The incumbent is employed as an air conditioning mechanic at the two divisions Veterans Administration Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky. Incumbent is normally assigned to one division, but is subject to work at the other division at any given time, should the need arise.

Major Duties

• The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic covers nonsupervisory work that is performed to repair and modify a variety of equipment and systems that achieve regulated climatic conditions. This work requires knowledge of principles of air conditioning, the ability to recognize and determine the best method for correcting malfunctions and the skill to make repairs to a variety of air conditioning and cooling unit systems.The position requires knowledge of principles and theories of air conditioning systems to diagnose, repair and make alterations to existing and new systems at the VAMC. The extensive amount of installation and repair work required, and sufficient knowledge and skill requirements places the position in the 5306 series.Major Duties include, but not limited to: Calculates the cubic feet of an area and measuring air flow in order to determine air changes per hour for clean sterile rooms, procedure rooms to ensure compliance with VA design guide. Performs the installation on all air conditioning equipment systems and components in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations to produce efficient cooling and heating according to VA design guide. Works in cramped positions quite frequently in both hot and cold locations; and it frequently is necessary that he move from one area to the other. Climbing ladders, bending, squatting etc. Keeps accurate records where required while maintaining the HVAC equipment working independently and at times with others. Works with dust, grease, dirt, cold and hot conditions, extreme noise and vibrations. Assists employees of allied trades (plumbers, maintenance mechanics, electricians and general mechanics) whenever their workload demands assistance and incumbent's workload allows it. Diagnoses and repair related systems such as air duct system, chilled water system, pumps, refrigeration, condensate water system, air conditioning controls, makeup water system, condensate drain system, cooling tower facilities. Possess basic computer skills in order to operate a building management system, monitoring and controlling all types of Utility Systems. Operates electrical metering equipment in order to troubleshoot controls and HVAC equipment. Repairs and maintenance of all air handling units and fan coils including VAV (variable air volume) systems.. Notifies his supervisor about any major operational or maintenance problems encountered while performing these duties. Understands refrigeration systems and all related components and the tools of the trade including compound gauges, vacuum pumps, recovery machines, oxygen/acetylene torches etc. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Air Condition Equipment Mechanic/PD30344A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Conditions of Employment

Requirements

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 All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. 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.

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:

• 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/Working Conditions: Moderate to heavy physical effort is required due to the size and location of the equipment. The employee frequently lifts, carries sets up parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally heavier weights. The incumbent frequently has to bend, stoop, reach and hold awkward positions due to the cramped spaces with a lot of equipment and pipes, or ducts in the way. Works in high areas due to equipment that is placed on the roof and sometimes not easily accessible. Makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding and platforms where the parts of systems worked on are frequently in hard-to-reach places; therefore, stooping, stretching, bending and kneeling are frequently for long periods of time. Must have good color perception and eye and hand coordination. The incumbent works indoors and outside. While outside the employee is subject to all sorts of climatic conditions. The employee has to exhibit care in his/her practices due to the occupational hazards from variety of machinery such as motors, pumps, fans, hot or cold areas, falls, high voltage areas, falls, etc. Wears appropriate safety equipment and follows safety policies and procedures., The employee will occasionally be required to work outside on top of buildings, in drafty attic spaces, and in cramped areas with low overheads. Subject to cuts, burns, electrical shocks and respiratory ailments. Employee uses/wears any safety equipment or other items required and provided by the employer.