Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic

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 DC 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.