Job opening: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic

Salary: $29 - 34 per hour

Published at: Jul 11 2023

Company: Veterans Health Administration

Employment Type: Full-time

Performs all necessary repairs and preventative maintenance on all HVAC and refrigeration equipment within the Medical Center and other duties as assigned. Must possess a working knowledge of functions, purpose, and operation of all equipment and controls associated with large, centralized, multiple zone HVAC systems such as centrifugal compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, heat exchangers, cooling towers, fans, air handlers, variable frequency drives (VFD), variable air boxes (VAV).

Duties

The duties of the Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic includes but is not limited to: Maintains the operation of all equipment and controls associated with large, centralized, multiple zone HVAC systems such as centrifugal compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, heat exchangers, cooling towers, fans, air handlers, variable frequency drives (VFD), variable air boxes (VAV), alarm systems, starters, circuit breakers. Possess a working knowledge of various types of pneumatic, electric or electronic control devises and sensors. Incumbent must possess a working knowledge of commercial refrigeration to maintain, trouble shoot and repair walk-in coolers, freezers, ice machines refrigerators, etc. Conducts service calls, log tours, preventive maintenance inspections, major and minor repairs, balancing of supply and exhaust systems, cleanliness of equipment and spaces, removal of obsolete equipment and the installation of new equipment and systems. Installs, maintains, and calibrates both electronic and pneumatic controls such as relays, humidistat's, temperature controls, solenoid valves, chiller water valves, steam valves and other components used in conjunction with air conditioning, refrigeration and heating system. Works with voltage from 24V AC and DC to 480V AC and with 1-phase and 3-phase; installs and services electric motors from 1/6 HP to 575 HP. Performs preventive maintenance on diffusers, induction cabinets, mixing boxes and motorized fire dampers. Maintains exhaust fans, fume hood fans, return air fans, and both direct and belt-driving types. Tests water in all cooling towers and closed loop systems for residual chemical levels and add chemical for the control of alkalinity, algae, and scale formation. Locates source of trouble and troubleshoots malfunctions in advanced equipment and systems using numerous testing techniques and devices to test equipment. Reads blue prints of machinery and systems; utilizes electrical prints and schematic drawings to determine faults in systems. Uses tools and equipment associated with the trade such as air flow hood, velocity meter, refrigerant recovery devices, volt meters, leak testers, gauges, and recording meters. Uses various hand and power tools, including those associated with pipefitting and sheet metal trades. Cuts, thread and install pipes; cuts and solders brass tubing; charge or purge refrigeration and air systems; adjust heating systems; repairs and replaces pumps; clean and repair heat exchangers; removes and replaces bearing, rings, valves, gaskets, and other similar parts; cleans or replaces filters; regulates water treatment in cooling towers. Responsible for initiating and ensuring completion of all paperwork, i.e., work orders, preventive maintenance sheets, equipment logs, Freon inventory, water test reports, and new equipment sheets. Prepares requests for repair parts, material, and operating supplies using manufacturer's pamphlets and commercial trade catalogs and submit to Maintenance Supervisor for ordering. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic /91429-0 Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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: Applicants must receive a minimum of two points on the below screen-out element to be deemed eligible for consideration. Ability to perform the duties of the Position without more than normal supervision (commercial air conditioning and/or refrigeration installation (i.e. ductwork, air handlers, variable frequency drives (VFD), heat exchangers, condensers, walk-in coolers, freezers). (NOTE: You must list your experience on your resume) SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR. This position includes a Selective Placement Factor (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration. Must possess a current and unexpired universal Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) certification. (NOTE: You must submit a copy of your certification) SCREEN OUT FACTOR. Must possess a current and unexpired State issued motor vehicle's license. (NOTE: DO NOT submit a copy of your driver's license at this time) JOB ELEMENTS. The below job elements (skills, knowledge, abilities, and personal characteristics considered necessary for success on the job) are approved by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for individual occupations as well as for jobs having common requirements. Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Materials Technical Practices Troubleshooting Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore, please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid stated issued Driver's License. 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. Note: Your answers will be verified against the information you provide in your resume or application and information your references provide. If you do not clearly document your experience in your resume, you will be rated ineligible. Physical Requirements: Strenuous physical effort is required while dismantling and reassembling equipment. The incumbent frequently carries and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. The incumbent must work from ladders, scaffolding, etc., where parts of systems worked on are frequently in hard-to-reach places. Stooping, stretching, bending, and kneeling are frequently encountered for long periods of time. Hand dexterity is a critical requirement in completing most tasks. Working Conditions: Incumbent must be mentally alert and physically capable at all times, as this type of work is very hard and hazardous. The incumbent works both inside and outside of the Medical Center and is required to work in cramped areas with low overheads. The incumbent is subject to exposure from toxic refrigerants. Incumbent will be required to wear personal protective equipment while performing certain tasks. Occasionally required to work in drafty attic spaces and in cramped areas with low overheads. Subject to escaping gases when making emergency repairs. Also works in areas subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, dirt chemicals, oils and fumes. Subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, steam, hot water, and contact with boilers. Works on catwalks and ladders.