Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic

Major duties include but not limited to:

• Systems and equipment use several methods of air conditioning such as mechanical compression direct expansion systems and chilled water systems using central chilling units. There are central air-conditioning plants including station-chilled water plant totals 5803.5 tons and 2495.5 tons 508.5 tons and 328.5 tons of package and window units 16 cold storage vaults with individual compressors and numerous other refrigeration compressors and equipment for chilled water and ice supply including commercial and residential types totaling an additional 300 tons of refrigeration.
• Requesting materials parts equipment and chemicals for plants and unit maintenance and operation; planning for alterations repairs and maintenance of all operating equipment; observing and making necessary changes for the best efficiency of maintenance and repairs and operations; and conserving manpower utilities and supplies.
• Utilizing the proper method of recovering refrigerant and daily checks of operation of the chillers chiller water pumps condensing water pumps tower fans and motors thermostats and control air compressors. Tests and treats the chilled water and the condensate water to prevent scale and corrosion. Inspects the daily chemical analysis of condenser water and other treated water for accuracy and effectiveness of treatment.
• Dismantling repairing and reassembling complete units such as pumps impellers compressors chillers receivers and evaporators. Repair work involves overhauling valves by adjusting or replacing gaskets springs floats diaphragms valve fittings seals and coupling; and aligning motors and flywheel drives.
• On spring start-up all strainers must be removed and cleaned drain valves closed towers flushed and cleaned towers filled and treated bearings lubricated belts checked and replaced as necessary dampers properly positioned control air compressor checked for proper operation and all thermostats set for the designated temperature.
• For fall shut-down all equipment must be lubricated worn parts must be replaced and seasonal maintenance must be performed as necessary; systems must be evaluated changed and tested as necessary.
• Maintains continuous operation and performs maintenance and repairs on various types of air conditioning and refrigeration by recognizing the cause of equipment malfunctions or faulty equipment and making the proper adjustments or needed repairs.
• Plans selects and orders material for service and repair work. Works from drawings schematics blueprints work orders and verbal instructions to perform assigned tasks.
• Answers calls for non-scheduled service which involves diagnosis and repair of commercial equipment with little or no supervision. Identifies abnormal function of equipment and control sequences and takes necessary action to correct problems.
• Maintains installs repairs and replaces pneumatic and direct digital control (DDC) systems. Operates the campus-wide building automation system (BAS) currently the HVAC control systems. Uses computers work stations and hand-held interface devices to monitor program and change operational systems software as required.
• Incumbent monitors campus BAS throughout the day and makes necessary changes without work orders or supervisory instruction to prevent problems. Uses the ideology of continuous commissioning to ensure buildings are up to standards in order to prevent emergency calls.
• Incumbent responds to after work emergency calls from the Boiler Plant.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD01013A
Physical Requirements:
Functional Requirements - Heavy lifting 45 pounds and over; Moderate carrying 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (1-3 hours); Standing (1-3 hours); Crawling (1-3 hours); Kneeling (1-3 hours); Repeated bending (1-3 hours); Climbing use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Operation of crane truck tractor or motor vehicle; Near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Depth perception; Hearing (aid permitted); Specific hearing requirements
Environmental Factors - Outside Outside and inside; Excessive heat; Excessive cold; Excessive noise intermittent; Dust; Solvents (degreasing agents); Electrical energy; Slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Working around machinery with moving parts; Working around moving objects or vehicles; Working on ladders or scaffolding; Working closely with others; Working alone; Protracted or irregular hours of work

• 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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers 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 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.

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.