Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic

Principal Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Responsible for maintaining, repairing, installing and modifying complex HVAC equipment and systems. The HVAC systems throughout the MC are controlled by the Siemens Energy Management System (EMS) and all related controls, which is a complex, computerized central environmental monitoring and control system. Operates, maintains and modifies this system to optimize efficiency and energy savings, while maintaining environmental functions, i.e., temperature, humidity, ventilation and fire & smoke dampers at proper levels for patient care and other facility operations. Operates stand-alone control units (SCU); Powers 600 Siemans Controls using both analog and digital control (DCU) modules; Turbocore 1.35 for the Daikin chillers installed at the Beckley VAMC.
• Troubleshoots complex systems of electronic sensing and control, such as operating systems that control the BMS by direct digital control; operates devices that are attached to the air handler units, fan coils, air/exhaust dampers, steam valves, water valves, variable air boxes, and fan switches; stand-alone control units (SCU) that operate specific equipment and are components of the domestic hot water systems; rooftop package heating and cooling units; and hot water heating, specialty air handlers in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Same Day Surgery, and surgical suites. Uses the BMS dedicated computers to store operating parameters and initiate adjustments that allows temperature set-backs for cooling/heating in unoccupied areas with direct digital controllers.
• Responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, and replacing these devices. Locates and corrects problems, calibrates equipment, and uses various precision measuring instruments, adjusts and makes improvements to various systems in the performance of duties. Reviews and interprets construction plans in order to cut, braze and solder piping, wiring and circuit boards. Works with journeyman, maintenance mechanics or helpers, and engineering staff to accomplish repairs or preventative maintenance (PMs). Provides expertise and innovative ideas to reduce energy usage through awareness of energy conservation measures.
• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance and acts as technical specialist to other employees and station management staff as assigned by the supervisor. Makes recommendations or suggestions to the supervisor for final approval and action. Makes data entries in the Automated Engineering Management System/Medical Equipment Reporting System (AEMS/MERS) work order system. Inputs and closes out work orders.
• Routinely makes 2237 requests (Request, Turn-In, and Receipt for Property or Services) for parts and materials required to accomplish assigned tasks, and follows-up on status with supervisor using the work order system and other methods to ensure acquisition requests are being processed.
• Works with temperature and humidity monitoring systems such as TempTrak to track temperature, humidity and room pressures in the MC for compliance and correction. In addition, all parts and components will be ordered and installed as needed and upon receipt of service line requests.

Skill and Knowledge Required:

• Thorough knowledge of logic circuits, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and/or pneumatic components that applies to HVAC systems and well-grounded skills in operating and performing repairs on these various HVAC system components.
• Skill in troubleshooting software and ability to maintain hardware in outboard panels and HVAC systems. Performs repairs to the following: Powers System 600 Front End, Digital Systems Controller, EMCS and SCU computers as well as the Turbocore 1.35 to support the chillers.
• Skilled in the interpretation of engineering drawings that combine electrical and electronic schematics, logic diagrams, and mechanical drawings. Incumbent will trace signal flow through the system while troubleshooting malfunctions of units with dedicated computers that store operating parameters and initiate adjustments.
• Knowledge of the characteristic voltage, current, and signal input and output of a wide variety of microprocessors, and integrated and discrete solid-state circuits. This knowledge allows incumbent to recognize indications of improper operation and differentiate them from temporary anomalies introduced by the testing itself.
• Skill in the interpretation of installation and repair manuals that frequently describe only general applications for various components rather than their interface with the other components.
• Ability to program simple test instructions using available software or an input console to check specific circuits or functions.

Work Schedule: FT, Monday-Friday, 8am to 4:30pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD517-19008-O
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Conditions of employment

• In accordance with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, this position requires a current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Universal Certification. Applicants who do not meet this requirement are ineligible for further consideration.

• 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 identification 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)

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, 07/23/2026.

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
• 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.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
Work assignments require moderate physical effort. Regular duties require work in cramped, hot, humid, and otherwise unpleasant surroundings. Work is done from ladders and scaffolding, as well as in crawl spaces and mechanical equipment rooms. Work requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and climbing. It requires the frequent lifting and carrying of weights up to 50 pounds. The incumbent is required to climb and work in high places.

There is frequent exposure to the possibility of burns, scrapes, and cuts. Exposure often requires the wearing of personal protective equipment like gloves, face shields, hard hats, glasses, welding hoods, and leathers. Work area is often loud, dirty, dusty, and greasy.

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.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

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 (VA)
• License
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

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.

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