Air Condition Equipment Mechanic Job in Fort Wayne, IN

Vacancy No. CBSR-12811309-26-HYC Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $31.41 to $36.79 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/3/2025 Close Date 3/31/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort Wayne, IN


Summary

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until March 31, 2026 or until all positions are filled.

Performs all repairs and maintenance on HVAC and refrigeration equipment within the Medical Center. Operates of all equipment and controls associated with large, centralized, multiple zone HVAC systems such as centrifugal compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, heat exchangers, cooling towers, fans, air handlers, variable frequency drives (VFD), variable air boxes (VAV).

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties

The duties of the Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic includes but is not limited to:

  • Maintains the operation of all equipment and controls associated with large, centralized, multiple zone HVAC systems such as centrifugal compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, heat exchangers, cooling towers, fans, air handlers, variable frequency drives (VFD), variable air boxes (VAV), alarm systems, starters, circuit breakers.
  • Possess a working knowledge of various types of pneumatic, electric or electronic control devises and sensors. Incumbent must possess a working knowledge of commercial refrigeration to maintain, trouble shoot and repair walk-in coolers, freezers, ice machines refrigerators, etc.
  • Conducts service calls, log tours, preventive maintenance inspections, major and minor repairs, balancing of supply and exhaust systems, cleanliness of equipment and spaces, removal of obsolete equipment and the installation of new equipment and systems.
  • Installs, maintains, and calibrates both electronic and pneumatic controls such as relays, humidistat's, temperature controls, solenoid valves, chiller water valves, steam valves and other components used in conjunction with air conditioning, refrigeration and heating system.
  • Works with voltage from 24V AC and DC to 480V AC and with 1-phase and 3-phase; installs and services electric motors from 1/6 HP to 575 HP.
  • Performs preventive maintenance on diffusers, induction cabinets, mixing boxes and motorized fire dampers.
  • Maintains exhaust fans, fume hood fans, return air fans, and both direct and belt-driving types.
  • Tests water in all cooling towers and closed loop systems for residual chemical levels and add chemical for the control of alkalinity, algae, and scale formation.
  • Locates source of trouble and troubleshoots malfunctions in advanced equipment and systems using numerous testing techniques and devices to test equipment.
  • Reads blue prints of machinery and systems; utilizes electrical prints and schematic drawings to determine faults in systems.
  • Uses tools and equipment associated with the trade such as air flow hood, velocity meter, refrigerant recovery devices, volt meters, leak testers, gauges, and recording meters.
  • Uses various hand and power tools, including those associated with pipefitting and sheet metal trades.
  • Cuts, thread and install pipes; cuts and solders brass tubing; charge or purge refrigeration and air systems; adjust heating systems; repairs and replaces pumps; clean and repair heat exchangers; removes and replaces bearing, rings, valves, gaskets, and other similar parts; cleans or replaces filters; regulates water treatment in cooling towers.
  • Responsible for initiating and ensuring completion of all paperwork, i.e., work orders, preventive maintenance sheets, equipment logs, Freon inventory, water test reports, and new equipment sheets.
  • Prepares requests for repair parts, material, and operating supplies using manufacturer's pamphlets and commercial trade catalogs and submit to Maintenance Supervisor for ordering.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday (1st Shift 7:00am-3:30pm)
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Condition Equipment Mechanic 92453-A
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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: Applicants must receive a minimum of two points on the below screen-out element to be deemed eligible for consideration.
  • Ability to perform the duties of the Position without more than normal supervision (Commercial experience in air conditioning and/or refrigeration installation; Service and repair on a variety of equipment (i.e. air handlers, variable frequency drives, heat exchangers, condensers, walk-in coolers, freezers, hydronic systems, ductwork, piping, building automation systems)

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR. This position includes a Selective Placement Factor (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration.
  • Must possess a current and unexpired universal Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) certification. (NOTE: You must submit a copy of your certification)

JOB ELEMENTS. The below job elements (skills, knowledge, abilities, and personal characteristics considered necessary for success on the job) are approved by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for individual occupations as well as for jobs having common requirements.
  • Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
  • Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
  • Materials
  • Technical Practices
  • Troubleshooting
  • Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment

Must possess a current and unexpired State issued motor vehicle's license. (NOTE: DO NOT submit a copy of your driver's license at this time) NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore, please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid stated issued Driver's License.

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.

Note: Your answers will be verified against the information you provide in your resume or application and information your references provide. If you do not clearly document your experience in your resume, you will be rated ineligible.

Physical Requirements: Strenuous physical effort is required while dismantling and reassembling equipment. The incumbent frequently carries and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. The incumbent must work from ladders, scaffolding, etc., where parts of systems worked on are frequently in hard-to-reach places. Stooping, stretching, bending, and kneeling are frequently encountered for long periods of time. Hand dexterity is a critical requirement in completing most tasks.

Working Conditions: Incumbent must be mentally alert and physically capable at all times, as this type of work is very hard and hazardous. The incumbent works both inside and outside of the Medical Center and is required to work in cramped areas with low overheads. The incumbent is subject to exposure from toxic refrigerants. Incumbent will be required to wear personal protective equipment while performing certain tasks. Occasionally required to work in drafty attic spaces and in cramped areas with low overheads. Subject to escaping gases when making emergency repairs. Also works in areas subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, dirt chemicals, oils and fumes. Subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, steam, hot water, and contact with boilers. Works on catwalks and ladders.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority VA-010, in accordance with 5 U.S.C § 3304(a)(3) and 5C.F.R. § 337.205(b)"(1)-(4)", for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA) based on their critical hiring needs.

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.

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.

VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

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.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the 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.

Required Documents

Documents Required:

  • Universal Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) certification
  • Resume


NOTE: Effective 9/29/2025 all submitted applications must contain resumes limited to two-pages in length and anything longer is prohibited. Only the first two-pages will be considered for qualification purposes for this announcement.

Documents Accepted:
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Universal Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) certification
  • Other (2)
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action


MOST RECENT SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee;
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.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/31/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12811309.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.

Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.

Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.

Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:

  • Prioritize most relevant and recent experience
  • Use concise, results focused language
  • Align language from the job announcement
  • Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies
  • Remove outdated or unrelated experience
  • Use the USAJOBS resume builder

Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at:
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Henry Chen
Address
Northern Indiana HCS
1700 East 38th Street
Marion, IN 46953
US

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.