The incumbent serves as an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic. The mission includes continuous operations of a hospital, clinics, extended care units, nursing home care units, kitchens, canteen service, and administrative areas. The position is located in the Maintenance and Operations Section in Engineering Service in Temple, Texas. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.
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. Examples for experience/duties and task are but not limited to: responding to after-hours emergency calls from the Boiler Plant; plans test procedures, determines the proper kind and type of parts and equipment needed, installs and repairs a variety of systems with little to no check during process of the assignment; responding to calls for non-scheduled service which involves diagnostics and repair of commercial equipment with little or no supervision; maintains, installs, repairs and replaces pneumatic and DDC control system components; uses program, and change operational systems software; works with a variety of hand tools, gages, electric and battery powered tools along with mechanical, hydraulic and electric lifts. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision. 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. The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries. The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence ("I CARE"). As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips.
Major duties include but not limited to: Systems and equipment use several methods of air conditioning such as mechanical compression, direct expansion systems and chilled water systems using central chilling units. There are central air-conditioning plants including station-chilled water plant totals 5803.5 tons and 2495.5 tons, 508.5 tons and 328.5 tons of package and window units, 16 cold storage vaults with individual compressors, and numerous other refrigeration compressors and equipment for chilled water and ice supply, including commercial and residential types totaling an additional 300 tons of refrigeration. Duties regularly include requesting materials, parts, equipment, and chemicals for plants and unit maintenance and operation; planning for alterations, repairs, and maintenance of all operating equipment; observing and making necessary changes for the best efficiency of maintenance and repairs and operations; and conserving manpower, utilities, and supplies. The work regularly involves utilizing the proper method of recovering refrigerant and daily checks of operation of the chillers, chiller water pumps, condensing water pumps, tower fans and motors, thermostats, and control air compressors. Tests and treats the chilled water and the condensate water to prevent scale and corrosion. Inspects the daily chemical analysis of condenser water and other treated water for accuracy and effectiveness of treatment. The work regularly involves dismantling, repairing, and reassembling complete units such as pumps, impellers, compressors, chillers, receivers, and evaporators. Repair work involves overhauling valves by adjusting or replacing gaskets, springs, floats, diaphragms, valve fittings, seals, and coupling; and aligning motors and flywheel drives. On spring start-up all strainers must be removed and cleaned, drain valves closed, towers flushed and cleaned, towers filled and treated, bearings lubricated, belts checked and replaced as necessary, dampers properly positioned, control air compressor checked for proper operation, and all thermostats set for the designated temperature. For fall shut-down, all equipment must be lubricated, worn parts must be replaced, and seasonal maintenance must be performed as necessary; systems must be evaluated, changed, and tested as necessary. Maintains continuous operation and performs maintenance and repairs on various types of air conditioning and refrigeration by recognizing the cause of equipment malfunctions or faulty equipment and making the proper adjustments or needed repairs. Plans, selects, and orders material for service and repair work. Works from drawings, schematics, blueprints, work orders, and verbal instructions to perform assigned tasks. Answers calls for non-scheduled service which involves diagnosis and repair of commercial equipment with little or no supervision. Identifies abnormal function of equipment and control sequences and takes necessary action to correct problems. Maintains, installs, repairs, and replaces pneumatic and direct digital control (DDC) systems. Operates the campus-wide building automation system (BAS), currently the HVAC control systems. Uses computers, work stations, and hand-held interface devices to monitor, program, and change operational systems software as required. Incumbent is required to upgrade old pneumatic systems to digital control systems. Assists in the setup and configuration of PC workstations, data servers, and IP network devices. Incumbent monitors campus BAS throughout the day and makes necessary changes without work orders or supervisory instruction to prevent problems. Uses the ideology of "continuous commissioning" to ensure buildings are up to standards in order to prevent emergency calls. Incumbent responds to after work emergency calls from the Boiler Plant. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD01013A Physical Requirements: Functional Requirements - Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (1-3 hours); Standing (1-3 hours); Crawling (1-3 hours); Kneeling (1-3 hours); Repeated bending (1-3 hours); Climbing, use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Depth perception; Hearing (aid permitted); Specific hearing requirements Environmental Factors - Outside, Outside and inside; Excessive heat; Excessive cold; Excessive noise, intermittent; Dust; Solvents (degreasing agents); Electrical energy; Slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Working around machinery with moving parts; Working around moving objects or vehicles; Working on ladders or scaffolding; Working closely with others; Working alone; Protracted or irregular hours of work