About this role
Job SummaryThe Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for general maintenance and repair requirements as established by the Maintenance Supervisor, Supervisory Healthcare Engineer, or Chief of Engineering, for the Central Iowa Health Care System located in Des Moines, Iowa.
QualificationsTo 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. Experience includes, but is not limited to: knowledge of mechanical systems/equipment and understanding methods of construction for various trades; inspection, installation, maintenance, adjustment, and replacement of various systems according to manufacturer's recommendations; and applying knowledge of both preventative and applied maintenance techniques in order to efficiently diagnose and resolve assignments for various trades. 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) Materials Measuring Instruments Technical Practices 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: The incumbent works from ladders, scaffolding and hydraulic platforms. They often work in portions of the utility systems requiring attention that are cramped, dirty, and hard to reach locations. The work may involve prolonged crouching and standing and frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in exhausting and uncomfortable positions. The incumbent frequently lifts or carries tools, equipment, ladders, scaffolding, parts and supplies up to 50 pounds. Occasionally, the incumbent will be required to lift and carry items over 50 pounds. Working Conditions: Exposed to a full array of weather conditions. Subject to danger of falling when working from ladders or hydraulic lifts. Exposed to dust/dirt while mixing mortar and handling materials. Work is performed in all areas of the hospital environment, inside and outside. Work is often dirty, dusty and greasy. The incumbent is subject to such hazardous conditions as injury from power driven tools, falling from scaffolds and ladders, temperature extremes, noise, and bad weather conditions. They are frequently exposed to the possibilities of cuts, bruises, scratches, broken bones, and burns. The incumbent is subject to asbestos exposure and chemicals which can cause burns or irritation to the skin. Some duties may require incumbent to wear protective equipment and clothing that is heavy and uncomfortable.
Major DutiesMajor duties may include: Identify electrical problems and define the repairs/upgrades required to ensure safe working and living environments throughout the facility. Define repairs/upgrades and define required materials tools and equipment requirements. Work with associated shop members to plan material and equipment requirements, and ancillary support operations supporting identified work. The incumbent must have the ability to select proper wire gauges, insulation, protective devices and switching for a variety of equipment, lighting, and miscellaneous electrical loads. The incumbent must be skilled in the use of all common electrical hand and power tools and testing equipment as required. Light fixture repair to include bulb, ballast, and diffuser replacement. Circuit breaker resetting and troubleshooting; specifying replacement as required. Maintenance Mechanic should have experience in the installation, repair, modification and preventive maintenance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Following local and national safety rules and guidelines, efficient use of all specialized tools in the HVAC trade, such as measuring equipment, hand tools, and any other specialized tools unique to the HVAC trade. Must be able to interpret blueprints, sketches, manufacturers' specifications, and technical manuals, and be knowledgeable in shop math and standard formulas. Repairs plumbing equipment such as sewage, water, oil, and gas distribution systems and water closets, tubs, fire sprinkler systems, and showers. Uses tools and equipment such as plumb bobs, mercury gauges, dividers, closet augers, hydrostatic pumps, and lead pots. Steam system troubleshooting and repair including backflow prevention valves, steam control valves, radiators, and coils. Installs insulation on all types of piping/valves. Operate and use a wide variety of specialty woodworking machines and tools. Operate and use a variety of tools by setting-up, adjusting, and maintaining tools to meet required specifications. Plan and lay out carpentry projects. Plans measure and lay out carpentry materials using broad knowledge of wood materials and substitutes, with general and precision woodworking techniques. Projects involve constructing, altering, repairing, and/or modifying framework, rafters, doors, finished paneling, windows, rough furniture, interior/exterior trim, staircases, trusses, and beams. Spacing, accuracy and fit are essential, and structural soundness or appearance is important Plan, measure, and lay out carpentry materials using typical shop mathematics for complex and exact projects. Plan, measure, and lay out carpentry materials by interpreting complex or incomplete instructions, sketches, blueprints, and building codes. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Maintenance Mechanic/PD30432A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.RequirementsU.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation Selective Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Pre-employment physical is required. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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.