Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Job in Durham, NC

Vacancy No. CBTA-12736562-25-MM Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $30.55 to $35.65 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/20/2025 Close Date 6/2/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Durham, NC


Summary

This position is located in the Durham VA Medical Center, Engineering Service, Durham, North Carolina. The primary duties of this position involve repairing and modifying a variety of equipment and systems that achieve regulated climatic conditions.

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. 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.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Install, maintain, and repairs a wide range of commercial and industrial air conditioning equipment in a variety of environments including barracks, administration areas, medical facilities and arms rooms.
  • Troubleshoot, and repairs a variety of heating equipment including gas- and oil-fueled boilers, heat pumps, steam, and medium and high temperature converters.
  • Requires knowledge of large commercial and industrial air conditioning equipment, the refrigerant cycle, circuits and controls.
  • Install and repair pumps.
  • Performs preventative maintenance.
  • Drives various vehicles to transport self, supplies, and other employees throughout the installation and on public roads

Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm, Monday - Friday
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD558 6331
Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: The physical effort is greater at the grade 10 level than at the grade 8 level because the equipment in the system is usually larger and must be maneuvered into and out of specific locations while dismantling and reassembling. Grade 10 mechanics frequently carry and set up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Hoists, holders, and pulleys are operated when removing units such as large compressors, condensers, and chillers. Grade 10 air conditioning equipment mechanics make 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 longer periods of time than that described at the grade 8 level.

Working Conditions: Grade 10 mechanics are subject to the same shop conditions as grade 8 mechanics but they are occasionally required to work outside, on top of tall buildings, in drafty attic spaces, and in cramped areas with low overheads. Uncomfortable face masks and protective clothing may be occasionally worn when there is a possibility of exposure to toxic refrigerants. The systems are larger at the grade 10 level than at the grade 8 level and refrigerants are used in larger amounts; therefore, grade 10 mechanics are subject to larger amounts of escaping gases when making emergency repairs.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
  • Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
  • 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. 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.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
  • In accordance with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, this position requires a current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Universal Certification. You will be required to provide a copy of the certification if referred for interview.
  • Ability To Do The Work Of An Air Conditioning Mechanic Without More Than Normal Supervision in performing the full range of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment repair. Related experience includes working as a journeyman in the installation, operation, repair and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment; knowledgeable in the principles and theories of air conditioning, refrigeration and heat transfer; able to select, maintain and safely use the tools, measuring equipment, testing devices and instruments related to the heating, ventilation, air condition and refrigeration (HVAC/R) trade; repair, replace install, and test various HVAC/R equipment and/or systems; able to read from blue prints and diagrams when performing tasks. NOTE: 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.
Other experience you will be evaluated on:
  • Fabricates duct work for modifications, installation and/or repair of air conditioning duct systems.
  • Installs and maintains heating, ventilation, air condition and refrigeration (HVAC/R) equipment and/or components (i.e. freezers, centrifuges, refrigerated incubators, tubing, valves, fittings and casting).
  • Installs and maintains heating, ventilation, air condition and refrigeration (HVAC/R) equipment and/or components (i.e. freezers, centrifuges, refrigerated incubators, tubing, valves, fittings and casting).
  • Make mechanical checks on various pieces of equipment such as proper temperature, unusual noises, loose connections, etc.
  • Maintains current inventory of parts, hardware, refrigerant, and other products need to accomplish completion of work assignments.
  • Performs maintenance on fixtures, control panels, tightening connections, wrapping exposed wiring, installing new outlets, relays and switches.
  • Utilizes basic math and simple fractions to plan and measure material according to requirements and instructions.
  • Utilizes schematics, blueprints, sketches, technical manuals, oral and written instructions while conforming to safe efficient working practices.
  • Completes work assignments that are made through written and oral instructions, work orders and preventive maintenance print-out schedules.
  • Assembles and/or installs a variety of HVAC/R equipment per manufacturer's specifications.
  • Interprets instructions, specifications and blueprints while examining and performing operational tests to determine repairs.
  • Makes mechanical repairs to such items as pumps, compressors, chillers, receivers and evaporators.
  • Performs such tasks as installing and fitting connecting rods, bearings and bushings.
  • Uses precision tools and equipment, such as volt-ohm meters, amp meters, leak detectors, calibration equipment and other test equipment used in the refrigeration trade.
  • Calibrates and sets up transmitters, thermostats, and other pneumatic electric controls.
  • Charges systems with proper refrigerants to obtain optimum operating temperatures.
  • Uses charging gauges and charging cylinders to maintain HVAC equipment.
  • Properly reclaims and disposes of all types of refrigerant.
  • Applies principles and theories of air conditioning and refrigeration such as the refrigeration cycle, heat transfer laws, the use of refrigerant table.
  • Makes bench performance checks and calibrations to assure that each control segment will be operational as installed.
  • Troubleshoots and repairs malfunctions to large complex air conditioning systems.
  • Evaluates equipment to repair or replace minor/major components.

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.

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements prior to being appointed.

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.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this position, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Additional information

Individuals appointed under DHA procedures receive appointments to competitive service positions. Consistent with 5 CFR § 315.801, 5 CFR § 315.802 and 5 CFR § 316.304 and 5 CFR Part 315 Subpart I, an individual is required to serve a 1 year probationary period unless the individual has prior service that counts toward completion of the probationary period.

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.

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.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

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.

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.

Area of Consideration:

1. Displaced or surplus eligibles are entitled to priority consideration for positions VA fills outside its workforce that are expected to last 120 days or more. In order to receive priority consideration, displaced or surplus eligibles must meet the eligibility requirements and must apply to the JOA.
2. All other applicants





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.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation. You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference. DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicants will receive preference consideration at the full-performance grade level only. Only PPP applicants currently occupying a formal training program position are entitled to exercise their priority status.Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • Other (1)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • 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 06/02/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12736562.

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.

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

Michelle Moritz
Address
Durham VA Medical Center
508 Fulton Street
Durham, NC 27705
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.