Maintenance Mechanic Opportunity at the Defense Health Agency, Camp Lejeune, NC

Are you a skilled tradesperson with a passion for ensuring facilities are in top condition? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is actively seeking a dedicated Maintenance Mechanic to join their team at Military Treatment Facilities in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This is a unique chance to contribute to the vital mission of supporting our nation's military personnel, retirees, and their families by maintaining the infrastructure essential for healthcare delivery. Utilizing Direct Hire Authority, this process aims to quickly bring qualified individuals into federal service. If you possess a broad range of maintenance and repair skills and are looking for a stable, rewarding career, this position offers an excellent hourly wage and the chance to make a real impact.

About the Defense Health Agency (DHA)

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) operates as an integrated healthcare system within the Department of Defense (DoD). Its mission is to deliver healthcare services across the DoD and provide critical combat support to the Joint Force. The DHA ensures the worldwide delivery of medical, dental, and pharmacy programs to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Through a robust network of facilities and a dedicated team of professionals, the DHA focuses on improving health and building readiness, operating under the principle of 'Anytime, Anywhere—Always.' This role is integral to maintaining the physical environment where these crucial health services are provided.

Job Responsibilities

As a Maintenance Mechanic with the Defense Health Agency, your primary role will be to ensure the operational readiness and integrity of facilities through comprehensive maintenance and repair activities. Your duties will be diverse and will include:

• Operating Equipment: Proficiently operating a wide variety of powered equipment and hand tools necessary for maintenance tasks.
• Structural Repairs: Assembling items using various joining techniques (e.g., miters, rabbets, dados, mortise and tenon) and working with materials such as wood, metal, and composites.
• Installation and Modification: Installing or replacing interior partitions, flooring, panels, suspended ceilings, countertops, and moldings.
• Interpreting Plans: Reading and interpreting drawings, blueprints, and specifications to understand project layouts, work sequences, and material requirements.
• Surface Preparation and Finishing: Preparing surfaces for painting or other finishes by smoothing, filling, shaping, and leveling with various compounds. Applying coating materials using brushes, rollers, spray guns, and other trade devices, including those for special effects.
• General Maintenance: Performing routine inspections and preventive maintenance on building systems and equipment to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

Requirements

To be considered for this Maintenance Mechanic position, candidates must meet the following essential qualifications:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Minimum Qualification (Screen-Out Element): A demonstrated ability to perform the duties of a Maintenance Mechanic without more than normal supervision is required. This includes the ability to perform common maintenance and repair activities and to construct, install, repair, and modify wood and wood substitute structures and items.
• Physical Demands: The role requires the ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted, and over 50 pounds with assistance. Work frequently involves standing, stooping, stretching, bending, kneeling, and climbing, often in tiring or uncomfortable positions for extended periods. Handling and maneuvering large, heavy furniture and equipment is also part of the job.
• Working Conditions: The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor settings. Outdoor tasks may involve exposure to heat, dust, and inclement weather, potentially in marshy areas. Indoor work can occur in spaces with limited ventilation or restricted access. Employees may experience discomfort when wearing protective clothing, respirators, or goggles. The job also involves working near moving machinery, energized electrical circuits, sharp edges, and in areas with loud noises or potential eye hazards.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly wage, reflecting the skills and responsibilities involved. The salary range for this Maintenance Mechanic role is:

• Minimum Hourly Rate: $30.72
• Maximum Hourly Rate: $35.85

These rates include any applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement, ensuring fair compensation based on the duty location.

Benefits

Employment with the Defense Health Agency offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support federal employees. While specific details are extensive, key benefits often include:

• Health Insurance: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a variety of plans.
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), including retirement savings and pension benefits.
• Paid Time Off: Generous accrual of annual and sick leave, plus federal holidays.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) options.
• Other Advantages: Opportunities for professional development, potential for performance-based awards, and the satisfaction of serving a critical national mission.

For a detailed overview of federal employee benefits, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/

Application Tips

Navigating the federal job application process can be intricate. Here are some tips to help you submit a strong application for this Maintenance Mechanic position:

1. Tailor Your Resume: Meticulously align your resume content with the 'Qualification Summary,' 'Major Duties,' and 'Screen Out Element' described in the announcement. Use keywords from the job posting.
2. Resume Length: Ensure your resume is two pages or less. Federal agencies often remove applications with resumes exceeding this limit.
3. Detail Your Experience: For each relevant work experience, include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (month and year), number of hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties that demonstrates your ability to perform at the required level.
4. Required Documents: Carefully review the 'Required Documents' section and ensure all necessary items are uploaded. Incomplete applications are typically disqualified.
5. Online Questionnaire: Answer all questions in the online occupational questionnaire honestly and accurately. Your responses, along with your resume, form the basis of your evaluation.
6. Proofread: Before submitting, proofread your entire application for any errors or omissions.
7. Utilize Resources: Refer to the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center and USAJOBS Help sections for guidance on building your resume and completing the application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is Direct Hire Authority (DHA)?	Direct Hire Authority allows the Defense Health Agency to expedite the hiring process by appointing eligible candidates directly to positions without the traditional competitive civil service examination process.
What are the typical working conditions?	Work occurs both indoors and outdoors, potentially in various weather conditions, dusty or marshy areas, and spaces with limited ventilation. You may work near moving machinery, electrical circuits, and in noisy environments.
What physical demands are involved?	Requires lifting up to 50 lbs unassisted, and over 50 lbs with assistance. Involves prolonged standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in cramped or tiring positions. Moving heavy equipment is common.
What trades does this role cover?	The position covers a range of trades including carpentry, painting, sheet metal work, roofing, masonry, and tile setting.
Is relocation assistance provided?	No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this position.
Do I need to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship?	Yes, proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.
What is the minimum experience required?	While there is no specific length of training or experience required, you must be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities through your application to perform the duties without more than normal supervision.

This Maintenance Mechanic position with the Defense Health Agency at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, presents a stable and rewarding career opportunity for skilled individuals. By ensuring the proper functioning and upkeep of essential facilities, you will play a crucial role in supporting the health and readiness of our military community. With a strong hourly wage, comprehensive federal benefits, and a direct hire pathway, this is an excellent chance to advance your career in public service. Don't miss out on this chance to join a dedicated team making a significant difference. Apply today to become a vital part of the Defense Health Agency!