Air Conditioning Equipment Operator Job in Hines, IL

Vacancy No. HN-12595498-25-AB Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $34.39 to $40.14 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/4/2024 Close Date 11/18/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Hines, IL


Summary

This position is located at the Edwards Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL. It is aligned under the Engineering Service. The purpose of the position it to operate a centralized, multiple zone air conditioning plant that includes unusual equipment configuration requirements; a large number of components, controls, gauges, and amount of auxiliary equipment.

This job is open to

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

Duties:

  • Operates a centralized, multiple zone system.
  • Checks temperature sensing points in buildings; adjusts controls; starts, regulates, and stops air handling equipment; arid resets temperature controls and steam spray valves for humidity control. Logs gauge readings, tests water in cooling towers, records results of water condition tests, performs operator maintenance, and replaces minor parts.
  • Ensures that unusual equipment configuration requirements operate efficiently to service exceptionally large building(s), and meet the various needs of users.
  • Systems operated have an extremely large capacity and flexibility , The level of complexity involved in this kind of situation it also reflected in the large number of components and amount of auxiliary equipment to coordinate and the large number of controls and gauges to monitor and use as bases for judgments and decisions.
  • Checks temperature sensing points in various building areas and adjusts controls to meet local requirements, and desires.
  • Starts, regulates, and stops various items of air handling equipment from central switches or from decentralized witches in fan or equipment rooms.
  • Starts, stops and regulates the air conditioning compressors. or absorbers, the cooling tower fans, and other related support equipment In accordance with procedures with central or local switches as required for load Conditions; adjusts valves and resets temperature controls and steam spray valves for humidity control as conditions warrant, based on observations.
  • Logs results of water condition tests, dry and wet bulb temperatures, chiller oil level and oil pressure, water temperature entering and leaving condensers, volt and ampere readings, vacuum pressure, refrigerant temperature and level, high and low pressure readings humidity, and other readings.
  • Computes tonnage and make-up water used per hour and the gallons being circulated per unit of time as well at the heat load. Tests water in cooling towers and adds chemicals for control of alkalinity, algae, and scale formation.
  • Performs operator maintenance such as adding refrigerant; changing fillers in air handlers; cleaning strainers;. replacing broken or worn drive. belts on motors; lubricating the various compressor, fans, shafts and steam glands of pumps and moving parts of other operating and standby equipment ; Uses various lubricants and maintains a log of lubricant changes and requirement.
  • Performs repairs such as replacing valve plates, broken flares, and: copper tubing, repacking glands, adjusting expansion valves, replacing anvil electric motors, and making temporary repairs to pipes.
  • Knowledge of the operating .principles of a variety of steam, gas diesel, and electrically driven compressors .and absorbers including steam driven centrifugal compressors and the safety consideration involved in the use of steam.
  • Ability to troubleshoot the more unusual malfunctions in advanced equipment and systems by using numerous testing techniques and items of test equipment and quickly and expertly pinpoint sources of trouble whether in the controls of equipment itself and determine the nature and extent of repairs or adjustments needed.
  • Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment especially when acting as "Operator in Charge".
Ability to operate sophisticated air conditioning systems and equipment that support specialized work activities that generate diverse air conditioning requirements that are carried out in buildings and are served from the central system. Such requirements include precise control of temperature and humidity in an environment that cannot vary in temperature by more than one degree and also includes similar humidity variation restrictions.

Work Schedule: Fixed Tours
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Operator/PD00679A
Physical Requirements: The operator occasionally lifts objects weighing up to 50lbs. Lifting equipment, such as chain hoist, is available to move heavier objects. Some standing, stooping, bending, and work on ladders is required.

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

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 (other than blueprint reading)
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Operation of Equipment/Machinery
  • Technical Practices
  • 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.

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.


A supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

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.

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 Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • Other (1)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume


Documents Required:
  • 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 11/18/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12595498.

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. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

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

Andrea Bell
Address
Edward Hines Junior Hospital
5000 South 5th Avenue
Hines, IL 60141
US
Learn more about this agency

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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