Locksmith

Summary

This position is located in the Facilities Management Services at the Bedford VA Healthcare System in Bedford, Massachusetts. It is permanent and full-time at 40 hours per week.

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Duties

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This position performs work involved with repairing, overhauling, modifying, testing, and installing a variety of locking devices typically found on doors, desks, compartments, mobile equipment, safes, vaults, and other secured locations. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Manufactures and duplicates keys and the keying and combination of locking mechanisms;
• Establishes master keying systems and neutralizes lockouts;
• Determines precise locations and angles for drilling without harming the contents or causing irrevocable damage to the locking mechanisms or containers;
• Designs and installs locks and integrated locking systems (e.g. including electronic panic button interfaces, etc.);
• Uses a variety of tools and skills to work with total accuracy to preclude the destruction of expensive security systems or safes vaults;
• Disassembles repairs, cleans, reassembles and reinstalls a large variety of moderate to extremely complex locking devices;
• Reads, interprets, and applies technical manuals, manufacturer's diagrams/specifications and prepares diagrams to identify dimensions or special parts requirements;
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to remote customer locations and to lower graded/less experienced locksmithing personnel;
• Troubleshoots to determine malfunctioning components and repairs by reworking existing parts based on knowledge of internal structure plus the operating characteristics of a wide range of models and of their working interrelationship with related components; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:30am to 3:00pm

Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not authorized.

Position Description Title/PD#: Locksmith/PD024260

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Notifications:

• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
• This position is covered by a special rate.
• Interchange Agreements with Other Merit System: Employees who occupy medical or medical-related positions and were appointed under 38 U.S.C. 4701(1) or (3) [formerly 38 U.S.C. 4104 (1) and (3)] must be serving in a full-time position without time limit and have served continuously for at least one year in this other merit system to be eligible to convert to the Title 5 System. Some exceptions to this rule may apply if you have previously acquired tenure under a Title 5 appointment.
• The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and CBOC's.

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)
• Selectee must have a valid unrestricted driving license.
• Selectee must have a safe driving record.

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, 10/02/2026.

Driver's License Requirement: You must possess a current, valid state-issued driver's license for this position. (Please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. You will be required to show your valid driver's license at the time of your interview.)

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:

• Dexterity and Safety
• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Technical Practices (Electrical Electronic)
• Troubleshooting
• Without more than normal supervision

Preferred Experience: Work requires lifting up to 50 pounds and be physically able to walk, bend, stoop, stand and work in close spaces for longs periods of time while performing locksmithing duties. May require working in awkward conditions for extended periods of time. Works in a fully secured office containing the required tools, equipment, and materials, and performs 50% of preliminary work therein. The remainder of the time spent working in the field, both indoors and outdoors. May be exposed to the possibility of cuts, abrasions, scrapes, bruises, and burns. Operates dangerous equipment such as a key cutting machine, electric grinder, and soldering irons that require shields and proper safety equipment for protection.

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: Work assignments require standing, stooping, bending, kneeling for prolonged periods as well as working in cramped and awkward positions. Incumbent is required to lift items weighing up to approximately 50 pounds. Work is normally performed in a well-lighted, heated and ventilated area. Occasionally work is done outside in inclement weather or in areas that are drafty and poorly lighted. Incumbent is exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, scrapes, and serious burns.

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.

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.