SURFACE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC
Army National Guard Units
Posted: March 25, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Air Force Materiel Command
Department of the Air Force
Location
California
Salary
$31.92 - $37.26
per hour
Type
Full-Time
More Maintenance & Trades jobs →Closes
This job involves working as a locksmith for the Air Force, where you'll repair, install, and maintain locks, keys, and security systems that include alarms, sensors, and surveillance equipment to keep facilities secure.
It's a hands-on role focused on troubleshooting and customizing locking mechanisms in sensitive environments.
A good fit would be someone with a couple of years of practical locksmith experience who enjoys technical problem-solving and working with tools in a structured, safety-conscious setting.
Veterans' preference does not apply to DHA recruitment. Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information.
The primary purpose of this position is to repair, overhaul, modify, test, and install locking devices and their working interrelationship with monitors, alarms, timing mechanisms, sensors, and other related items which make up a complete security or surveillance system, which includes the manufacture and duplication of keys and the keying of locking mechanisms.
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.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-4800 General Equipment Maintenance 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 emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.
The screen out element for this position is Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision JOB ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc.
(includes blueprinting reading) Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Trouble shooting IDEAL CANDIDATE: The Ideal Candidate will have at least two years in locksmithing, and broad knowledge of the functions and capabilities of commercially manufactured locking devices, as well as their working interrelationships with a variety of equipment such as monitors, alarms, timing mechanisms, sensors, and other related items which make up a complete security or surveillance system.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): 1.
Knowledge of the master key systems; and internal structure and operating characteristics of a wide range of makes, models, and types of common mechanical locking mechanisms and of their working interrelationship with related components comprising the locking system of the security units in which they are installed in order to select methods used in neutralizing, troubleshooting, and repairing the locking mechanisms.
2. Knowledge of various types of woods and metals in order to select appropriate tools and equipment. 3. Knowledge of safety regulations, practices, and procedures. 4.
Skill in using small hand tools; soldering irons and brazing torches; adjusting and using powered tools common to the trade. 5.
Ability to perform visual and operational checks and use dexterity and coordination between hands and eyes to remove broken keys from keyways and open standard locks. 6.
Ability to select commonly used neutralization techniques; apply technical manuals, manufacturers diagrams and specifications; and determine work sequence.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.
You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Major Duties:
Modifies and reworks locking devices to accomplish special security objectives designed to work in conjunction with other components and equipment to form a complete security or surveillance system.
Establishes and maintains master key coding systems.
Performs preventive maintenance on all security type containers such as safes, vaults, and combination file cabinets by detecting malfunctions of the locking mechanism and at the same time removing and replacing unserviceable locks, or restoring repairable locks to operating condition by disassembling, cleaning, and replacing worn, bent, or broken parts.
Makes new keys from duplications, impressions, and key codes from a variety of key blanks. Uses and maintains tools. Plans and lays out work from blueprints, sketches, specifications, and work orders.
Utilizes safety and security practices and procedures following established rules and regulations and maintains a safe, clean, and secure work environment.
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