Sheet Metal Mechanic; Aircraft​/Painter

This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position. ARTs are part of the regular career civil service and enjoy all the benefits granted to Federal employees in the competitive civil service.

Click on Learn more about this agency button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. In order to qualify, you must meet the quality level of experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook X-118C for WG-3800 METAL WORK FAMILY.

Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-3800 METAL WORK FAMILY. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue‑collar positions, you must meet any screen‑out element listed and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying.

Qualification requirements emphasize the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

The screen‑out element for this position is the ability to perform the work of a SHEET METAL MECHANIC (AIRCRAFT/PAINTER) with little to no supervision.

• Knowledge of materials, techniques, practices, and procedures related to sheet metal structural and composite structural tasks; knowledge of regulations, procedures, and policies related to records maintenance and documentation; knowledge of Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and AF Environmental Compliance Assessment Management Program (ECAMP) rules, regulations, and instructions relating to hazardous waste generation and personal and environmental protection.
• Skill in fabricating/repairing complex aircraft structural and support equipment components from a variety of materials such as galvanized or stainless steel, aluminum, copper sheet, honeycomb material, and alloys; a variety of composite materials such as Kevlar, graphite, polyamide, and poly‑ethyl‑ethyl‑ketone (PEEK).
• Skill in using and maintaining a variety of metal shop tools, equipment, and measuring instruments such as drill presses, rivet guns, punches, spot welders, metal saws, dimpler, cables, and permaswedge tube repair kits.
• Ability to inspect and evaluate structural damage to sheet metal and composite systems sufficient to plan and accomplish repairs; ability to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and technical specifications; ability to maintain professional, courteous and cooperative interaction with coworkers, sections, and organizations; communicate and appropriately document work orally and in writing both manually and through computer‑based access methods.
• Knowledge of industrial hygiene, upkeep, cleanliness and foreign object debris prevention sufficient to clean work area and/or job site upon completion of work; skill in preparing, modifying, and manufacturing honeycomb adhesive bonded composite aircraft structures.
• Knowledge of advanced shop mathematics to figure irregular curves, angles, and pitch, and apply principles of radial‑line, parallel‑line development to devise patterns and layout (including geometric projection and triangulation); skill in using and maintaining a variety of painting and surface preparation equipment such as powered spray units, sanders, grinders, vacuum blasters, pit depth gauges, and stencil machines; knowledge of safety, bio‑environmental, safety data sheets, and security standards, technical orders, engineering data and manufacturer’s instructions regulations, and requirements to include aircraft, support equipment, and locally manufactured items.

Work encompasses strenuous physical exertion when bending and shaping the more complex items in handling larger and bulkier material. Requires physical effort which includes prolonged standing on production lines; climbing up and down ladders and scaffolds; working in cramped and awkward positions while installing items; and reaching, lifting, and bending while using hand and powered tools in uncomfortable positions for extended periods.

Weight lifted seldom exceeds 50…