitation Act.
• Employment is conditional upon meeting medical suitability, general eligibility and suitability, and background check requirements, even if you are allowed to begin working first.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status.
• The Postal Service will refer a set number of the highest-ranked eligible candidates for selection consideration.

Benefits

This is a career position with excellent benefits:

• Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to a 401(k)
• Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program
• Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
• Dental, vision, and long-term care insurance programs
• Flexible Spending Program for eligible health care and dependent care (day care) expenses
• Eleven paid federal holidays
• Accrued vacation and sick leave

Who May Apply

• All U.S. citizens, lawful permanent resident aliens, and citizens of American Samoa or other territory owing permanent allegiance to the United States.
• Applicants entitled to veterans' preference and/or covered by the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act may apply for any posted position.
• Current career Postal Service employees are not eligible to apply to this posting.

How to Apply

• Apply online at
• Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on the posting's closing date.
• A valid email address is required; communication about employment opportunities, exams, and background checks is sent by email.
• Add these domains to your contact list: @usps.gov, @talogy.com, @geninfo.com, @uspis.gov.
• Exam: If invited to test, you will receive instructions by email. Make sure you can receive messages from the test vendor and follow the instructions carefully.
• Screenings: You may receive multiple background check requests. Respond quickly; non-responses may result in disqualification.
• Veterans' preference: Attach member copy 4 (only) of your DD Form 214 or other proof of eligibility if claiming 10-point veterans' preference.

Background Check

• The Inspection Service criminal background check uses U.S. information resources only (e.g., FBI fingerprint check, state and county checks).
• The check covers a 10-year inquiry for any U.S. location where you have resided, worked, or attended school.
• Checks for individuals who have not resided in the U.S. or its territories for the preceding 5 years may not be considered complete.
• For U.S. citizens only, the Inspection Service may be able to process inquiries if time outside the country was spent as a trailing spouse or dependent of a U.S. government employee (military or civilian), a missionary, a student at a foreign school, a Peace Corps participant, or an employee of a U.S.-based employer.
• If a complete background check cannot be performed due to residency outside the U.S., the individual will be ineligible for Postal employment.

Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Act

• The United States Postal Service is an equal opportunity employer.
• Reasonable accommodation is available for any part of the application, interview, and/or selection process. Request it from the examiner, selecting official, or local Human Resources manager (someone may request on your behalf). Explain the nature of your limitations and the accommodation needed; decisions are made case by case.
• The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 prohibits the Postal Service from asking about criminal history before a conditional offer of employment is made. If you believe your rights under this law have been violated, you have 30 days to file a complaint at . More information is available at