Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Job in Butler, PA

Vacancy No. CBSZ-12991360-26-MB Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $31.69 to $36.99 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/23/2026 Close Date 6/30/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Butler, PA


Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Health Administration

Summary

The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic is located at the Butler VA Medical Center. This position is under the supervision of the Utility Systems Operator Supervisor. Use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required; including but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, safety toed shoes and the use of an N-95 respirator and participating in a respirator fit testing program.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

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

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD02412A

Major Duties Include but not limited to:

  • Develops maintenance procedures, determine proper parts and identify equipment needed to make installations or repairs.
  • Makes independent decisions and completes assignments to ensure they meet accepted trade standards with little or no supervision.
  • Uses knowledge of the refrigeration cycle on a variety of commercial, residential, and industrial systems.
  • Locate and check elements such as those which control low side and high side, the temperature of the cooling units, the temperature of the liquid, suction lines and monitor the running times for a variety of equipment.
  • Checks for the probability of leaks using visual and audible examination of equipment components, applies prescribed test procedures to equipment by exploration of probable reasons for equipment failures. Supplemental plans, diagrams and schematics ma be available for more modern equipment.
  • Must have knowledge of the principles and theories of air conditioning and refrigeration such as refrigeration cycles, heat transfer laws, refrigerant tables, calculating air flow and the pressure temperature characteristics for the different systems in order to locate and repair faulty equipment swiftly and to reduce inoperative time to a minimum.
  • Must know how to locate trouble before dismantling equipment and to make repairs that insure proper functions after assembly.
  • Maintain and repair air conditioning systems for large buildings or complexes of buildings. This includes the energy control system and subsystems, chillers, motor controls, compressors, refrigerant controls, automatic expansion valves, hot and cold circulating loops and associated equipment. This knowledge involves the operation and regulation of cold storage and specialized climate. A variety of complicated motor controls are also used. Various types of power sources are used with a combination of pulleys, belts, etc.
  • Operate and repair 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.
  • Must have a working knowledge of the entire air conditioning and heating systems located at the VA Butler Healthcare System.
  • Troubleshoot and determine leaks and the probability of possible failures using prescribed testing procedures or field development tests.
  • Have experienced knowledge of principles and theories of air conditioning and refrigeration such as refrigeration cycles, heat transfer laws, use of reference tables, calculation and balancing of air flow and pressure temperature relationships for systems in order to diagnose and repair faulty or inefficiently operating equipment.
  • Oversees a "Viewpoint Monitoring Alarm System" of refrigeration equipment placed in all refrigerators/freezers within the medical center. The Checkpoint System sends an alarm to the boiler plant where incumbent is immediately dispatched to locate and resolve the issue.
  • Install, troubleshoot, repair, maintain and sanitize refrigerators, freezers and ice machines, including those utilized for patient food and drugs, laboratory specimens and blood products.
  • Test chemical treatment of both open and closed water loops, and dose as required. Incumbent would be required to complete other tasks as needed including but not limited to assisting the plumbing and electrical shops as well as the boiler plant.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • 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.
  • Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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, 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.

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)
  • Technical Practices
  • Troubleshooting
  • Without more than normal supervision


Selective Placement Factor: The incumbent must have a valid driver's license and be able to operate a pickup truck.

Physical Requirements: In performing daily tasks, physical effort and stamina is required in walking, stooping, kneeling, working with hands over head or in close quarters and in strained positions, lifting and using different muscles in different positions. The incumbent works from ladders, scaffolding and hydraulic work platforms. Requires good vision (with or without glasses) and should have good hearing (aid permitted). They frequently handle, lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 80 pounds. The incumbent will be required to work from ladders, scaffolds, and platforms, and in cramped and hard-to-reach places. Most work requires the incumbent to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Frequent lifting, carrying, and setting up materials and equipment that weigh up to 80 pounds. He/she is standing or walking much of the time and must be in good overall physical condition. Physical capability to regularly walk long distances, dexterity, and accurate eye hand coordination, and corrected 20/20 vision are required.

Working Conditions Work is performed indoors and outdoors in various weather and temperature conditions. May be subjected to excessive dampness or chill, close quarters, uneven walking surfaces, working on ladders or scaffolding and confined spaces. Must work alone or in cooperation and coordination with others. Many work sites are hot, dirty, dusty, greasy, poorly lit, cramped and with unpleasant orders. The incumbent will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment as necessary to accomplish assigned tasks in a safe manner.

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.

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/.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Required Documents

Documents Required:

  • Resume


Documents Accepted:
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Other (3)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


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 06/30/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12991360.

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.

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. If initial application submission is updated and resubmitted with a new resume, only the most current resume will be reviewed for consideration.

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: 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

Margie Brooks
Phone
(412) 822-1090
Email
margie.brooks@va.gov
Address
VA Butler Healthcare
353 North Duffy Road
Butler, PA 16001
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.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

As a professional at the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the Nation, but we also provide many other services to veterans through the Benefits Administration and National Cemeteries.

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").

America's Veterans need you!

Agency contact information

Margie Brooks
Phone
(412) 822-1090
Email
margie.brooks@va.gov
Address
VA Butler Healthcare
353 North Duffy Road
Butler, PA 16001
US

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