The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic (AC Equip Mech) is located at the Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY. Performs all necessary repairs and preventative maintenance on all HVAC and refrigeration equipment within the Medical Center and other duties as assigned.

Duties

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 to 2 HP hermetic compressors, medical gas systems, oxygen, nitrogen and nitrous oxide; kitchen equipment (Dynex); 3-way valves; steam pressure reducing valves (PRV's) and steam traps; water filtration systems; water softener systems; heating and cooling water treatment, also, cooling towers. Maintains and repairs a wide variety of major refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, deep freeze boxes, ultra-low temperature freezers, walk-in refrigerators and freezers, patient medication refrigerators, special climate control condition units, centralized chilled drinking water unit and various remote refrigerated drinking water units, domestic refrigerators, x-ray and photography refrigerated equipment, condensers, evaporators, ice cream boxes, ice machines, reach-in refrigerators, morgue refrigeration, cryostats, all laboratory refrigeration equipment, blood banks, air and water-cooled serving line refrigerators, soda and beverage refrigerated equipment, humidifiers, medical air compressors and air dryers, medical vacuum pumps and all associated equipment with both systems. Incumbent must be CFC certified (Universal) by the EPA as per the Clean Air Act of 1990. Works in the layout and fabrication of duct and duct systems from 150 CFM to 20,615 CFM capacity; also performs preventive maintenance on diffusers, induction cabinets, mixing boxes and motorized fire dampers; also, maintains exhaust fans, fume hood fans, return air fans, and both direct and belt-driving types. Perform preventive maintenance as regularly scheduled, check equipment as to its status and condition and replace defective or worn belts, bearings, seals, gaskets, filters and other parts as needed or scheduled. Work with other shops as well as the Chiller Plant operators when performing fire alarm, fire sprinkler system and medical gas alarm testing and repairs. Make necessary adjustments and record all findings such as compressor temperatures, water temperature, oil pressures, and other information pertinent to the safe and efficient operation of all equipment. Work Schedule: 700a - 3:30p Position Description Title/PD#: Air Cond Equip Mechanic/PD01517A Incentive : This occupation is currently approved for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive through 10/08/2024. Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI for a pro-rated amount if onboard prior to the CSI expiration date. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI. 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: 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 Safety : Observes fire and safety regulations and guidelines at all times. Incumbent is required to use correct body mechanics when lifting, carrying etc. Incumbent reports safety hazards to supervisor promptly, correcting them where possible. Incumbent keeps work area clean and free from dangerous items or substances. Incumbent attends and contributes to assigned safety training, committees and practices (e.g., fire drills). Incumbent ensures there are no lost time accidents that are the result of carelessness or negligence on the part of the employee. Incumbent makes a reasonable and significant effort to decrease lost-time days in the shop. He/she is vigilant to identify and eliminate unsafe working practices/conditions. When occupational injuries/illnesses do occur, correct administrative procedure concerning documentation is followed; evidence gathering, forms completion and reporting.

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: Equipment Assembly, Installation, RepairInterpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)MaterialsTechnical PracticesTroubleshootingUse and Maintain Tools and EquipmentWithout 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

No education required at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Syracuse VA Medical Center 800 Irving Ave Syracuse, NY 13210 US
• Name: Angela Johnson
• Phone: 518-626-6155
• Email: [email protected]