Student Veterans of America Jobs

Summary The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic, WG-5306-10, is located at any site within the Engineering Service of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. The incumbent repairs, modifies, maintains, services, and performs preventive maintenance of air conditioning units, plants and systems, and related equipment. Responsibilities NOTE: The closing date of this announcement has been extended from 9/22/2023 to 9/30/2023. MAJOR DUTIES: Repairs, modifies, maintains, services, performs preventive maintenance of air conditioning units, plants and systems, and related equipment in specific and/or critical areas. Plans lays out, and installs critical climatic units, insuring balance and readout. Alters or substitutes required components to meet conditions in different areas to provide comfort to patients and staff. Overhauls and maintains a variety of refrigerating units such as testing calibrations on critical units, freezers, hot and cold food carts, individual heat pumps, water chilling systems, and units interlocked with solar systems. Works alone to check elements such as those which control internal pressures, temperatures of cooling units and running time of various machines. Visually leak-checks and performs an audible examination of equipment. Works with others in installing heavy roof-mounted units, ceiling installation, and/or where problems arise and incumbent's knowledge is needed. Respond immediately to service vital, malfunctioning equipment in all areas. Works with or trains others in the operation of equipment. Is familiar with proper inspection and maintenance practices in the trade, using manufacturers' information, literature and instructions, or trade guides and maintenance manuals. Fabricates duct work, using proper tools and equipment common to the air conditioning/refrigeration trade. Determines from own knowledge or by referring to manufacturers' literature, the pipe sizes to be used in specific applications. Selects tools, equipment, instruments and/or materials to be used in completing assigned tasks. Work Schedule: VARIES Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD01696A Physical Requirements: Work is both outside and inside in areas of medium to excessive heat, cold, humidity, dampness or chilling areas that have intermittent noise, dust, fumes, grease, dirt, oils, with exposure to electrical wires and energy. Areas may be slippery and/or uneven surfaces, in equipment rooms, tunnels, crawls spaces, penthouses, overhead catwalks, scaffolding and/or in tight areas such as manholes and electrical equipment closets. 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. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: Current/valid EPA Universal Certification. 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 Knowledge of the principles and theories of air conditioning and refrigeration, refrigeration cycling and heat transfer laws and the ability to apply this knowledge to a variety of domestic, commercial and industrial equipment and systems. 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 Additional Information A supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. 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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.