Summary The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic plans and lays out the work to be performed on a particular task such as ordering of material to construct and install duct work in a critical patient care area. They operate the multiple-zone air conditioning plant consisting of several centrifugal chillers. The tasks assigned are more complex and require a broad knowledge of equipment and systems and receives little to no detailed instructions in the performance of assigned tasks. Responsibilities The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries. The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence ("I CARE"). As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips. The AC Equipment Mechanic's duties will include, but are not limited to the following: Troubleshoot complex air conditioning and refrigeration systems of unusual compressor arrangements and theories. Interpret drawings, specifications, schematics, operator and parts manuals, etc. of varying degrees of complexity for complete systems such as the air conditioning equipment for MRI space. Prepare duct work diagrams in planning and laying out work. Knowledge and ability in pipefitting, electrical and plumbing trades in order to properly install such equipment as steam regulators, air regulators, refrigerant driers, ice machines, water fountains etc. Plan and lay out the work to be performed on a particular task such as ordering of material to construct and install duck work in a critical care area. Install duck work and filtration devices such as HEPA filters in critical areas such as Bone Marrow Transplant, MICU, SICU, and highly contagious areas associated with TB and HIV positive patients. Use practical knowledge in the maintenance computerized systems such as fire alarm duct detectors, refrigeration alarms, and HVAC ( heating, ventilation, air conditioning). Have a Universal Refrigerant Certification in accordance with CFR Part 82. Subpart F, which authorized him/her to install and recover refrigerants to include but not limited to R11, R12, R22, R502, R134A, R123, R404A, R409A and R408A. Repair multiple pumps and compressor systems such as primary chill water pumps, secondary chill water pumps, centrifugal chillers and reciprocating chillers. Maintain and perform preventive maintenance on the environmental control rooms. Perform operational checks on all equipment after repair and preventive maintenance. Troubleshoot and repair of multi-zone air conditioning equipment with all necessary fans, pumps, cooling towers and controls required to condition medical center space. Effectively function on the Energy Management Computer System in order to shut down equipment or systems to make repairs, correct problems, and check for proper operation of alarms. The incumbent must possess and maintain a Universal Refrigerant Certification. A legible copy of your current, valid certification must be submitted with your application in order to be considered. Work Schedule: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Monday - Friday Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD70141A Physical Requirements: The duties of this position require physical exertion involving lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying objects of varying weights, sizes and shapes. Physical effort is exerted in walking, running, climbing, crawling, and bending. Strain related to lack of movement such as standing in place, crouching or stooping for extended periods of time. Working Conditions: Incumbent is exposed to heat, restricted ventilation and poor illumination in areas such as equipment rooms. Exposed to all weather conditions when working outside (cooling towers, roof, etc.). Incumbent is exposed to varying climatic conditions from an office, to environmentally controlled space, to excessive heat in boiler plant. Exposed to various hazardous materials in the course of performing work assignments. They are provided protective clothing, equipment and safety devices for their personal protection. The equipment rooms are above the allowable decibel rating and hearing protection is provided. Hazardous gases are in the work environment during various tasks. Respiratory protection is provided for the incumbent. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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 (Electrical) 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. Education Additional Information 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's 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. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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.
