Summary
This position serves as an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic within the Engineering Department at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining, repairing, installing, and modifying complex air conditioning, heating, and ventilating (HVAC) equipment and systems.
Duties
Major duties listed but not limited to:
- Performs all Journeyman level necessary repairs, preventative maintenance and installation of all HVAC items, heating equipment, refrigeration equipment, food service equipment, laundry equipment and other specialty equipment within the Medical Center and support buildings.
- Perform Journeyman level trouble shooting of HVAC systems, refrigerant systems, chilled water systems, hydronic heating systems, etc.
- Perform Journeyman level brazing and soldering of copper piping materials for refrigeration piping, coil repairs, etc., and repairs of other alloyed materials.
- Must be licensed in the maintenance practices of adding refrigerant and removal of refrigerant for refrigeration systems to include, but not limited to, the following refrigerants: R-22, 407C, MP39, 410A, 401A, 401B, 404A, 402A, R-416A, etc. Incumbent must understand and be able maintain different refrigerant oil levels in a system. Incumbent will be responsible for maintaining a refrigerant log per VA standards and requirements.
- Repairing, troubleshooting, maintaining and installing air conditioning equipment in the hospital and ancillary buildings.
- Installing, troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining refrigerators, freezers and ice machines, including those utilized for patient food and drugs, laboratory specimens and blood products.
- Operating and repairing all aspects of the environmental control system to include adding and removing points in the system, building graphics, modifying and troubleshooting programing, repairing and replacing sensors, actuators and other control devices, and repairing and replacing LAN devices such as terminal equipment controllers.
- Troubleshooting, diagnosing and making repairs to a large variety of equipment and systems that provide a variety of air-conditioning functions, such as heating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification and air cleaning, filtering and circulating.
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD30217A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Physical Efforts: Frequently carries and sets up parts and equipment that weighs up to 50 pounds. Hoists, holders, and pulleys are operated when removing units such as large compressors, condensers, and chillers. Makes repairs and installation from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms where the parts of the system worked on are frequently in hard-to-reach places; therefore, frequently stretching, bending, and kneeling long periods of time.
Working Conditions: Usually works inside but is occasionally required to work outside on top of tall buildings during periods of inclement weather, in drafty attic spaces, and in cramped areas with low overheads. Uncomfortable facemasks and protective clothing may be occasionally worn when there is a possibility of exposure to hazards, such as toxic refrigerants when making emergency repairs. Mechanic is subject to cuts, burns, electrical shocks, and respiratory ailments. Exposure is concentrated amounts of refrigerants gases may cause toxic effects to eyes, skin, and internal origins.
The VA Midwest Health Care Network 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.
Required Documents
Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Documents Required:
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 07/15/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12759504.
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.
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.