Electrician

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System, in the Engineering Department. The primary purpose of the WG-2805-10 Electrician position using journeyman level knowledge to install, modify, repair, troubleshoot, and preventative maintenance to maintain a good electrical system within the VA Central Iowa Health Care System.

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.

Examples of journeyman level knowledge include: the ability to interpret and apply the National Electrical Code, Local codes and VA design guides; ability to read and determine proper PPE per OSHA regulations; properly selecting materials and planning work and techniques for each assignment without consulting the supervisor. Applicants will be rated in accordance with OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

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:

• Electric Drawings
• Electrical Equipment
• Technical Practices (Electrical Electronic)
• Troubleshooting (Electrical)
• Use and Maintain Hand Tools (Electrical Work)
• Without more than normal supervision

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) 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.

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.

The incumbent works from ladders, scaffolding and hydraulic platforms. They often work in portions of the electrical systems requiring attention that are in cramped, hot, dirty and hard-to-reach locations. The work involves 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 weighing up to 50 pounds.

Occasionally, the incumbent will be required to lift and carry over 50 pounds.

Electricians are exposed to a variety of weather conditions, both in winter and summer, by making repairs and installations on exterior work sites. During emergency repairs, extremes of bad weather are sometimes present. Many inside and outside work sites are hot, dirty, dusty, greasy, poorly lit, cramped, poor ventilation, unpleasant odors and in close quarters such as crawl spaces, above ceilings, tunnels, confined spaces and attics.

Occasionally, the incumbent will be required to work in the vicinity of asbestos containing materials. The incumbent will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment as necessary to accomplish assigned tasks in a safe manner.