Summary The incumbent is responsible for the operation of Chiller Plant, maintenance and repair of a wide variety of HVAC equipment and systems which serve the entire Medical Center and monitoring of facility's Temperature / Humidity / Pressure Differential System. HVAC systems includes, but is not limited to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and associated equipment. Responsibilities Cooling Season During the cooling season, which is determined based on weather conditions, facility needs, and leadership (General Forman, Assistant Chief Engineer, Chief Engineer, Associate Director, Medical Center Director) instructions to start the chiller plant, the incumbent operates a centralized multiple zone air conditioning (Chiller) plant that serves the medical center's Buildings. The chiller plant consists of multiple chillers (steam, gas and electric), cooling towers, chill water systems, supporting equipment, and Building Management Systems (BMS). The incumbent is also responsible for other chillers, chill water systems, and supporting equipment outside the plant serving other spaces within the medical center. On a continuing basis, incumbent logs pressures and temperatures of components to include but not limited to compressor, engine, gear box, chill and condenser water lines, and all other components and systems that has reading devices. Non-Cooling Season During the non-cooling season, which is determined based on weather conditions, facility needs, and leadership (General Forman, Assistant Chief Engineer, Chief Engineer, Associate Director, Medical Center Director) instructions, the incumbent will perform maintenance, installation and servicing of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment throughout the medical center. Assignments includes but not limited to lubrication of motors, blowers and valves, monthly preventative maintenance, changing and cleaning of filters and coils, cleaning and painting of equipment; punch tubes on chillers and condensers, diagnose equipment malfunctions, repairs on a variety of refrigeration and air conditioning units such as walk-in freezers, ice making machines, window A/C units, package units, split AC units, reach-in refrigerators refrigerated centrifuges, Air Handling units (AHU). and any other tasks assigned by immediate supervisor, Maintenance and operations supervisor, Assistant chief engineer, and chief engineer. The incumbent performs other duties as assigned as directed by immediate supervisor, Maintenance and operations supervisor, Assistant chief engineer, and chief engineer. including but not limited to preventive maintenance, work orders, and to enter all work performed into electronic work order system and update shift trouble logs. Work Schedule: 8:00am to 4:30pm; Monday-Friday; Possible rotating shifts during cooling season Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Operator/PD20G83A Physical Requirements: Incumbent is required to climb ladders, reach and lift heavy loads of over forty pounds and walk long distances in a regular work. Incumbent is required to perform a great amount of kneeling, bending, stooping, standing and climbing. Employee must be able to wear safety and protective clothing and /or equipment presented for the work setting. Incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors, in poorly lighted conditions, in all types of weather. Incumbent might have to work in areas of temperature extremes in plant or is exposed to changes in temperature while working on outside equipment, roof exhaust and ventilation fans. Noise level, when machines are in operation (cooling season) is high, requiring the use of ear plugs to prevent damage to the hearing. Other protective devices such as goggles, masks, and gloves may be needed periodically. Occasionally works in contaminated areas and is exposed to communicable diseases when changing filters, etc. Operators are also subjected to noxious gases, cuts, bruises and scrapes. Incumbent is required to work in most adverse conditions (during an emergency) in areas which are noisy and exposed to sewage, gases and fumes. Works in all areas of the Medical Center, including contagious disease and/or contaminated areas. Incumbent shall be provided and is required to wear universal protection items, such as caps, gloves, gown, masks etc. 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: Dexterity and Safety Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Measuring Instruments Operation of Equipment/Machinery Technical Practices 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. Education N/a 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. 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.