Summary This position is located at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System within the Facilities Management service line. The employee performs all necessary repairs and preventative maintenance on all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration equipment within the Medical Center and other duties as assigned. Responsibilities Major duties include but are not limited to: Perform duties of an HVAC and Refrigeration Mechanic such as installing, maintaining and repairing (both major and minor) all air conditioning and refrigeration equipment from 1/4-ton systems to 300-ton systems Work is performed in the layout and fabrication of duct and duct systems from 150 CFM to 70,000 CFM capacity Perform preventive maintenance on diffusers, induction cabinets, mixing boxes, fire dampers and pneumatic smoke dampers Maintain exhaust fans, fume hood fans, return air fans, and both direct and belt-driving types Perform mechanic duties in the maintenance and repair of 20,000 pounds per hour water tube boilers with multi-stage duplex steam and electric boiler feed water pumps, accumulator tank, electronic and pneumatic controls and recorders, and condensate transfer pumps Work is performed on equipment using natural gas Install, maintain, and calibrate both electronic and pneumatic controls such as relays, humidistat's, temperature controls, solenoid valves, chiller water valves, steam valves and other components used in conjunction with air conditioning, refrigeration and heating system Perform necessary adjustments and record all findings such as compressor temperatures, water temperature, oil pressures, and other information pertinent to the safe and efficient operation of all equipment Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm (May be further discussed in interview) Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD60568A 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. 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 #1: 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. Examples of qualifying related experience include but are not limited to: experience in systems engineering, systems troubleshooting, and/or maintenance of building automation systems, HVAC systems, and graphic controls; perform testing and balancing of both air and hot/chilled water flow systems; repair and calibrate control instruments by using common hand tools; operate HVAC system plant; install, maintain, repair major and minor air conditioning and refrigeration equipment; work in the layout and fabrication of duct and duct systems; maintenance of water tube boilers; and install, maintain, and/or calibrate electronic and pneumatic controls. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT #2: In accordance with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, this position requires a current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Universal Certification. Applicants who do not meet this requirement are ineligible for further consideration. 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: Strenuous physical effort is required while dismantling and reassembling equipment. The employee frequently carries and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. The employee must work from ladders, scaffolding, etc., where parts of systems worked on are frequently in hard to reach places. Stooping, stretching, bending, and kneeling are frequently encountered for long periods of time. Hand dexterity is a critical requirement in completing most tasks. Working Conditions: Employee must be mentally alert and physically capable at all times, as this type of work is difficult and hazardous. The employee works both inside and outside of the Medical Center and is required to work in cramped areas with low overheads. The employee is subject to exposure from toxic refrigerants. Employee will be required to wear personal protective equipment while performing certain tasks. Education Additional Information Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. 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. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.