Summary The Incumbent serves as an Air Conditioning Mechanic within the Facilities Management Service within the Wilkes Barre VA Medical Center and Out Patient Clinics and reports to the Assistant Maintenance and Operations Supervisor. The incumbent's primary responsibility is to ensure the effective and reliable operation of complex special purpose air conditioning systems required for providing precise and critical climatic conditions in a Level 2 Hospital. Responsibilities Duties include but not limited to: Work without supervision requiring the incumbent to use superior knowledge and skills when repairing, installing, modifying, and/or balancing various elements that are designed to meet a wide variety of extreme and critical conditions. Repair and replace commercial and institutional pumps, compressors, air compressors, motors, bearings, blower wheels, refrigeration compressors, steam converters, condensate pumps, control valves, dampers, ventilation equipment, electrical control components, sheet metal ducting and components. . Maintain, repair, install, modify, overhaul and make adjustments to complex heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration equipment systems. Brings tools, equipment and materials appropriate to work assignment to and from the work site and shop and storage areas. Read and interpret blueprints and schematics such as Electrical, Direct Digital Controls, Pneumatic Controls, and the Building Automation System to perform preventive maintenance and troubleshoot faulty equipment repair. Please be advised this occupation is currently undergoing a classification consistency review that may result in a change in title, series, and/or grade if determined by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). A consistency review is required for this position as a result of an OPM appeal related to the occupation. A "consistency review" is the process that involves a classification review of positions performing work that is identical, similar, or related to an OPM appeal to ensure they are classified consistently and in accordance with OPM standards. If a reduction in grade occurs, you could be eligible for grade and/or pay retention.* Work Schedule: Tuesday thru Friday 6:00 am-4:30 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Air Cond Equip Mechanic/PD01149A Physical Requirements: Muscular Effort and foot, leg, eye, hand and arm coordination are required for using tools and making repairs on equipment while working in awkward positions in cramped, dark, and elevated environments. Normal daily physical effort requires:1. Lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling up to 50lbs individually2. Lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of more than 50lbs with assistance from others3. Frequent climbing and balancing4. Significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling. Working Conditions: The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic works inside and outside for extended periods in cramped, dark, damp, hot, cold, dusty, noisy, and dangerous conditions including on roof tops during periods of inclement weather, in interstitial spaces, walk in coolers, inside large air conditioning equipment, and mechanic rooms, etc. The incumbent works around multiple sources of dangerous energy such as live electricity, running motors, hydraulic systems, springs, moving pulleys, spinning fans, and steam. The incumbent works around and is sometimes exposed to multiple hazardous materials including liquid and gas refrigerant, lubricating oil, pathogens, asbestos, and cleaning solvents. As a result, the mechanic is required at times to wear proper protective personnel equipment (PPE) including Arc Flash rated suits, eye protection, respirators, Tyvek Suits, hard hats, and steel toed boots to complete assigned tasks and prevent injuries from cuts, burns, electrical shocks, 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) Technical Practices 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. 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.
