Lead the Electrical Operations: Electrician Supervisor at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Lexington, KY

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The Lexington VA Health Care System (LVAHCS) plays a crucial role in this mission, providing comprehensive healthcare services to Veterans across central, eastern, and southern Kentucky. If you are a skilled and motivated Electrician with leadership aspirations, a unique opportunity awaits you. The VA is seeking an experienced Electrician Supervisor to oversee the vital electrical and electronic systems that support the daily operations of their facilities. This position offers a chance to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of Veterans while advancing your career in a stable and rewarding federal environment.

About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs is the second-largest federal department, committed to providing a broad range of benefits and services to America's Veterans. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), a component of the VA, is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, delivering care through hospitals, medical centers, and community-based outpatient clinics. The Lexington VA Health Care System, with its Troy Bowling Campus and Franklin R. Sousley Campus, along with several outpatient clinics, exemplifies this commitment. They strive to provide high-quality, compassionate care, and operational excellence is paramount to achieving this goal. The agency's core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE) guide their every action, fostering a culture of dedication and service.

Job Responsibilities: Guiding Electrical Excellence

As an Electrician Supervisor, you will be instrumental in ensuring the seamless functioning of the Lexington VA Health Care System's electrical infrastructure. Your primary responsibility will involve providing direction and supervision to a team of journeyman electronic mechanics, electricians, and other assigned personnel. This leadership role extends to the maintenance, installation, and repair of all electronic and electrical apparatus, with the exception of patient care medical equipment.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Team Leadership: Directing and supervising assigned staff, ensuring efficient and effective execution of tasks.
• Work Management: Initiating work orders for equipment repair and maintenance, assigning tasks to subordinates through clear oral and written instructions, and utilizing work orders, job analyses, and standard operating procedures.
• Training and Development: Providing on-the-job training and participating in formal training programs to enhance the skills of your team members.
• Communication: Effectively communicating with subordinates, management, and other stakeholders, keeping employees informed of changes within the service and the medical center.
• Contractor Oversight: Ensuring that service contractors provide all proper documentation for test reports, particularly in formats like JACHO.
• Continuous Improvement: Staying current with industry advancements by studying new literature and professional development materials.
• Safety and Compliance: Following VHA guidelines and regulatory standards related to electrical safety and assuring staff adherence to safe work practices.
• Performance Management: Evaluating employee performance, providing counseling, administering disciplinary actions when necessary, recommending performance awards, and assisting employees with personnel issues and complaints.
• Recruitment and Onboarding: Interviewing applicants, making recommendations for hiring and promotions, and assisting with the orientation of new employees.
• Leave Management: Approving and scheduling annual leave using sound judgment and good management practices to meet the operational needs of the service.
• Other Duties: Performing other assigned duties as required to support the Facilities Management Service.

Requirements: Laying the Foundation

To be considered for this critical role, applicants must meet the following essential requirements by the closing date of the announcement:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Non-citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, in accordance with VA policy.
• Suitability for Federal Employment: Candidates must be deemed suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• Drug Screening: All applicants tentatively selected for this position, which is designated as a testing position, are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with the VA.
• Selective Service Registration: Males born after December 31, 1959, are required to be registered or exempt from Selective Service registration.
• Online Onboarding: Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Identification: Acceptable forms of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements. Please note: Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Application Completion: All application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of the announcement must be completed.
• Probationary Period: As a condition of employment, you will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. During this time, your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated based on performance, conduct, agency needs, organizational goals, and the efficiency of the Federal service.

Qualification Standards and Experience

While a specific length of training and experience is not mandated, you must demonstrate evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to prove your ability to perform the duties of this position. Your resume must include detailed descriptions that support your possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. A "screen-out element" is used to evaluate the minimum acceptable qualifications; applicants who do not meet this minimum will be rated ineligible.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work. Volunteer work can significantly contribute to developing critical competencies and skills that are transferable to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer roles.

Note: A full year of work is typically considered 35-40 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited based on the actual time spent in appropriate activities. Clearly indicate the nature of your duties, responsibilities, and hours worked per week for each position listed on your resume.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly wage, reflecting the skills and responsibilities involved. The salary range for the Electrician Supervisor role is between $40.06 and $46.74 per hour.

Benefits: Investing in Your Future

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support its employees and their families. While specific details are best confirmed upon hiring, Federal employees typically enjoy:

• Health Insurance: A choice of comprehensive health plans (Federal Employees Health Benefits Program).
• Life Insurance: Federal Employee's Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a robust retirement plan.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual (vacation) leave and sick leave accrual based on years of federal service. The VA may also offer credit for prior non-federal or military experience towards annual leave accrual, subject to approval.
• Paid Holidays: 11 federal holidays per year.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and career advancement.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period) based on their years of Federal service. The VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. For more detailed information, please visit http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp.

Application Process and Tips

Applying for this position is done online through USAJOBS. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is complete and considered:

1. Create/Log In: Visit USAJOBS.gov and create a new account or log in to your existing one.
2. Apply Online: Click the "Apply Online" button for this announcement.
3. Select Documents: Choose your USAJOBS resume and any other necessary supporting documents.
4. Occupational Questionnaire: Complete the required occupational questionnaire accurately and thoroughly.
5. Submit: Submit your complete application package by the closing date, September 30, 2027, at 11:59 PM EST.

Helpful Hints for a Strong Application:

• Resume Length: Federal guidelines now recommend resumes be no longer than two pages. Focus on prioritizing your most relevant and recent experience.
• Clarity and Specificity: Use concise, results-oriented language. Clearly align your resume content with the knowledge, skills, and abilities mentioned in the job announcement. Avoid vague descriptions.
• Demonstrate Competencies: Ensure your resume explicitly demonstrates how you possess the required skills and competencies for this supervisory role.
• Formatting: Save and upload your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and page count. Use a clear, readable font (e.g., Lato, Calibri, Arial) in a suitable size (10-14pt).
• Required Documents: Carefully review the "Required Documents" section. Missing documentation, such as a copy of your SF-50 or ICTAP/CTAP documentation if applicable, can lead to ineligibility. You will not be contacted for missing information.
• Application Status: You can track the status of your application by logging into your USAJOBS account and navigating to the 'Applications' section.

Preview Questionnaire: You can preview the occupational questionnaire before applying at: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13095341

What to Expect Next

After the vacancy announcement closes, your application will be evaluated to ensure you meet all qualification and eligibility requirements. A referral certificate will be issued to the selecting official, and you will be notified of your status via email regarding the next steps in the hiring process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: What is the salary range for this position? A: The salary for this Electrician Supervisor position ranges from $40.06 to $46.74 per hour.

• Q: What are the work hours for this position? A: The work schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

• Q: Is this position open to the public? A: Yes, this position is open to the public, as well as career transition candidates.

• Q: Are veterans given preference for this role? A: While this position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority, where traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply, qualified veterans will be given full consideration.

• Q: What documents are required for the application? A: The primary required document is a Resume. Other accepted documents include a Cover Letter, DD-214/Statement of Service, Disability Letter (VA), License, Performance Appraisal, Professional Certification, Separation Notice (RIF), SF-15, and SF-50/Notification of Personnel Action. Ensure you submit all necessary documents to determine your qualifications and eligibility.

• Q: What is the Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)? A: Direct-Hire Authority allows agencies to quickly appoint eligible individuals without competing the announcement through traditional competitive procedures. This position is being filled using DHA for the Electrician occupation.

This Electrician Supervisor position with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lexington, Kentucky, presents a significant opportunity for experienced electricians to transition into a leadership role within a mission-driven organization. By ensuring the reliability and safety of critical infrastructure, you will directly support the VA's commitment to providing excellent healthcare for our nation's Veterans. If you possess strong technical skills, proven leadership abilities, and a desire to serve, we encourage you to submit your application by the deadline. Join the VA team and make a lasting impact.