Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic

Summary

The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic operates and maintains 70+ Air Handling Units (AHUs), Make-Up Air Units (MAUs), Central Chillers, Steam coils serving MAUs/AHUs, and building-specific HVAC systems, and repairs a broad range of refrigeration and smaller AC units and systems.

Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to: Review the overnight status of AHUs/MAUs, chilled-water plant, terminal units, CRAC devices, and related alarms. Open dashboards for discharge air temperature, static pressure, valve/damper position, fan command, and space conditions in critical areas. Measure line-to-line voltage with a multimeter to identify abnormal voltage drop contributing to nuisance trips. Places affected points or equipment "out of service" in Building Automation System (BAS) if safety or measurement accuracy would be compromised. Escalate alarms that require vendor tools, licensed programming, or commissioning/testing and attaches evidence to the work record. Perform mechanical and operator-level controls work in-house wherever permitted. Calibrate sensors against a traceable reference and replace failed sensors. Support chilled-water systems and CRAC equipment. Read filter differential pressure with installed gauges or portable manometer. Re-torque power lugs to manufacturer torque values. Perform routing mechanical preventive maintenance on cooling towers supporting surgical and critical environments. Inspect reach-in/walk-in cabinets for gasket wear, warped doors, frost patterns indicative of airflow issues, and oil staining. Replace case compressors, evaporator/condenser fans, heaters, door gaskets, etc. Assist in planning/executing equipment replacement. Design, lay out, and fabricate retrofit solutions for legacy HVAC, hydronic, and steam systems. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD618-60873A Critical Skills Incentive: Not approved Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not authorized Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): Authorized for qualified applicants. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

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 #1: 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. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT #2: In accordance with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, this position requires a current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, or Universal Certification. Applicants who do not meet this requirement are ineligible for further consideration. 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: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Frequently lifts/handles components and materials up to 75 pounds; stands, walks, kneels, and works in cramped spaces; climbs ladders/stairs; works at heights; uses rigging/lifts; performs tasks requiring sustained manual dexterity. Working Conditions: Works in mechanical rooms, interstitial spaces, rooftops, outdoors, and occupied areas; exposed to noise, vibration, heat/cold, steam, chemicals, and refrigerants; uses appropriate PPE, fall protection, and follows all safety/environmental procedures.