This position serves as an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic within the Engineering Department at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining, repairing, installing, and modifying complex air conditioning, heating, and ventilating (HVAC) equipment and systems.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/29/2025. 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, 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. Working Conditions: Usually works inside but is occasionally required to work outside on top of tall buildings during periods of inclement weather, in drafty attic spaces, and in cramped areas with low overheads. Uncomfortable facemasks and protective clothing may be occasionally worn when there is a possibility of exposure to hazards, such as toxic refrigerants when making emergency repairs. Mechanic is subject to cuts, burns, electrical shocks, and respiratory ailments. Exposure is concentrated amounts of refrigerants gases may cause toxic effects to eyes, skin, and internal origins.
Major duties listed but not limited to: Performs all Journeyman level necessary repairs, preventative maintenance and installation of all HVAC items, heating equipment, refrigeration equipment, food service equipment, laundry equipment and other specialty equipment within the Medical Center and support buildings. Perform Journeyman level trouble shooting of HVAC systems, refrigerant systems, chilled water systems, hydronic heating systems, etc. Perform Journeyman level brazing and soldering of copper piping materials for refrigeration piping, coil repairs, etc., and repairs of other alloyed materials. must be licensed in the maintenance practices of adding refrigerant and removal of refrigerant for refrigeration systems to. include, but not limited to, the following refrigerants: R-22, 407C, MP39, 410A, 401A, 401B, 404A, 402A, R-416A, etc. Incumbent must understand and be able maintain different refrigerant oil levels in a system. Incumbent will be responsible for maintaining a refrigerant log per VA standards and requirements. Repairing, troubleshooting, maintaining and installing air conditioning equipment in the hospital and ancillary buildings. Installing, troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining refrigerators, freezers and ice machines, including those utilized for patient food and drugs, laboratory specimens and blood products. Operating and repairing all aspects of the environmental control system to include adding and removing points in the system, building graphics, modifying and troubleshooting programing, repairing and replacing sensors, actuators and other control devices, and repairing and replacing LAN devices such as terminal equipment controllers. Troubleshooting, diagnosing and making repairs to a large variety of equipment and systems that provide a variety of air-conditioning functions, such as heating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification and air cleaning, filtering and circulating. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 07:00 am to 3:30 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD30217A Telework: This position is not telework eligible. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized 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.