Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic

The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic is assigned to either Grand Island or Omaha, NE. They operate and maintain many Air Handling Units (AHUs), Make-Up Air Units (MAUs), chilled-water distribution, variable-frequency-drive motor systems, split systems and rooftop units, terminal units, exhaust and supply fans, and building specific air distribution systems and building specific HVAC systems, and repairs a broad range of refrigeration and smaller AC units and systems. Major duties include but are not limited to: Perform journeyman level preventive and corrective maintenance on building airside HVAC equipment. Manage filters by inspecting, replacing, and verifying correct installation. Clean and restore coils through chemical application, low pressure rinsing, fin straightening, and removal of debris or microbial buildup to ensure proper heat exchange efficiency. Rebuild airside mechanical components. Conduct electrical and control repairs. Utilize diagnostic instruments to verify airflow, static pressure, temperature, mechanical stability, and electrical performance. Perform comprehensive repair and restoration of refrigerant based cooling systems. Perform brazing and soldering on refrigerant piping. Review alarms, dashboards, and short interval trend data to isolate mechanical, electrical, or control related faults. Diagnose failures in circulating pumps, heat exchangers, control valves, and associated piping. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday • Friday, hours negotiable; Start time may vary between 6:30am and 8:00am (Will be further discussed during interview) Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD636-70739A Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): Authorized for qualified applicants. 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. 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. 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: 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 physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Work requires frequent lifting and handling of HVAC/R components weighing up to 75 pounds, standing, walking, kneeling, and working in cramped or awkward spaces. The mechanic climbs ladders and stairs, works at heights, and uses rigging or lift equipment to position heavy parts. Tasks require sustained manual dexterity during equipment disassembly, alignment, brazing, electrical repair, and use of diagnostic instruments. Working Conditions: Work is performed in mechanical rooms, above ceiling spaces, utility chases, rooftops, outdoor areas, and occupied spaces where the mechanic is regularly exposed to noise, vibration, temperature extremes, steam, chemicals, and refrigerants. Tasks often occur in confined or awkward spaces and may require working at heights. The mechanic uses appropriate personal protective equipment • including fall protection, respiratory protection, gloves, eye and hearing protection • and follows all safety and environmental procedures to mitigate hazards associated with HVAC/R maintenance and repair. U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation Selective Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 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. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.