The position is responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing a modern energy plant consisting of boilers, air conditioning/chiller, refrigeration, graphic control and other pertinent equipment, pollution control equipment, air compressors, vacuum producing equipment, pumps, filtering systems, emergency electrical generators, electrical switch gear and associated systems and controls.
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, The ability to do the work of a Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic without more than normal supervision. Duties include but are not limited to: Working as a journeyman in the installation, operation, repair and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment; knowledgeable in the principles and theories of air conditioning, refrigeration and heat transfer; able to select, maintain and safely use the tools, measuring equipment, testing devices and instruments related to the heating, ventilation, air condition and refrigeration (HVAC/R) trade; repair, replace install, and test various HVAC/R equipment and/or systems; able to read from blue prints and diagrams when performing tasks. 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. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: A Selective Placement Factor (SPF) has been identified for this position. Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF(s) are ineligible for further consideration. The SPFs for this position are as follows: Selective Placement Factor: EPA CERTIFICATION: In accordance with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act of 1990, this position requires a current, valid Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Universal Certification. 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.
These duties may include but not be limited to the following: The utility systems operate 24/7 and the incumbent will be assigned to work one of three shifts: first shift (days); second shift (evenings); or third shift (midnight/grave). The incumbent must inspect, adjust and repair all boiler controls, safety devices, instruments, flow meters, feed pumps, condensate pumps, recorders, etc., to ensure safe and efficient plant operation. The incumbent is required to do the majority of steam fitting, plumbing, electrical, painting work, etc., for upkeep of the plant. Required to perform installations, minor and major repairs of equipment and operate according to VA regulations, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes and Facility policies. Boiler Systems: Incumbent operates, maintains and repairs three main fire tube steam producing boilers and all associated controls, cut-outs and safety devices, performs test and treatment of boiler water, condensate, feed and softener. Air Conditioning: Incumbent operates, maintains and repairs an air conditioning plant consisting of centrifugal and reciprocating refrigeration units including cooling towers, related auxiliary equipment, controls, pumps and all other associated equipment. Performs tests and treatment of chilled water, condenser water and repairs and maintains chemical pumps and controls. Graphic Control System: Incumbent operates a graphic control center that monitors and controls remote operating equipment throughout the facility. Air Compressors: Incumbent operates and maintains all air compressing equipment including medical air, control air, refrigerated air drying and filtering equipment and all associated controls and equipment. Vacuum Producing Equipment: Incumbent operates and maintains all vacuum producing equipment (medical vacuum) including all associated controls. Pumps: Incumbent operates and maintains all pumps such as condensate chill water, domestic water, chemical feed pumps and all associated control mechanisms including filter systems. Emergency Electrical Generators: Incumbent operates and monitors emergency electrical generators and control devices. Electrical Switchgear: Incumbent operates and monitors electrical switchgear and control devices. Alarm System: Incumbent operates and monitors alarm systems for fire control system, medical gas, elevator, refrigerant, underground storage tank, research climate control, pneumatic tube system and remote temperature tracking. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday: 7:30am - 4:00pm Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD21249A Physical Requirements: The work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion while lifting, carrying, handling, moving, pulling, pushing, transporting or setting up; equipment, ladders, materials, parts, scaffolds, tools etc. (up to 100 pounds) unaided or assisted. Works from catwalks, ground level, ladders, platforms, scaffolds, or hard-to-reach places requiring climbing, reaching over and under while in cramped, awkward, tiring, and or uncomfortable positions; applying hand, eye, leg, and body coordination. Work requires kneeling, stretching, pushing, pulling, crouching, stooping, bending, climbing, walking and standing for long periods on concrete floors and corrugated steel catwalks and negotiating confined spaces. Must be able to use appropriate respiratory protective equipment while working in conditions involving adverse elements such as carbon, cement, fire clay, fibrous glass, silica and soot dust; chemical and organic vapors. Must have vision of no less than 20/40 (corrected) and be able to distinguish basic shades of color. Must be able to perform work at heights in excess of thirty feet and inside confined spaces requiring entry and exit through standard manual openings. Boiler plant operators will receive annual physicals to ensure they are physically fit to perform the assigned duties.