Summary The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic position serves within the Engineering service at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic is responsible for installing, troubleshooting, performing preventative maintenance and repairing all HVAC&R (heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration) equipment and controls. Responsibilities Major duties include, but are not limited to: Installs, maintains and repairs (both major and minor) all air conditioning and refrigeration equipment from 1/4-ton systems to 300-ton systems; equipment types 1/4 to 2 HP hermetic compressors, one to forty tons reciprocating compressor and five 600-ton centrifugal compressors; also air and water-cooled condensers, dry and wet-type evaporators, all types of refrigeration equipment; also air handling units of three pressures (high, medium, and low) ranging from 20-ton capacity to 330-ton, consisting of the following components: dampers, bearings, pulleys, electronic filters, air washers, after-filter, direct expansion coils, chilled water coils and motor with multi-belt sheave and steam grid humidifiers Works in the layout and fabrication of duct and duct systems from 150 CFM to 70,000 CFM capacity Performs preventive maintenance on diffusers, induction cabinets, mixing boxes, fire dampers and pneumatic smoke dampers; also, maintains exhaust fans, fume hood fans, return air fans, and both direct and belt-driving types Performs mechanic duties in the maintenance and repair of 20,000 pounds per hour on 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 Works on equipment using natural gas Installs, maintains, and calibrates 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 Works with voltage from 24V AC and DC to 480V AC and with 1-phase and 3-phase Installs and services electric motors from 1/6 to 575 HP Serve as an Operator in the operation of all air conditioning, refrigeration, heating equipment and related components Makes 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 Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD60568A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not 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. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Must be CFC certified (Universal) by the EPA as per the Clean Air Act of 1990 Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/24/2025. 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 demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Physical Effort: Strenuous physical effort is required while dismantling and reassembling equipment. The incumbent frequently carries and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. The incumbent 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: Incumbent must be mentally alert and physically capable at all times, as this type of work is difficult and hazardous. The incumbent works both inside and outside of the Medical Center and is required to work in cramped areas with low overheads. The incumbent is subject to exposure from toxic refrigerants. Incumbent will be required to wear personal protective equipment while performing certain tasks. Education Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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. 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.