Summary The primary purpose of this position is to work as an Insulating Worker and an Apprentice Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic performing alterations and improvement of the medical center. The incumbent will work within the Rome and Syracuse VAMC Operations and Repair Shop. Responsibilities Perform work where insulating workers install a variety of insulating materials such as fiberglass, magnesia, unibestos, and unicellular foam on the regular shaped surfaces of pipes, tanks, boilers, ducts, and other structures which have predominantly straight runs or surfaces and regular curves. Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanics perform a variety of straightforward work in installing and identifying the causes of faulty refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, and repairing the equipment. Insulating Work : Work under the close supervision of a higher graded worker or supervisor while installing insulation to reduce heat loss or absorption, prevent moisture condensation, or reduce sound levels Use a variety of prefabricated insulating blocks, pads, sheets, or molded forms, and some installations require the use of insulating materials in cement or plaster form for trowel application Measuring, cutting, trimming, and fitting insulating materials in accordance with detailed oral or written procedures and the use of such trade tools and equipment as knives, rasps, scissors and palms to cut, form, and install the materials Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic : identify the causes of faulty equipment and makes repairs on a variety of domestic and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning units and systems such as walk-in and reach-in coolers, refrigerators, ice cream cabinets, deep freezers, evaporative coolers, attic and evaporative fans, and other equipment of comparable complexity. Conducts tests of air conditioning units and makes straightforward repairs that can be made without specialized equipment. Makes visual, audible and mechanical checks for the proper temperature of conditioned spaces Ensure the proper operation of different parts of the refrigeration cycle; proper oil levels; unusual noises; overheated bearings; loose connections ; faulty insulation; frayed or loose belts, gaskets and pulleys; and other similar defects Work Schedule: Rotating shifts as needed (07:00a - 3:30p , 2:30p - 11:00p) Position Description Title/PD#: Maintenance Mechanic/PD18118O Physical Requirements: The work requires continual standing, walking, climbing, and bending, occasionally, they are required to do heavy lifting of up to 45 kilograms (100 pounds) while carrying mortar, scaffolds, ladders, and other materials. Crawling short distances and working from a kneeling position for extended periods of time will be required. Working Conditions: The worker may perform assigned tasks inside well lighted and ventilated locations or outside under good weather conditions. They may occasionally be exposed to extreme heat or cold while working in enclosed machinery locations, and may be required to work in noisy, damp, or dirty areas. They frequently work from ladders, staging, or elevated platforms or in tight locations in the immediate vicinity of exposed steam piping. The workers are also subject to cuts, abrasions, and burns while using trade tools and equipment. They may occasionally be exposed to the possibility of bruises or broken bones. The installation and removal of insulating materials frequently creates airborne dust particles that require the wearing of respiratory safety devices or other protective apparel which may be restrictive and uncomfortable. 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. License requirement : valid class D driver's license to commute to the Rome CBOC and any other VA Leased Facility 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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading) Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Knowledge of Materials Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments 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 There are no educational requirements for this position. Additional Information The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. 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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
