Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Job in Portland, OR

Vacancy No. CBSV-12740170-25-SW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $37.36 to $43.57 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/22/2025 Close Date 6/6/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Portland, OR


Summary

The position is responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing a modern energy plant consisting of boilers, air conditioning/chiller, refrigeration, graphic control and other pertinent equipment, pollution control equipment, air compressors, vacuum producing equipment, pumps, filtering systems, emergency electrical generators, electrical switch gear and associated systems and controls.

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

These duties may include but not be limited to the following:

  • The utility systems operate 24/7 and the incumbent will be assigned to work one of three shifts: first shift (days); second shift (evenings); or third shift (midnight/grave).
  • The incumbent must inspect, adjust and repair all boiler controls, safety devices, instruments, flow meters, feed pumps, condensate pumps, recorders, etc., to ensure safe and efficient plant operation.
  • The incumbent is required to do the majority of steam fitting, plumbing, electrical, painting work, etc., for upkeep of the plant. Required to perform installations, minor and major repairs of equipment and operate according to VA regulations, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes and Facility policies.
  • Boiler Systems: Incumbent operates, maintains and repairs three main fire tube steam producing boilers and all associated controls, cut-outs and safety devices, performs test and treatment of boiler water, condensate, feed and softener.
  • Air Conditioning: Incumbent operates, maintains and repairs an air conditioning plant consisting of centrifugal and reciprocating refrigeration units including cooling towers, related auxiliary equipment, controls, pumps and all other associated equipment. Performs tests and treatment of chilled water, condenser water and repairs and maintains chemical pumps and controls.
  • Graphic Control System: Incumbent operates a graphic control center that monitors and controls remote operating equipment throughout the facility.
  • Air Compressors: Incumbent operates and maintains all air compressing equipment including medical air, control air, refrigerated air drying and filtering equipment and all associated controls and equipment.
  • Vacuum Producing Equipment: Incumbent operates and maintains all vacuum producing equipment (medical vacuum) including all associated controls.
  • Pumps: Incumbent operates and maintains all pumps such as condensate chill water, domestic water, chemical feed pumps and all associated control mechanisms including filter systems.
  • Emergency Electrical Generators: Incumbent operates and monitors emergency electrical generators and control devices.
  • Electrical Switchgear: Incumbent operates and monitors electrical switchgear and control devices.
  • Alarm System: Incumbent operates and monitors alarm systems for fire control system, medical gas, elevator, refrigerant, underground storage tank, research climate control, pneumatic tube system and remote temperature tracking.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday: 7:30am - 4:00pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD21249A

Physical Requirements: The work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion while lifting, carrying, handling, moving, pulling, pushing, transporting or setting up; equipment, ladders, materials, parts, scaffolds, tools etc. (up to 100 pounds) unaided or assisted. Works from catwalks, ground level, ladders, platforms, scaffolds, or hard-to-reach places requiring climbing, reaching over and under while in cramped, awkward, tiring, and or uncomfortable positions; applying hand, eye, leg, and body coordination. Work requires kneeling, stretching, pushing, pulling, crouching, stooping, bending, climbing, walking and standing for long periods on concrete floors and corrugated steel catwalks and negotiating confined spaces. Must be able to use appropriate respiratory protective equipment while working in conditions involving adverse elements such as carbon, cement, fire clay, fibrous glass, silica and soot dust; chemical and organic vapors. Must have vision of no less than 20/40 (corrected) and be able to distinguish basic shades of color. Must be able to perform work at heights in excess of thirty feet and inside confined spaces requiring entry and exit through standard manual openings. Boiler plant operators will receive annual physicals to ensure they are physically fit to perform the assigned duties.

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
  • 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.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, The ability to do the work of a Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic without more than normal supervision. Duties include but are not limited to: 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. 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.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: A Selective Placement Factor (SPF) has been identified for this position. Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF(s) are ineligible for further consideration. The SPFs for this position are as follows:

Selective Placement Factor: EPA CERTIFICATION: In accordance with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act of 1990, this position requires a current, valid Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Universal Certification.

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

There is no educational substitution at this wage level.

Additional information

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.

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.

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/.

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.

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 for 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)
  • Salary/Rank etc.
  • Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
  • References, current or recent supervisor
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. The experience stated in your resume must support your assessment responses.

Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • EPA Certificate
  • Performance Appraisal
  • 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 06/06/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12740170.

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

Sophia Whittick
Address
VA Portland Health Care System
3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road
Portland, OR 97239
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.


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