Summary This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 6), Durham VA Medical Center, Engineering Service, Operations Unit, Durham, North Carolina. The primary duties of this position involve repairing and modifying a variety of equipment and systems that achieve regulated climatic conditions. Responsibilities Duties include, but are not limited to: Maintains, repairs, installs and modifies complex Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment and systems; maintaining, repairing, installing and modifying refrigerated storage equipment. Operates, maintains and modifies the highly complex Siemens Apogee computerized central environmental monitoring control system to optimize efficiency and energy savings, while maintaining environmental functions, i.e., temperature, humidity and ventilation at proper levels for patient care and other facility operations. Troubleshoot, diagnose, replace, repair and evaluate the HVAC system and its subsystems and components by use of the laptop computer, multi-meters, air flow and static pressure measuring instruments, logic diagrams, as-built electronic control drawings electronic schematics and manufacturer's literature. Performs maintenance, installation, troubleshooting and repairs of domestic and commercial refrigeration equipment and systems such as walk-in coolers, refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, ultra-low freezers, water coolers, etc., and Canteen cafeteria and Dietetic Service main kitchen equipment. Lay-out, fabricates and installs sheet metal and ductwork for a variety of air conditioning, heating and ventilating applications. Maintains and repairs the medical air and medical vacuum systems, including vacuum pumps, air compressors, piping, etc. in accordance with applicable regulations and policies. Repair, modify, program, troubleshoot and adjust highly complex systems of electronic sensing and control such as centralized Environment Monitoring and Control Systems (EMCS) that use special purpose, dedicated computers to store operating parameters and initiate adjustments. Perform data and processing unit's conversion. Troubleshoot using Boolean algebra to construct truth tables and logic equations for analysis of logic circuits and program simple test instructions in the PPCL language at a front end workstation or laptop at the field level network panel or floor level controller to check out particular circuits or functions. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD06331A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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 or trial 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, 05/14/2026. 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. Physical Requirements: Frequently carries and sets up parts and equipment that weighs up to 50 pounds. Hoists, holders, and pulleys are operated when removing units such as large compressors, condensers and chillers. Makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding and platforms where the parts of systems worked on are frequently in hard to-reach places; therefore, frequently stretching, bending, and kneeling long periods of time. Working Conditions: Usually works inside but is occasionally required to work outside on top of tall buildings during periods of inclement weather, in drafty attic spaces, and in cramped areas with low overheads. Uncomfortable facemasks and protective clothing may be occasionally worn when there is a possibility of exposure to hazards, such as toxic refrigerants when making emergency repairs. Subject to cuts, burns electrical shocks and respiratory ailments. Exposure to concentrated amounts of refrigerant gases may cause toxic effects to eyes, skin and internal organs. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information 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. 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. 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.
