Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (COVID-19 - VA 005) in-accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3) and 5 CFR 337.205(b)(1)-(4).

This job requires performance of work during both a day shift under normal supervision, and rationally on off-hour shifts with no supervisor on site. Cooling and non-cooling seasons are determined based on the main chiller plant status. Seasons are determined based on weather conditions, facility needs, and leadership.

Cooling Season:

• Start the chiller plant, operates a centralized multiple zone air conditioning (Chiller) plant -consists of multiple chillers (steam, gas and electric), cooling towers, chill water systems, supporting equipment, and Building Management Systems (BMS).
• Responsible for other chillers, chill water systems, and supporting equipment outside the plant serving other spaces within the medical center .
• Logging, on a continuing basis, pressures and temperatures of components to include but not limited to compressor, engine, gear box, chill and condenser water lines, and all other components and systems that has reading devices.
• Performs necessary operational equipment maintenance, equipment breakdowns repairs, and other tasks as assigned
• Diagnoses malfunctions and makes repairs on air conditioning systems and all related pumps, fans motors and associated piping complete with regulating valves, temperature control valves, pressure relief valves and electronic graphic control center.
• Preventative maintenance and repairs on a variety of systems serving the medical center to include but not limited to installations and/or diagnose equipment malfunctions, repairs on a variety of refrigeration and air-conditioning units such as walk-in freezers, ice making machines, window A/C units, package units, split AC units, reach-in refrigerator, refrigerated centrifuges, and Air Handling units (AHU) as assigned
• Monitoring of system alarms, contact impacted service / area / space, respond to the location, perform corrective actions, enter comments into the system, and clear alarm when the condition stabilizes and meets regulatory requirements and parameters.
• Respond to emergencies to include but not limited to leaks, floods, fire alarm, elevator entrapments and any facility maintenance engineering related issues.

Non-Cooling Season

• Perform maintenance, installation and servicing of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment throughout the medical center. Assignments includes but not limited to lubrication of motors, blowers and valves, monthly preventative maintenance, changing and cleaning of filters and coils, cleaning and painting of equipment; punch tubes on chillers and condensers, diagnose equipment malfunctions, repairs on a variety of refrigeration and air-conditioning units such as walk-in freezers, ice making machines, window A/C units, package units, split AC units, reach-in refrigerators refrigerated centrifuges, Air Handling units (AHU).
• Monitoring of system alarms, contact impacted service / area / space, respond to the location, perform corrective actions, enter comments into the system, and clear alarm when the condition stabilizes and meets regulatory requirements and parameters.
• Respond to emergencies to include but not limited to leaks, floods, fire alarm, elevator entrapments and any facility maintenance engineering related issues.
• Preventive maintenance, work orders, and to enter all work performed into electronic work order system and update shift trouble logs.
• Performs all duties as assigned
  
  Work Schedule: Weekends, Holidays, Evenings and Nights (WHEN), on rotating shifts.
  Position Description Title/PD#: Air Cond Equipment Operator/PD08186A
  Physical Requirements: Required to climb ladders, reach and lift heavy loads of over forty pounds and walk long distances in a regular work. Required to perform a great amount of kneeling, bending, stooping, standing and climbing. Employee must be able to wear safety and protective clothing and /or equipment presented for the work setting.
  Working Conditions: Required to work both indoors and outdoors, in poorly lighted conditions, in all types of weather. Incumbent might have to work in areas of temperature extremes in plant or is exposed to changes in temperature while working on outside equipment, roof exhaust and ventilation fans. Noise level, when machines are in operation (cooling season) is high, requiring the use of ear plugs to prevent damage to the hearing. Other protective devices such as goggles, masks, and gloves may be needed periodically. Occasionally works in contaminated areas and is exposed to communicable diseases when changing filters, etc.
  Operators are also subjected to noxious gases, cuts, bruises and scrapes. Required to work in most adverse conditions (during an emergency) in areas which are noisy
  and exposed to sewage, gases and fumes. Works in all areas of the Medical Center,
  including contagious disease and/or contaminated areas.

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.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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.

Related experience includes: Working independently as a journeyman in the Knowledgeable of controls and safety devices and their functions in system, and capable of adjusting controls to meet requirements and desires. A working knowledge of functioning, purpose and location of all equipment in the system operated. Typical examples being centrifugal compressor, engine, condenser, chiller, heat exchangers, water pumps, cooling tower, filters, fans, heating and cooling coils, controls, starters, circuit breakers, valves, etc. Knowing the theory and principles of refrigeration and being capable of applying same to the operation of the plant for maximum efficiency and preventing damage to equipment. Working knowledge of HVAC equipment such as Package units, Ice Machines, Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, Split systems, air handlers, building management system, and temperature/humidity/pressure monitoring systems. This experience must be documented in your resume

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:

• Clerical
• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Inspect
• Operation of Equipment/Machinery
• Troubleshooting
• 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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Documents Accepted:

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Documents Required:

• Resume

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

Next steps