Summary This Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic position is located within the Engineering Service at the VA Boston Healthcare System in Jamaica Plain, MA. NOTE: This is an open and continuous job opportunity announcement. Certificates are issued on an unannounced periodic basis based on requests from management. Applications will be evaluated and referred for selection as vacancies occur within the organization. This announcement may close at any time once all positions are filled. Responsibilities The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic independently inspects, repairs, overhauls, services, and maintains a variety of complex air conditioning, refrigeration, medical air and vacuum systems, and services/maintains the fire alarm system which incorporates a variety of complex electronic and pneumatic control systems. Performs duties involved in the inspection, repair, overhaul, service, and maintenance of a variety of complex air conditioning, refrigeration, medical air and vacuum systems. Services and maintains the fire alarm systems which incorporate a variety of complex electronic and pneumatic control systems. Determines appropriate response to take in case of breakdown/malfunctions during the shift based on impacts on health and safety (determines whether immediate action is needed such as calling in a Supervisor or contractor; or whether the more routine repairs can be completed later). Maintains and performs repairs, testing, calibrations, troubleshooting, modifications, replacements and installations of automatic temperature controls, controllers, relays, valve and damper actuators, pneumatic and electronic control components, thermostats, etc. Maintains and performs repairs, calibrations, testing, troubleshooting, modifications, replacements and installations of refrigeration equipment to include chillers, air conditioning units, coils, freezers, coolers, walk in coolers, air dryers and dehumidifying equipment, ice machines, and other similar equipment. Inspects, maintains, and repairs air handling equipment in patient/isolation rooms. Maintains and repairs all medical, dental, sterilization, and surgical gas supply systems equipment; dust collection and medical vacuum equipment; clinical and morgue air handling/cooling systems; blood storage areas; walk-in coolers and freezers; equipment in research areas requiring special humidity and temperature control systems; hot water converters, etc. Dismantles, repairs, and reassembles units such as pumps, impellers, compressors, chillers, receivers and evaporators. Locates trouble before dismantling and to make repairs which insure proper functioning after assembly. Visually checks for leaks and makes audible examination of equipment components for proper operation. Applies prescribed test procedures and explores probable reasons for equipment failure. Utilizes Computer Process Controls (CPCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment and alarm systems, maintains records and performs all service and maintenance repairs in accordance with VA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Monitors and evaluates effectiveness (including safety, infection control, etc.) of work performed by contractors. Measures, calculates, balances, and adjusts cubic feet per minute (CFM) readings for air handling systems. Reads, interprets, and applies technical equipment manuals that are used in the maintenance and repair of equipment and systems. Uses a computer controlled system that covers a variety of electronic and pneumatically controlled air conditioning systems and units using several types of Freon and glycol refrigerants, chillers, hundreds of individual vents with associated special pumps to include chemical additives, air handling ducts, fan units, cooling towers chilled water systems, hazardous materials exhaust hoods, smoke ejections fans, etc. Uses a portable hand held computer device to query and reprogram individual units. Operates 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. Work Schedule: To be determined by management Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD#523-01017-A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station/Moving Expenses: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): This occupation is currently approved for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive through 10/05/2024. Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI for a pro-rated amount if onboard prior to the CSI expiration date. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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: 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. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: The position requires a current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Universal Technician Certification. This is in accordance with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. (NOTE: You will be required to provide a copy of the certification if referred for interview). Skills and Knowledge Required by the Position: The position requires a 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. The position requires knowledge of the contacts of the current contractors. The position requires knowledge of the safety policies and procedures of the VA, EPA, OSHA, NFPA, JCAHO, and other clinical and administrative safety organizations. The position requires a practical knowledge of electronics and related computer controls systems. The position requires the ability to read and evaluate schematic diagrams and blueprints. The position requires the 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. The position requires the ability to read, interpret, and apply technical equipment manuals that are used in the maintenance and repair of equipment and systems. The position requires the ability to respond effectively to emergencies and to communicate effectively with a wide variety of personnel. The position requires the ability to locate trouble before dismantling and to make repairs which insure proper functioning after assembly. The position requires the ability to dismantle, repair, and reassemble units such as pumps, impellers, compressors, chillers, receivers and evaporators. The position requires the ability to visually check for leaks and make audible examination of equipment components for proper operation. The position requires the ability to apply prescribed test procedures and to explore probable reasons for equipment failure. The position requires EPA certification in order to handle and remove handle CFC's and 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. Must have good color perception and eye and hand coordination. Work Environment: 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 practices due to the occupational hazards from 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. Education Additional Information Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.