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Summary This Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic position is located in Facilities Management at the VA Boston Healthcare System. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week. This is an open and continuous job opportunity announcement. Certificates are issued on an unannounced periodic basis based on requests from management. Applications will be evaluated and referred for selection as vacancies occur within the organization. This announcement may close at any time once all positions are filled. Responsibilities The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic works independently to perform duties involved in the inspection, repair, overhaul, services and maintains a variety of complex air conditioning, refrigeration, medical air and vacuum systems. He/she services and maintains the fire alarm systems which incorporate a variety of complex electronic and pneumatic control systems for a major tertiary care medical center. Performs duties involved in the inspection, repair, overhaul, services and maintains a variety of complex air conditioning, refrigeration, medical air and vacuum systems during other than the administrative work week. Manages and determines appropriate response to take in case of breakdown/malfunctions that require determinations of immediate action (e.g., call in contractor, call in appropriate tradespersons, call in supervisor, etc.) based on impacts on health and safety or whether the more routine repairs can be completed later. Maintains and performs repairs, calibrations, testing, troubleshooting, modifications, replacements and installations of refrigeration equipment to include chillers, air conditioning units, coils, freezers, coolers, walk in coolers, air dryers and dehumidifying equipment, ice machines, and other similar equipment. Utilizes the energy management system, a computer controlled system, that covers a variety of electronic and pneumatically controlled air conditioning systems and units using several types of Freon and glycol refrigerants, chillers, hundreds of individual vents with associated special filters, dampers and damper motors, steam and hot water piping, valves and pumps to include chemical additives, air handling ducts, fan units, cooling towers, chilled water systems, hazardous materials exhaust hoods, smoke ejections fans, etc. Inspects, maintains, and repairs air handling equipment in patient/isolation rooms. Maintains and repairs all medical, dental, sterile processing, surgical gas supply systems equipment, dust collection, and medical vacuum equipment, clinical and morgue air handling/cooling systems, blood storage areas, sterilization areas, walk-in coolers and freezers, research areas (requiring special humidity and temperature control systems), hot water converters, etc. at all times and after normal hours, fire alarm systems, elevators, swimming pool, and monitors oxygen deliveries after hours. Dismantles, repairs, and reassembles units such as pumps, impellers, compressors, chillers, receivers and evaporators. Locates trouble before dismantling and to make repairs which insure proper functioning after assembly. Visually checks for leaks and makes audible examination of equipment components for proper operation. Applies prescribed test procedures and explores probable reasons for equipment failure. Utilizes chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment and alarm systems, maintains records and performs all service and maintenance repairs in accordance with agency and environmental protection regulations. Monitors and evaluates effectiveness (including safety, infection control, etc.) of work performed by contractors. Measures, calculates, balances, and adjusts cubic feet per minute (CFM) readings for air handling systems. Performs system modifications necessary to meet changes to space usage which may be required to meet additional heat loads for new equipment installs. Uses a portable hand held computer device to query and reprogram individual units at the work site. Based on electronic, visual information, and preventive maintenance schedules, maintains and performs repairs, testing, calibrations, troubleshooting, modifications, replacements and installations of automatic temperature controls, controllers, relays, valve and damper actuators, pneumatic and electronic control components, thermostats, etc. Utilizes scroll, small to large reciprocating, and screw compressors. Interprets diagrams, drawings, technical manuals, and other instructions for air conditioning equipment. Utilizes a variety of hand tools, instruments, and test equipment associated with the craft. Troubleshoots refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and systems malfunctions. Work Schedule: To be determined by management Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic / PD#523A-02008-A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): This occupation is currently approved for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive through 10/05/2024. 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. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading) Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc. Knowledge of Materials Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic) Troubleshooting 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. Knowledge Required by the Position Comprehensive knowledge of refrigeration and air conditioning parts, supplies, and materials. Specialized knowledge of electronic and pneumatic controls and the construction characteristics of air conditioning, refrigeration and heating systems, and air/gas handling systems to maintain critical climatic conditions. Knowledge of the contacts of current contractors. Knowledge of the safety policies and procedures of the VA, EPA, OSHA, NFPA, JCAHO, and other clinical and administrative safety organizations. Practical knowledge of electronics and related computer control systems. It requires the ability to read and evaluate schematic diagrams and blueprints. Knowledge of scroll, small to large reciprocating, and screw compressors. Knowledge of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment assembly, installation and repair. Ability to interpret diagrams, drawings, technical manuals, and other instructions for air conditioning equipment. Skill in using a variety of hand tools, instruments, and test equipment associated with the craft. Ability to troubleshoot refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and systems malfunctions, and DOC circuits. Ability to demonstrate reliability and dependability in working with air conditioning and refrigerant equipment. Ability to operate a variety of electronic equipment such as volt and ohm meters, torches and brazing equipment, a variety of hand tools, such as pneumatic calibration equipment, air flow measuring devices, refrigerant gauges, etc. Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical equipment manuals that are used in the maintenance and repair of equipment and systems. Ability to respond effectively to emergencies and to communicate effectively with a wide variety of personnel. Ability to locate trouble before dismantling and to make repairs which insure proper functioning after assembly. Ability to dismantle, repair, and reassemble units such as pumps, impellers, compressors, chillers, receivers and evaporators. Ability to visually check for leaks and make audible examination of equipment components for proper operation. Ability to apply prescribed test procedures and to explore probable reasons for equipment failure. Ability to perform system modifications necessary to meet changes to space usage which may be required to meet additional heat loads for new equipment installations; or to support conversion of administrative space to patient care while meeting all national and VA standards. Ability to interpret and apply the National Electrical Code, local codes, building plans, and blueprints, wiring diagrams, and engineering diagrams. The position requires EPA certification in order to handle and remove handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Physical Requirements: Moderate to heavy physical effort is required due to the size and location of the equipment. The employee frequently lifts, carries sets up parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally heavier weights. The incumbent frequently has to bend, stoop, reach and hold awkward positions due to the cramped spaces with a lot of equipment and pipes, or ducts in the way. Works in high areas due to equipment that is placed on the roof and sometimes not easily accessible. Makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding and platforms where the parts of systems worked on are frequently in hard-to-reach places; therefore, stooping, stretching, bending and kneeling are frequently for long periods of time. Working Conditions: The incumbent works indoors and outside. While outside the employee is subject to all sorts of climatic conditions. The employee has to exhibit care in his/her work practices due to the occupational hazards from a variety of machinery such as motors, pumps, fans, hot or cold areas, falls, high voltage areas, falls, etc. Wears appropriate safety equipment and follows safety policies and procedures. The employee will occasionally be required to work outside, on top of buildings, in drafty attic spaces, and in cramped areas with low overheads. Subject to cuts, burns, electrical shocks and respiratory ailments. Employee uses/wears any safety equipment or other items required and provided by the employer. Education 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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information. 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.