Electronic Technician

Job Title

ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN

Non-Scheduled Days: VARIES

Hours: VARIES

Positions are available in the following cities:

Palmetto GA

Chicago IL

Saint Louis MO

North Houston TX

Phoenix AR

Busse IL

Gastonia NC

Indianapolis IN

BENEFIT INFORMATION: This is a career position which offers excellent benefits. Newly hired employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Upon hire, employees are eligible to contribute into the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) which is similar to 401(k) plans. We also offer the option to enroll into the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program as well as the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI). Dental, Vision and Long-Term Care Insurance Programs as well as Flexible Spending Accounts to cover eligible out-of-pocket health care and dependent care.

Functional Purpose

Independently performs the full range of diagnostic, preventive maintenance, alignment and calibration, and overhaul tasks, on both hardware and software on a variety of mail processing, customer service, and building equipment and systems, applying advanced technical knowledge to solve complex problems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

This section is composed of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSAs) that are required to satisfactorily perform the tasks of the position. Individuals must demonstrate that they possess a sufficient level of each KSA, to include at least minimum competency for senior-qualified positions to enable them to perform these tasks satisfactorily. Successful completion of the applicable testing and interview procedure (s) is sufficient to demonstrate the KSAs listed below. In certain circumstances, applicants may demonstrate these levels by describing examples of experience, education, or training, any of which may be non- postal.

1 Ability to demonstrate mechanical comprehension to learn and apply mechanical principles, including a working knowledge of basic mechanical operations (such as levers and pulleys) and the application of physical laws (such as force and gravity).

This includes knowledge in the following areas:

(A) Power transmission--such as gears, sprockets and chains, belts and pulleys.

(B) Power translation--such as cams and cam followers, linkages, springs.

(C) Friction reduction 'such as bushings, bearings.

(D) Fasteners--such as screws, nuts and bolts, pins, rings, clips, couplings.

2 Knowledge of basic electricity principles: this includes knowledge of Ohm's law, Kirchoff's law, AC-DC circuitry, relays, switches, and circuit breakers. Knowledge of the National Electrical Code may be required for employees in a skilled position. This also includes knowledge of techniques and procedures as used in electrical installations and maintenance (circuit protection, wiring, conduits, etc.).

3 Knowledge of electronic principles; this includes knowledge of

(A) basic logic gates, symbology, resistors, memory, encoders,

decoders, etc.

(B) Hardware/components - such as solid-state devices (diodes, transistors, etc.), coils, capacitors, etc.

(C) Digital circuit components - as in registers, adders, counters, memories, flip-flops, encoders, decoders, etc.

D) AC and DC circuitry - as in circuit analysis, schematic interpretation, etc.

4 Knowledge of and ability to follow safety and security procedures for performing maintenance work This includes knowledge of industrial hazards (e.g., mechanical, chemical, electrical, electronic) and procedures and techniques established to avoid injuries to self and others such as lock out devices, protective clothing, and waste disposal techniques.

5 Knowledge of current computer technology to understand how technology may be applied to solve a problem or improve system design; this includes knowledge of hardware, software and networking technology/systems and integrated computer systems. This includes knowledge related to:

(A) the operation of computer terminals or other peripherals to enter, operate, and exit programs; to use the systems programs

(B) Retrieving and interpreting reports for diagnostic and information purposes.

12 Ability to perform mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division correctly; to solve practical problems by selecting from a variety of mathematical techniques such as formulas and percentages.

13 Ability to remember material learned earlier refers to the ability to recall specific information and/or theoretical knowledge and apply it to mechanical, electrical, or electronic

maintenance work such as inspection, troubleshooting, equipment repair and modification, preventive maintenance, and

installation of electrical equipment.

14 Ability to troubleshoot problems to analyze the root cause of a specific error and decide what action to take to prevent recurrence: to back track from a specific problem to identify the source of the error.

15 Ability to think logically and critically; to understand the relevance of information; to identify relationships between information and data.

16 Ability to think of possible causes for problems and find solutions; to choose the best course of action; to make a decision without delay when the opportunity arises or when all desired information is not available.

17 Ability to learn and comprehend new or unfamiliar material; to use multiple approaches to grasp or learn the implication of new information; to quickly incorporate information and ideas.

18 Ability to comprehend spatial relations as required to perform maintenance

work; to form three-dimensional mental pictures of objects; to know what an object would look like when viewed from a different angle; to determine if something will fit in a specified area. This may include the ability to use technical drawings (e.g. diagrams, blueprints and schematics).

19 Ability to read and comprehend job related written materials; this also includes

the ability to locate, read, and comprehend text material such as handbooks, manuals, bulletins, directives, checklists, and route sheets.

20 Ability to communicate work related information in writing to maintenance, operations and other personnel to complete forms or provide routine and technical information (e.g., in work logs, e-mails, memos and technical reports/documents).

21 Ability to follow oral and written directions, instructions, rules, policies and/or procedures correctly and in order.

22 Ability to speak to others in a clear, concise, and organized manner to convey information effectively; to respond to questions appropriately; to listen to what other people are saying and ask questions to ensure understanding refers to receiving/transmitting oral information (such as equipment status, recommended repairs or modifications, parts usage, and technical procedures) to/from maintenance, operations, and other personnel.

23 Ability to adjust to new conditions, situations or technology; to move easily from one topic to another; to accept change; to be flexible with regard to viewpoint.

24 Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships; to work with teams; to help others; to accept suggestions; to treat others with dignity and respect.

25 Ability to demonstrate organizational commitment to the public service goals and mission of the Postal Service.

26 Ability to be conscientious to carry out job tasks; to be responsible and dependable; to take care in performing routine and novel tasks; to track details; to check that all work is accurate and complete; to record information accurately

27 Ability to work independently; to remain focused to produce quality work under time pressure or other stressors.

28 Ability to work from heights refers to the ability to perform safely and efficiently the duties of the position above floor level such as from ladders, catwalks, walkways, scaffolds, vert-a-lifts, and platforms.

29 Knowledge and ability to use various hand or portable power tools in performing mechanical, electrical, electronic or other maintenance work; this may include the use of shop power equipment. This ability includes the safe and efficient use and maintenance of such tools as screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, pliers, chisels, punches, taps, dies, rules, gauges, and alignment tools; refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various power tools; the ability also involves the safe and efficient use and maintenance of power tools such as drills, saws, sanders, and grinders; refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, shop machines such as bench grinders, drill presses, and table/band saws.

30 Knowledge and ability to use test equipment, gauges or tools to take measurements and/or to take measurements with electrical or electronic test equipment (such as VOMs, oscilloscopes, amprobes) to perform maintenance work; this includes various types of maintenance equipment and may monitoring the operation of a system or machine or use of data networking test equipment.

31 Knowledge and ability to use appropriate soldering techniques.

EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must successfully complete Postal Service Test 955, for the Electronics Technician job group, which measures maintenance knowledge, skills and abilities.

In addition, applicants must successfully complete a structured interview evaluation.