Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic

The VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION is seeking a skilled Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic to join our team. As a key member of our Facility Management Service, you will be responsible for maintaining and repairing refrigeration equipment and systems, including heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems. This is a critical role that requires a high level of technical expertise and attention to detail.

• Install and repair large systems that provide cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying, cleaning, filtering, and circulation of air, as well as reheat in VAV boxes for the air handlers to boost temps.
• Recognize the causes of faulty equipment and perform complex repairs that may include disassembly and reassembly, fitting, and overhauling various parts and equipment.
• Modify and balance various elements of systems designed to meet a variety of conditions.
• Maintain and repair all refrigeration equipment and systems assigned to the HVAC unit.
• Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on all air handlers and fan coils.
• Maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of pneumatic controls, Andover, Siemens, Delta, Allerton, and other installed DDC systems.
• Create and close work orders daily, or as necessary, to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission standards as well as to account for labor hours, materials, etc.
• Responsible for the maintenance and repair on critical temperature equipment systems.
• Will do layout and modify/design A/C ducts, calculate C.F.M.s positive and negative pressures of HVAC systems concerning the environment of the space to be used, sizes of ducts, modifying pneumatic controls, calculating heat loads, calculating components that affect A/C sizing such as friction, static pressure, fan curves, and motor sheaves and other critical elements associated in the trades.
• Experience in troubleshooting varied sizes and shapes of refrigeration and A/C systems equipment.
• Checks for leaks by visual and audible examination of equipment components by applying prescribed test procedures and equipment and by exploration of probable reasons for equipment failure.
• Understands and applies principles and theories of air conditioning and refrigeration such as the refrigeration cycle, heat transfer laws, the use of refrigerant tables; how to calculate airflow, and the pressure-temperature characteristics for the different systems to locate and repair faulty equipment, reducing down time to a minimum; identifies problems before dismantling, and makes repairs, ensuring proper functioning after reassembly.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Monday through Friday, 2 PM to 10:30 PM

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Pre-employment physical required.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/31/2024.

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, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. 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; Technical Practices; Troubleshooting; 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.

The physical effort expended equates to lifting and moving large pieces of equipment and material, maneuvered into and out of confined areas. Hoists, holders, and pulleys are operated when removing units such as large compressors, condensers, and chillers. Carries objects weighing up to 50 pounds, makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms where the parts of the system worked on are frequently in hard-to-reach places. Work involves stooping, stretching, bending, and kneeling are frequently for longer periods of time than usual.

The incumbent is required to work outside on occasions when temperatures reach beyond 100oF and in outside environments with heavy smog. The incumbent works in drafty air handlers and in cramped areas with low overhead. Uncomfortable face masks and protective gear may be occasionally worn when there is a possibility of exposure to toxic refrigerants used in large amounts, electricity, or any other hazards. Shall be required to perform Lock/Out Tag/Out procedures to de-energize sources of energy.

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious, or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits: A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefits.Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.