Summary
This Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic position is located in Facilities Management at the VA Boston Healthcare System. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week.
This is an open and continuous job opportunity announcement. Certificates are issued on an unannounced periodic basis based on requests from management. Applications will be evaluated and referred for selection as vacancies occur within the organization. This announcement may close at any time once all positions are filled.
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 in accordance with Office of Personnel Management approved Direct Hire Authority VA-010, in accordance with 5 U.S.C 3304(a)(3) and 5 C.F.R. 337.205(b)(l)-(4). VHA approves VA-010 through December 31, 2028, at all grade levels (or equivalent) and all VHA locations nationwide in the occupations and series listed below: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic, WG-5306.
Duties
The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic works independently to perform duties involved in the inspection, repair, overhaul, services and maintains a variety of complex air conditioning, refrigeration, medical air and vacuum systems. He/she services and maintains the fire alarm systems which incorporate a variety of complex electronic and pneumatic control systems for a major tertiary care medical center.
- Performs duties involved in the inspection, repair, overhaul, services and maintains a variety of complex air conditioning, refrigeration, medical air and vacuum systems during other than the administrative work week.
- Manages and determines appropriate response to take in case of breakdown/malfunctions that require determinations of immediate action (e.g., call in contractor, call in appropriate tradespersons, call in supervisor, etc.) based on impacts on health and safety or whether the more routine repairs can be completed later.
- Maintains and performs repairs, calibrations, testing, troubleshooting, modifications, replacements and installations of refrigeration equipment to include chillers, air conditioning units, coils, freezers, coolers, walk in coolers, air dryers and dehumidifying equipment, ice machines, and other similar equipment.
- Utilizes the energy management system, a computer controlled system, that covers a variety of electronic and pneumatically controlled air conditioning systems and units using several types of Freon and glycol refrigerants, chillers, hundreds of individual vents with associated special filters, dampers and damper motors, steam and hot water piping, valves and pumps to include chemical additives, air handling ducts, fan units, cooling towers, chilled water systems, hazardous materials exhaust hoods, smoke ejections fans, etc.
- Inspects, maintains, and repairs air handling equipment in patient/isolation rooms.
- Maintains and repairs all medical, dental, sterile processing, surgical gas supply systems equipment, dust collection, and medical vacuum equipment, clinical and morgue air handling/cooling systems, blood storage areas, sterilization areas, walk-in coolers and freezers, research areas (requiring special humidity and temperature control systems), hot water converters, etc. at all times and after normal hours, fire alarm systems, elevators, swimming pool, and monitors oxygen deliveries after hours.
- Dismantles, repairs, and reassembles units such as pumps, impellers, compressors, chillers, receivers and evaporators.
- Locates trouble before dismantling and to make repairs which insure proper functioning after assembly.
- Visually checks for leaks and makes audible examination of equipment components for proper operation.
- Applies prescribed test procedures and explores probable reasons for equipment failure.
- Utilizes chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment and alarm systems, maintains records and performs all service and maintenance repairs in accordance with agency and environmental protection regulations.
- Monitors and evaluates effectiveness (including safety, infection control, etc.) of work performed by contractors.
- Measures, calculates, balances, and adjusts cubic feet per minute (CFM) readings for air handling systems.
- Performs system modifications necessary to meet changes to space usage which may be required to meet additional heat loads for new equipment installs.
- Uses a portable hand held computer device to query and reprogram individual units at the work site.
- Based on electronic, visual information, and preventive maintenance schedules, maintains and performs repairs, testing, calibrations, troubleshooting, modifications, replacements and installations of automatic temperature controls, controllers, relays, valve and damper actuators, pneumatic and electronic control components, thermostats, etc.
- Utilizes scroll, small to large reciprocating, and screw compressors.
- Interprets diagrams, drawings, technical manuals, and other instructions for air conditioning equipment.
- Utilizes a variety of hand tools, instruments, and test equipment associated with the craft.
- Troubleshoots refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and systems malfunctions.
Work Schedule: To be determined by management
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic / PD#523A-02008-A
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station: Not authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): This occupation is currently approved for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive through 10/05/2024. Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI for a pro-rated amount if onboard prior to the CSI expiration date. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI.
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:
- Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
- Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading)
- Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
- Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.
- Knowledge of Materials
- Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
- Troubleshooting
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.
Knowledge Required by the Position
- Comprehensive knowledge of refrigeration and air conditioning parts, supplies, and materials.
- Specialized knowledge of electronic and pneumatic controls and the construction characteristics of air conditioning, refrigeration and heating systems, and air/gas handling systems to maintain critical climatic conditions.
- Knowledge of the contacts of current contractors.
- Knowledge of the safety policies and procedures of the VA, EPA, OSHA, NFPA, JCAHO, and other clinical and administrative safety organizations.
- Practical knowledge of electronics and related computer control systems. It requires the ability to read and evaluate schematic diagrams and blueprints.
- Knowledge of scroll, small to large reciprocating, and screw compressors.
- Knowledge of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment assembly, installation and repair. Ability to interpret diagrams, drawings, technical manuals, and other instructions for air conditioning equipment.
- Skill in using a variety of hand tools, instruments, and test equipment associated with the craft.
- Ability to troubleshoot refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and systems malfunctions, and DOC circuits.
- Ability to demonstrate reliability and dependability in working with air conditioning and refrigerant equipment.
- Ability to operate a variety of electronic equipment such as volt and ohm meters, torches and brazing equipment, a variety of hand tools, such as pneumatic calibration equipment, air flow measuring devices, refrigerant gauges, etc.
- Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical equipment manuals that are used in the maintenance and repair of equipment and systems.
- Ability to respond effectively to emergencies and to communicate effectively with a wide variety of personnel.
- Ability to locate trouble before dismantling and to make repairs which insure proper functioning after assembly.
- Ability to dismantle, repair, and reassemble units such as pumps, impellers, compressors, chillers, receivers and evaporators.
- Ability to visually check for leaks and make audible examination of equipment components for proper operation.
- Ability to apply prescribed test procedures and to explore probable reasons for equipment failure.
- Ability to perform system modifications necessary to meet changes to space usage which may be required to meet additional heat loads for new equipment installations; or to support conversion of administrative space to patient care while meeting all national and VA standards.
- Ability to interpret and apply the National Electrical Code, local codes, building plans, and blueprints, wiring diagrams, and engineering diagrams.
- The position requires EPA certification in order to handle and remove handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
Physical Requirements: Moderate to heavy physical effort is required due to the size and location of the equipment. The employee frequently lifts, carries sets up parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally heavier weights. The incumbent frequently has to bend, stoop, reach and hold awkward positions due to the cramped spaces with a lot of equipment and pipes, or ducts in the way. Works in high areas due to equipment that is placed on the roof and sometimes not easily accessible. Makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding and platforms where the parts of systems worked on are frequently in hard-to-reach places; therefore, stooping, stretching, bending and kneeling are frequently for long periods of time.
Working Conditions: The incumbent works indoors and outside. While outside the employee is subject to all sorts of climatic conditions. The employee has to exhibit care in his/her work practices due to the occupational hazards from a variety of machinery such as motors, pumps, fans, hot or cold areas, falls, high voltage areas, falls, etc. Wears appropriate safety equipment and follows safety policies and procedures. The employee will occasionally be required to work outside, on top of buildings, in drafty attic spaces, and in cramped areas with low overheads. Subject to cuts, burns, electrical shocks and respiratory ailments. Employee uses/wears any safety equipment or other items required and provided by the employer.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
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.
Resume Reminder: Your resume must include the following information each job listed:
- Job title
- Duties (be as detailed as possible)
- Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
- Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
- Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
- This position is in the Competitive Service.
- The restriction on movement of an employee following appointment using Direct Hire Authority (following competitive appointment in 5 C.F.R. 330.502) applies for the first 90 days.
- Individuals appointed under Direct Hire Authority procedures receive appointments to competitive service positions. Consistent with 5 C.F.R. 315.801, 5 C.F.R. 315.802 and 5 C.F.R. 316.304, an individual is required to serve a 1 year probationary unless the individual has prior service that counts toward completion of the probationary period.
- Veterans' preference in hiring does not apply when selecting individuals under VA's Direct Hire Authority. When hiring under Direct Hire Authority, the law allows selecting officials to hire applicants without regard to 5 U.S.C. 3309-3318, which eliminates the requirement for applying Veterans' preference. VA HR Offices may assess and select any qualified applicant in the order applicants are received.
- This is a TERM appointment (not-to-exceed 3 years). Term appointments are non-status, nonpermanent appointments of limited duration (more than 1 year but not more than 4). Term employees are eligible to earn leave and generally have the same benefits as permanent employees including health and life insurance, within-grade increases and Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan coverage. Term appointments may be extended without further competition (up to the 4 year maximum). The appointment to a Term position does not confer eligibility for promotion or reassignment to other positions or the ability to be non-competitively converted to permanent employment.
- 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.
Required Documents
Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification in order to handle and remove handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Documents Required:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification in order to handle and remove handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
- Professional Certification
- 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 12/31/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12487079.
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.
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.
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