Electronics Technician

Summary

This position is in the Electronics section of the Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) department. The incumbent is responsible for the assessment, installation, intercommunication, and maintenance of complex electronic equipment and systems at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) at both the Seattle and American Lake Divisions, with more than fifty percent of the work in the Seattle Division.

Duties

• Duties to include but are not limited to: Maintains proficient knowledge in basic use and operation of Electronic Equipment (EE) in order to recognize operational problems and operator errors as well as effect efficient maintenance and repair. Maintains sufficient proficiency of analog, digital, wireless, and voice communication systems and networks, to include but not limited to radio repeaters, handheld radios, base stations, pagers, encrypted voice systems, HAM radios, patient call systems, in order to properly and professionally interface with hospital staff and EE users in order to identify user complaints of equipment performance, intermittent problems, and to advise users of operational techniques. Independently represents the Health Technologies Management Section's Equipment Management Program to hospital personnel by performing all assigned tasks, (e.g. repair, preventative maintenance, documentation, user consultations, and supervisory appraisal of activities and problems), in the area(s) of assigned responsibility using applicable standards and codes, and professional judgment. Maintains proficient knowledge in basic use and operation of Electronic Equipment (EE) in order to recognize operational problems and operator errors as well as effect efficient maintenance and repair. Correctly judges the priority levels of multiple tasks by utilizing personal judgment and without necessarily referring to the supervisor or to a specific list of priorities so as to effect efficient time utilization and expeditious BE repair. Maintains sufficient proficiency of computer based electronic equipment systems, computer networks and interfacing, conversant with theory of operation, maintenance and troubleshooting methodologies specifically including nurse call / patient call systems, patient wandering systems, satellite and entertainment systems, complex security and surveillance CCTV systems. Performs periodic electrical safety inspection on all EE as assigned in order to insure an electrically safe environment for patients and operators utilizing a safety analyzer and pertinent VA, NFPA, and applicable device manufacturer's electrical leakage and operational specifications. Performs periodic operational inspection, preventive maintenance, and calibration on all EE as assigned in order to insure device safety, proper operation and diagnostic and/or therapeutic efficacy by utilizing STE and appropriate industry standards (JCAHO, NFPA, UL, VA) and guides. Identifies and/or responds to manufacturer, FDA, or VA identified defective EE in order to determine the existence and extent of defect and to perform appropriate corrective action utilizing manufacturers' specifications, safety circulars, VA directives and STE. Reviews with appropriate users and inspects as necessary EE on the Equipment Inventory Lists to determine device retention value with regard to potential obsolescence and/or retaining life-cycle cost as pertaining to technical and functional aspects utilizing STE and appropriate device specifications. Responds to user identified EE malfunctions in order to determine validity of device deficiencies utilizing visual observation of problem, user-provided information, STE and appropriate analyzing equipment. Evaluates EE assemblies/subassemblies/components in order to determine probable cause(s) and/or location(s) of device problems utilizing STE. Evaluates extent of identified solution to device malfunction for cost-effectiveness utilizing an analysis of device historical data, expected remaining device life-line, user needs and parts availability. After installation of proper repair items (mechanical parts/sub- assemblies/printed-circuit boards/discrete components), re-tests device for patient/user safety and proper operation utilizing appropriate calibration standards and STE. Once repair decision has been made identifies specific repair parts/ materials and provides proper purchasing information utilizing manufacturer's listing of parts and prices. If the required part(s) cannot be procured from manufacturer, incumbent then identifies an acceptable substitution in order to facilitate the procurement process and repair the device in the minimum time possible utilizing published parts substitution manuals and knowledge of the complete operational characteristics of the device. When possible, identifies sources for parts that are substantially more economical than manufacturer so as to reduce repair expenditures and down time by cross referencing parts listings from independent sources and US Government listings. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Electronics Technician/PD41799A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/14/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): An IOR is a basic requirement that must be met in order to qualify for the 0856 occupational series. To qualify for this occupational series, applicants MUST have the knowledge of the techniques and theories characteristic of electronics, such as a knowledge of basic electricity and electronic theory, algebra, and elementary physics; Knowledge of electronic equipment design, development, evaluation, testing, installation, and maintenance; and knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, operations, design, characteristics, and functional use of a variety of types and models of electronic equipment and systems related to, but less than, a full professional knowledge of electronic engineering. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: IOR/Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Work as a technician, instructor, inspector, or mechanic (civilian or military) that showed progression in theoretical and practical knowledge of electronic theory, and of the characteristics, function, operation, and capabilities of a variety of types of electronic equipment. This experience must have included the use of schematic diagrams, a variety of test equipment, and the application of appropriate electronic formulas involved in such duties as testing, troubleshooting, modifying, designing, calibrating, installing, maintaining, repairing, constructing, developing, and instructing on electronic equipment, or similar functions. Experience in developing policies, standards, and procedures for maintenance, installation, or similar functions, provided the work clearly shows that the applicant applied a specialized knowledge of the theories and principles of a variety of electronic systems or equipment. DRIVING REQUIREMENT: Incidental operators are employees, other than those occupying a position officially classified as a motor vehicle operator, who are required to operate a Government-owned or -leased motor vehicle to properly carry out their assigned duties. To qualify as an incidental operator, an employee must possess a valid State license, have a safe driving record, pass a road test, and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely. Must have an unrestricted State Driver's License Must be cleared (upon hire) by Occupational Health to drive a government vehicle Driver's License - A current, valid state-issued Driver's License is required for this position. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state-issued Driver's License For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 A pre-placement physical examination is required. Driving requirement. Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. Subject to background/security investigation 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 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, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

How to apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online questionnaire and submission of the required documentation specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To preview the application questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13055901. The application process is as follows: To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date, 09/14/2026. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. NOTE: Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed. Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement. Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started. Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume: Prioritize most relevant and recent experience Use concise, results focused language Align language from the job announcement Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies Remove outdated or unrelated experience Use the USAJOBS resume builder Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit