Duties
The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries.
The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence ("I CARE").
As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips.
The AC Equipment Mechanic's duties will include, but are not limited to the following:
- Troubleshoot complex air conditioning and refrigeration systems of unusual compressor arrangements and theories.
- Interpret drawings, specifications, schematics, operator and parts manuals, etc. of varying degrees of complexity for complete systems such as the air conditioning equipment for MRI space.
- Prepare duct work diagrams in planning and laying out work.
- Knowledge and ability in pipefitting, electrical and plumbing trades in order to properly install such equipment as steam regulators, air regulators, refrigerant driers, ice machines, water fountains etc.
- Plan and lay out the work to be performed on a particular task such as ordering of material to construct and install duck work in a critical care area.
- Install duck work and filtration devices such as HEPA filters in critical areas such as Bone Marrow Transplant, MICU, SICU, and highly contagious areas associated with TB and HIV positive patients.
- Use practical knowledge in the maintenance computerized systems such as fire alarm duct detectors, refrigeration alarms, and HVAC ( heating, ventilation, air conditioning).
- Have a Universal Refrigerant Certification in accordance with CFR Part 82. Subpart F, which authorized him/her to install and recover refrigerants to include but not limited to R11, R12, R22, R502, R134A, R123, R404A, R409A and R408A.
- Repair multiple pumps and compressor systems such as primary chill water pumps, secondary chill water pumps, centrifugal chillers and reciprocating chillers.
- Maintain and perform preventive maintenance on the environmental control rooms.
- Perform operational checks on all equipment after repair and preventive maintenance.
- Troubleshoot and repair of multi-zone air conditioning equipment with all necessary fans, pumps, cooling towers and controls required to condition medical center space.
- Effectively function on the Energy Management Computer System in order to shut down equipment or systems to make repairs, correct problems, and check for proper operation of alarms.
**The incumbent must possess and maintain a Universal Refrigerant Certification. A legible copy of your current, valid certification must be submitted with your application in order to be considered.**
Work Schedule: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Monday - Friday
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD70141A
Physical Requirements: The duties of this position require physical exertion involving lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying objects of varying weights, sizes and shapes. Physical effort is exerted in walking, running, climbing, crawling, and bending. Strain related to lack of movement such as standing in place, crouching or stooping for extended periods of time.
Working Conditions: Incumbent is exposed to heat, restricted ventilation and poor illumination in areas such as equipment rooms. Exposed to all weather conditions when working outside (cooling towers, roof, etc.). Incumbent is exposed to varying climatic conditions from an office, to environmentally controlled space, to excessive heat in boiler plant. Exposed to various hazardous materials in the course of performing work assignments. They are provided protective clothing, equipment and safety devices for their personal protection. The equipment rooms are above the allowable decibel rating and hearing protection is provided. Hazardous gases are in the work environment during various tasks. Respiratory protection is provided for the incumbent.
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
- Must possess and maintain a Universal Refrigerant Certification
- 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, 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 (Electrical)
- Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
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
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.
Required Documents
Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- E.P.A. UNIVERSAL Certification
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Documents Required:
- E.P.A. UNIVERSAL Certification
- 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 08/11/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12774119.
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.