Duties
This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until December 30, 2025.
Incumbent is the foreman of the AC Shop, which consists of all duties necessary repairs and preventative maintenance on all heating, venting, air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration equipment within the Medical Center/ Community Living Center and other duties as assigned. The AC Shop is part of the Maintenance and Repair Section of Engineering Service. Incumbent reports directly to the Maintenance and Repair Section Chief and has the Assistant Chief as second level supervisor. He/she has the responsibility for effective and efficient operation and maintenance of all HVAC and refrigeration in the following areas: installs, maintains and repairs (both major and minor) all air conditioning and refrigeration equipment from 1/4-ton systems to 3000-ton systems; equipment types ¼ to 2 HP hermetic compressors, one to forty tons reciprocating compressor and two 600-ton centrifugal compressors; also air and water-cooled condensers, dry and wet-type evaporators, all types of refrigeration equipment including ice machines, freezers, walk-in coolers, expansion valves, condenser water pumps, chilled water pump, cooling tower fans and motor; also air handling units of three pressures (high, medium, and low) ranging from 20-ton capacity to 130-ton, consisting of the following components: dampers, bearings, pulleys, electronic filters, air washers, after-filter, direct expansion coils, chilled water coils and motor with multi-belt sheave and steam grid humidifiers. Incumbent must be CFC certified (Universal) by the EPA as per the Clean Air Act of 1990.
Responsible for independently diagnosing, planning, and completing projects or work orders involving major systems in the entirety. He/she must show proficiency with the work order system and report on metrics such as preventive maintenance completion, corrective maintenance turnaround time, and adherence to documentation of services standards.
Responsible for the implementation of the Safety and Fire Prevention Program within his section. Makes frequent checks to ensure proper compliance with safety procedures such as the use of goggles, gloves, helmets, etc. Checks equipment for unsafe condition.
Incumbent must have the ability to use and apply standard formulas, shop mathematics, trade theories, and industry practices in calculating needed materials and problem solving. Ability to disassemble, repair, and rebuild components parts of pumps, pulley, gears, etc.
The incumbent has experience as a journeyman air conditioning equipment mechanic. He/she plans extensively on project designs, installation of new equipment, remodeling, new construction, and modernization of systems and equipment. The incumbent reads and understands building plans, blueprints, schematics, technical publications, and maintenance manuals.
Repair, maintenance, and servicing of commercial and domestic reach-in and walk-in refrigerators; cold-storage and cold-room equipment; freezers, water coolers, dehumidifiers, air conditioning units and systems, ventilating systems, and related equipment. Diagnoses and locates malfunctions; disassembles, repairs, replaces, and/or adjusts thermostats, pressure stats, relays, switches, and other automatic or electronic control devices. Replaces electric motors, belts and pulleys, lubricates moving parts, replaces and/or cleans filters; bleeds systems and reconditions, modifies, and fabricates parts. Installs and relocates equipment.
Incumbent supervises the operation of repair and alteration and preventive maintenance to HVAC systems. This work is normally performed by AC mechanics and workers. The work will include repairs and alterations on complex systems which involve a thorough understanding and working knowledge of such components as natural gas engines, centrifugal type compressors, booster pumps, intercoolers, heat exchanges, safety controls.
Incumbent is responsible for daily assignments to subordinates in accomplishing the various tasks such as repair and installation of all kinds of fittings, HVAC, refrigeration and equipment. Incumbent is responsible for the testing, inspection and documenting of all work performed.
The Supervisor must ensure that work is performed in a safe manner with adherence to NYHHS policy. He/she is responsible for coordinating, managing, and evaluating work required for new construction to produce timely, profitable results, and to satisfy the customer. The individual must
be self- disciplined, resourceful, and willing to accept responsibility for the project and the crew assigned to them.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Authorized
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD49198O and PD49198O
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Pre-employment physical required
- 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.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved CFC Universal Certification
- Driver's License abstract
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/30/2025.
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)
- Lead or Supervise
- Materials
- Technical Practices
- Troubleshooting
- Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
Related experience includes: Working independently as a journeyman in the installation, operation, repair and maintenance of the more difficult and complex tasks of refrigeration and air conditioning trade; Installing, troubleshooting, performing preventative maintenance and repairing HVAC / Refrigeration equipment and controls; and Using tools, equipment and materials used in HVAC / Refrigeration and exhaust systems.
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.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: See VA Handbook 5019
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
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
NOTE: Effective 9/29/2025 all submitted applications must contain resumes limited to two-pages in length and anything longer is prohibited. Only the first two-pages will be considered for qualification purposes for this announcement.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):
- Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
- An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
- Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
- Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
- Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
- Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
- SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit
Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/30/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12809081.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- 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.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.
Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.
Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:
- Prioritize most relevant and recent experience
- Use concise, results focused language
- Align language from the job announcement
- Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies
- Remove outdated or unrelated experience
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder
Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at:
Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.
The
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at
http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications 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. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
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.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and 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.