Air Conditioning Equipment Operator

Summary

Air Conditioning Equipment Operators have a thorough knowledge of the principles of electrically driven centrifugal compressors, auxiliary machinery, diesel driven generators, water chemistry and the ability to take appropriate corrective action to maintain comfort, services and equipment. They possess a valid refrigerants compliance license issued by a competent authority.

Duties

• Major Duties as Assigned, but not limited to: Operators are responsible for analyzing various indicators, alarms, computers and instruments to detect abnormal conditions and make appropriate corrections including the ability to isolate and bypass the fault or if necessary to call back Engineering Service personnel and contractors to maintain services. Additionally, during normal duty hours, operators are responsible for responding to emergency calls related to air conditioning, elevators and other duties as assigned. After normal working hours operators are responsible for responding to all trouble calls related to any Engineering systems such as elevators, nurse call system, fire alarms, water supply, electrical, sewer, plumbing, and therapy pool and taking necessary action to modify, repair or otherwise ensure safe operation. Operators monitor critical areas such as the blood bank, kitchen refrigerators and freezers, and morgue. They inspect the SPS softener, operate all air conditioning auxiliary equipment such as pumps, fans and cooling towers, test and treat the therapy swimming pool and monitor The Joint Commission (TJC) requirements. Air Conditioning Equipment Operators have a thorough knowledge of the principles of electrically driven centrifugal compressors, auxiliary machinery, diesel driven generators, water chemistry and the ability to take appropriate corrective action to maintain comfort, services and equipment. They possess a valid refrigerants compliance license issued by a competent authority. Furthermore, they possess the necessary ability to perform operational repairs of moderate complexity to include cleaning, painting, lubricating equipment, power cleaning chiller tubes, repairing or replacing valves, gauges, switches, sight glasses, pump assemblies, piping leaks, the basic knowledge of electricity to test and replace wires, switches and other basic electrical components. Air Conditioning Equipment Operators apply a comprehensive knowledge of all operational phases of centralized, multiple zoned air conditioning plant operations to safely operate and maintain comfort in numerous critical buildings with a thorough knowledge of the functions and procedures of related systems to include water treatment, electrical generators, fuel oil systems, and pollution control and their interrelationships for efficient and economical generation. They apply knowledge of the principles and theories pertaining to refrigeration, heat transfer and chilled water generation in the operation of the chiller plant. Additionally, they apply a thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations and laws pertaining to refrigerants, the environment and pollution control requirements, water treatment procedures and water analysis using standard chemical tests, equipment and systems. They are fully capable of performing maintenance requirements and procedures, troubleshooting malfunctions in advanced equipment and systems by using standard testing techniques, testing equipment and devices. They have the ability to make repairs to a variety of systems not directly related to air conditioning and are able to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, drawings, work orders and verbal instructions. Air Conditioning plant operators have the ability and knowledge of procedures and adjustments to start, operate, adjust, maintain and secure machinery in a chiller plant to meet load demands and maintain efficient cooling. They have the skill necessary to operate chillers through normal operation and shut downs based on weather, machinery condition and specific load demands. Work Schedule: Rotating Schedules Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Operator/PD01015A Physical Requirements: Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 50 pounds. Functional Requirements: Individuals, including wage-grade drivers, title 5, title 38, and hybrid title 38 employees or volunteers who are required to operate a government owned or leased vehicle to successfully carry out their assigned duties must be medically cleared prior to appointment (positions that require a CDL are covered under a separate OF-178). Assessment must be made for any acute or chronic medical/physical condition or medication use which interferes with the ability operate the appropriate Government-owned or -leased vehicle safely and without undue risk to themselves or others. The following requirements must be met: distant vision 20/40 in one eye with or without correction, field of vision 70 degrees, ability to distinguish red, green and amber, whispered voice at five feet, or average hearing loss of not greater than 40 dbs. at 500, 1000 and 2,000 Hz.

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 (includes 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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement or substitution.

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 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.

Grade: WG 9. . Apply by 2026-11-10 on USAJOBS.