Air Conditioner Equipment Operator Job in Northport, NY

Vacancy No. CBTE-12625767-25-AC Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $33.54 to $39.18 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/27/2024 Close Date 12/11/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Northport, NY


Summary

The incumbent is responsible for the operation of Chiller Plant, maintenance and repair of a wide variety of HVAC equipment and systems which serve the entire Medical Center and monitoring of facility's Temperature / Humidity / Pressure Differential System. HVAC systems includes, but is not limited to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and associated equipment.

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

Cooling Season
During the cooling season, which is determined based on weather conditions, facility needs, and leadership (General Forman, Assistant Chief Engineer, Chief Engineer, Associate Director, Medical Center Director) instructions to start the chiller plant, the incumbent operates a centralized multiple zone air conditioning (Chiller) plant that serves the medical center's Buildings. The chiller plant consists of multiple chillers (steam, gas and electric), cooling towers, chill water systems, supporting equipment, and Building Management Systems (BMS).

The incumbent is also responsible for other chillers, chill water systems, and supporting equipment outside the plant serving other spaces within the medical center.

On a continuing basis, incumbent logs 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.

Non-Cooling Season
During the non-cooling season, which is determined based on weather conditions, facility needs, and leadership (General Forman, Assistant Chief Engineer, Chief Engineer, Associate Director, Medical Center Director) instructions, the incumbent will 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). and any other tasks assigned by immediate supervisor, Maintenance and operations supervisor, Assistant chief engineer, and chief engineer.

The incumbent performs other duties as assigned as directed by immediate supervisor, Maintenance and operations supervisor, Assistant chief engineer, and chief engineer. including but not limited to preventive maintenance, work orders, and to enter all work performed into electronic work order system and update shift trouble logs.

Work Schedule: Monday-Sunday, rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends to support 24/7.
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioner Equipment Operator/PD02175A
Physical Requirements: Incumbent is required to climb ladders, reach and lift heavy loads of over forty pounds and walk long distances in a regular work. Incumbent is 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. Incumbent is 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.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
  • May serve a probationary period
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

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:
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
  • Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Operation of Equipment/Machinery
  • Technical Practices
  • Without more than normal supervision


Certification Requirement (Screen-Out): In accordance with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, this position requires a current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Universal Certification. Applicants who do not meet this requirement are ineligible for further consideration.

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

N/A

Additional information

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

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.

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. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

Required Documents

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.

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 12/11/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12625767.

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. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

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

Adrianne Caldwell
Address
Northport VA Medical Center
79 Middleville Road Building 200
Northport, NY 11768
US
Learn more about this agency

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.