Maintenance Mechanic
What you'd do
The Maintenance Mechanic position is located within the Facilities Management Service within the VA Portland Health Care System in Portland, Oregon. The position performs construction, alteration, repair and modification on a variety of structures.
Major duties
Uses skilled techniques to construct, install, repair, and modify wood and wood substitute structures and items requiring close tolerance fit and structural soundness. Plans and completes projects from layouts to final assembly. Interprets drawings, blueprints, and specifications independently, and determine the layout and work sequences and types of lumber or special related materials. Constructs straight angles and curved cuts which must be exact. Assembles installations where items are closely joined to other assemblies to strengthen and support or to provide air and weather tight fits. Replaces glass window panes, layouts and installs metal and wood studs for sheetrock and plastered walls, installs drop ceilings, repairs roofs and flashing of buildings, etc. Mixes concrete and installs footings, curbs, walls and like construction. Lays and repairs floor coverings and installs plastic coverings on counter tops and other similar items. Mixes materials used in finishing plaster surfaces in construction and repair on interior and exterior walls and ceilings. Performs plastering on all types of backgrounds such as metal, wood or gypsum lath, wallboard and masonry surfaces, as well as repair patching of plaster and stucco surfaces. Performs preventive maintenance/inspections on tools and equipment and machinery related to trade. Constructs and repairs a wide variety of structural items such as building frames, rafters, concrete forms, walls, staircases, door and window frames, interior and exterior trim, and miscellaneous items such as workbenches, counter tops, bookcases, equipment cabinets, computer consoles, and items requiring limited decorative trim and molding. Sets up and operate a wide variety of wood working machines and tools. Assembles items with a variety of joining techniques such as miters, rabbets, dados, biscuit, and mortise and tenon, and use glues and adhesives to secure wood pieces, veneers, and counter tops. Uses accepted methods which includes special finishing techniques such as marbling and graining by using coating materials that are prepared in special as well as common ways. Prepares surfaces by methods such as smoothing with pumice and rotten stone, filling, shaping, and leveling with metal and synthetic resins, and mixing and applying pre-coating agents such as pickling and alkali compounds. Uses standard tools and equipment such as brushes, rollers, spray guns, trowels, screeds, straight edges, viscosity testers, graining devices, and wet and other thickness gauges. Prepares surfaces and uses appropriate coating techniques in performing painting duties. Determines the methods, techniques, devices, and materials that are best suited to the surface finish required using a glossy finish, grained effect, or a finish that must meet specified thickness and levels. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm PST Position Description Title/PD#: Maintenance Mechanic/PD207640 Physical Requirements: Medium to heavy lifting and carrying, working in awkward conditions, overhead, cramped quarters, bending, stooping, climbing ladders and stairs, working from scaffolding and ladders. Requires good eye-hand coordination.
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/06/2026. 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: the ability to perform the duties of the Maintenance Mechanic without more than normal supervision. Related experience includes: Performing construction, alteration, repair and modification of a wide variety of structures; using skilled techniques to construct, install, repair, and modify wood and wood substitute structures and items; planning and completing projects from layout to final assembly; interpreting drawing, blueprints and specifications independently; operating and using power and hand tools and other woodworking equipment; performing routine maintenance on equipment; prepares surfaces and uses appropriate coating techniques in performing painting duties; and performing plastering and painting. 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 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.
Before you apply
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