Summary

This Electrician position is located in the Engineering Service at the VA Boston Healthcare System.

NOTE: This is an open and continuous job opportunity announcement. Certificates are issued on an unannounced periodic basis based on requests from management. Applications will be evaluated and referred for selection as vacancies occur within the organization. This announcement may close at any time once all positions are filled.

This job is open to

The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation in accordance with Office of Personnel Management approved Direct Hire Authority VA-010, in accordance with 5 U.S.C 3304(a)(3) and 5 C.F.R. 337.205(b)(1)-(4). VHA approves VA-010 through December 31, 2028, at all grade levels (or equivalent) and all VHA locations nationwide in the occupations and series listed below: Electrician, WG-2805.

Duties

This position is located within the VA Boston Healthcare System in West Roxbury, Massachusetts and is responsible for installing, modifying, repairing, maintaining, troubleshooting, testing, and loading new and existing electrical lines, circuits, systems and associated fixtures, controls, and equipment.

Works with secondary power distribution lines and circuits used to supply a wide range of voltage, amperage, phase, and frequency requirements, to distribution panels, switchgear, power and control circuits, industrial multiphase systems, thermocouple sensors, emergency warning systems, lighting protection systems, high intensity lighting systems with associated controls, target mechanisms, AC/DC rectification systems, galvanic and impressed current cathode protection systems, amplifier circuits and related electrical equipment;
Works from building plans, blueprints, wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, and electrical maintenance and repair manuals;
Plans and lays out the routing, placement type, size, gauge, balance, load, continuity, and safe operation of electrical lines, circuits, systems, equipment and controls that support industrial operations, computer complexes, or similar complex electrical loads;
Traces hard-to-locate defects or problems associated with the completion of repairs and installations;
Determines and places distribution panels, boxes, fittings, and connections and installs wiring, couplings, conduit, relays, fixtures, transformers and other electrical devices including electrical service entrances;
Interprets and applies the National Electrical Code, local codes, etc., and uses trade formulas to calculate common properties;
Uses a variety of hand and power tools of the trade;
Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm

Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized

Position Description Title/PD#: Electrician/PD523-00859-A

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): This occupation is currently approved for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive through 10/05/2024. Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI for a pro-rated amount if onboard prior to the CSI expiration date. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
Subject to a background/suitability investigation
May serve a probationary period
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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:

Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
Ability to Use and Maintain Hand Tools (Electrical Work)
Ability to Use Electrical Drawings
Knowledge of Electrical Equipment
Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
Theory and Instruments (Electrical, Electronic) Used in Shop and Trade Practices
Troubleshooting (Electrical)

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.

Major Duties

Installs, modifies, repairs, maintains, troubleshoots, tests, and loads new and existing electrical lines, circuits, systems, and associated fixtures, controls, and equipment. These include secondary power distribution lines and circuits used to supply a wide range of voltage, amperage, phase, and frequency requirements, to distribution panels, switchgear, power and control circuits; industrial multiphase systems; thermocouple sensors; electrical intrusion alarm and fire alarm system; emergency warning systems; lighting protection systems; high intensity lighting systems with associated controls; target mechanisms; AC and DC rectification systems; galvanic and impressed current cathodic projection systems which prevent corrosion on underground or submerged equipment and pipes; amplifier circuits; and related electrical equipment.
Works from building plans, blueprints, wiring diagrams, engineering, drawings, and electrical maintenance and repair manuals to plan and lay out the routing, placement type, size, gauge, balance, load, continuity, and safe operation of electrical lines, circuits, systems, equipment and controls that support industrial operations, computer complexes, or similar complex electrical loads.
Traces hard-to-locate defects or problems associated with the completion of repairs and installations. Determines and places distribution panels, boxes, fittings, and connections and install wiring, couplings, conduit, relays, fixtures, transformers and other electrical devices including electrical service entrances.

Skill and Knowledge

Knowledge of the operation and installation of a variety of complete electrical systems and equipment, such as series, parallel, and compound circuits for single and multiple phase alternating current of varying voltage, amperage, and frequency; wiring systems in industrial complexes and in buildings; and power or regulating and control circuits and distribution panels to industrial machinery, ships' control equipment, computers or laboratory and other electrical equipment in order to plan, lay out, install, modify, troubleshoot, and repair a variety of complete systems as well as any parts of these systems.
Knowledge of the various gauges, sizes, and types of wire, conduit, couplings, fittings, relays, boxes, circuit breakers, and other electrical devices, and the ability to arrange and install them in ways that insure proper and safe operation of electrical systems and equipment.
Ability to interpret and apply the National Electrical Code, local codes, building plans, blueprints, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings, and to use trade formulas to calculate common properties, e.g., voltage, voltage drop and current capability in series and parallel circuits, resistance, inductance, capacitance, power factor, current flow, and temperature, and length in single and multiple raceways, conduits, gutters, and cable trays.
Skill in the use of hand tools; power tools, such as cable pullers, hydraulic benders, and pipe threading machines; and a wide variety of test equipment, for example, meggers, multi-meters, frequency meters, watt meters, power factor meters, vibro-grounds, phase rotation meters, audio tone location equipment, high potential testers, ground fault interrupter testing equipment, recording amp meters, circuit analyzers, circuit breaker testers, resistance bridges, and cathodic protection test sets.
Knowledge of National Electrical Code requirements in order to ensure the safe and proper operation of systems and equipment.
Basic familiarity with electronics to recognize parts, such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors; operate basic test equipment such as signal generators, signal tracers, and oscilloscopes; and read schematics of uncomplicated assemblies to determine locations of defective parts.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Repairs and installations are made from ladders, scaffolding, platforms and other hard-to-reach places. This requires the employee to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The work requires frequently lifting and carrying of tools, equipment and parts that weight up to 20 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds.

WORK CONDITIONS: The work is performed both inside and outside. The Electrician is sometimes required to make repairs and installations in bad weather and work in areas that are noisy, dirty, dusty, and greasy on scaffolding or cranes at heights of 30 feet or more and in close quarters such as manholes and attics. There is exposure to the possibility of injury from falling, electrical shock, burns, and injuries from rotary devices such as electrical motors and is frequently exposed to the possibility of cuts and bruises.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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 well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at

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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.

Benefits
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.
Review our benefits
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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Resume Reminder: Your resume must include the following information each job listed:

Job title
Duties (be as detailed as possible)
Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)

Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume.

Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

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 in the Competitive Service.
The restriction on movement following competitive appointment in 5 CFR 337.205 applies for the first 90 days.
This position is covered by Federal Wage System Special Wage Rates for Skilled Trades Positions Boston, Massachusetts, AC-F068, Issue Date: January 11, 2024, Effective Date: October 22, 2023. SPECIAL RATE RANGES FOR FEDERAL WAGE SYSTEM SKILLED POSITIONS AT: Department of Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Massachusetts, Electrician WG-2805-08 and above.
Individuals appointed under Direct Hire Authority procedures receive appointments to competitive service positions. Consistent with 5 C.F.R. 315.801, 5 C.F.R. 315.802 and 5 C.F.R. 316.304, an individual is required to serve a 01-year probationary period unless the individual has prior service that counts toward completion of the probationary period.
Veterans' preference in hiring does not apply when selecting individuals under VA's Direct Hire Authority. When hiring under Direct Hire Authority, the law allows selecting officials to hire applicants without regard to 5 U.S.C. 3309-3318, which eliminates the requirement for applying Veterans' preference. VA HR Offices may assess and select any qualified applicant in the order applicants are received.

Benefits
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.
Review our benefits
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.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
IMPORTANT: Please ensure your resume include up-to-date contact information (phone number(s), email address(s), etc.)
Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Documents Required:
- Resume
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/31/2024 to receive consideration.To preview the questionnaire click
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the M ore Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application , log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information
Jonathan Montgomery
Phone
734-905-2529
Email
JONATHAN.MONTGOMERY@VA.GOV
Address
VA Boston Healthcare System
940 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301
US
Next steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request

Required Documents

IMPORTANT: Please ensure your resume include up-to-date contact information (phone number(s), email address(s), etc.)

Documents Accepted:

Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
License
Other (1)
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript

Documents Required:

Resume

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/31/2024 to receive consideration.To preview the questionnaire click

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the M ore Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application , log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Jonathan Montgomery

Phone

734-905-2529

Email

JONATHAN.MONTGOMERY@VA.GOV

Address

VA Boston Healthcare System

940 Belmont Street

Brockton, MA 02301

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Reasonable accommodation policy
Financial suitability
Selective Service
New employee probationary period
Signature and false statements
Privacy Act
Social security number request