Summary The incumbent is a Journeyman Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic in the Mechanical Maintenance Unit of the Maintenance and Operations Section of the Engineering Service located at VAWNYHS for second shift work hours. The purpose of the position is to perform a variety of straightforward work in installing and identifying the causes of faulty refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, and repairing the equipment. Responsibilities Repairs and maintains Heating, Ventilating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning systems independently. Repairs complex systems where malfunctions are difficult to diagnose. Repairs refrigeration systems which incorporate a variety of compressors, refrigerants, and expansion valves and controls. Knowledge of systems whose parameters are monitored and controlled by a computer based system Troubleshoots and repairs a variety of HVAC operations, such as reheat, vav, and dual duct systems, along with various other @types, using principles, theories, and trade practices in order to locate and repair faulty equipment quickly. Use printed material found in instruction books, pamphlets, manuals, and handbooks. Also able to read blue prints, schematics, and perspective drawings. Routine maintenance and care of tools and equipment relating to the installation and repair of HVAC and Refrigeration Systems Keeps abreast of new regulations and standards in order to maintain knowledge on proper material usage. Troubleshoot prior to repair, to identify the source of HVAC and Refrigeration Malfunctions and develop corrective action. Work Schedule: Mon- Fri , 0700 -1530 Position Description Title/PD#: Air Cond Equip Mechanic/PD18150A Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized for highly qualified applicants Physical Requirements: The Mechanic handles and carries tools equipment and testing devices that seldom weigh over 50 pounds. Work is normally at sites where equipment can be reached from the floor or ladders except in the Medical Research Building where much of the equipment is accessible only from ladders or hydraulic lifts. Platforms and scaffolding may be necessary on parts of the A/C system such as fans, electrical and water lines and ductwork and hoists or pulleys are used to reach and maneuver large, heavy equipment. Incumbent is required to stoop, stretch, bend, kneel and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Working Conditions: Most work is done inside but also work will be required outside as well. Working environment will be throughout building including mechanical spaces, rooftops, basements and lowered area ways. Incumbent is frequently subjected to sudden temperature changes when working on equipment such as walk-in freezer units. Refrigerator leaks may be encountered. Incumbents wear protective clothing and face shields as needed. Incumbent is occasionally subjected to cuts, burns, electrical shock and respiratory ailments. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated 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 VA. Selective Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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 Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision 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.
