This position is located within the Facilities Management Service, Maintenance and Repair Operations, in the Swing Maintenance Energy Section at the VA Portland Medical Center. The incumbent is responsible for installing, recognizing the cause of faulty equipment, and making repairs on a variety of domestic and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning units, systems such as walk-in and reach-in coolers, deep freezers, attic and evaporative fans, and other equipment of comparable complexity.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 07/08/2025 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, The ability to do the work of a Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic without more than normal supervision. Duties include but are not limited to: Working as a journeyman in the installation, operation, repair and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment; knowledgeable in the principles and theories of air conditioning, refrigeration and heat transfer; able to select, maintain and safely use the tools, measuring equipment, testing devices and instruments related to the heating, ventilation, air condition and refrigeration (HVAC/R) trade; repair, replace install, and test various HVAC/R equipment and/or systems; able to read from blue prints and diagrams when performing tasks. 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. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: A Selective Placement Factor (SPF) has been identified for this position. Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF(s) are ineligible for further consideration. The SPFs for this position are as follows: Selective Placement Factor: EPA CERTIFICATION: In accordance with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act of 1990, this position requires a current, valid Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Universal Certification. 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.
These duties may include but not be limited to the following: Perform mechanical and electrical work to maintain, repair, service and recognize the cause of faulty equipment relating to refrigeration and air handling equipment. The incumbent has knowledge of the refrigeration cycle of a variety of commercial and industrial systems to locate and check elements such as those which control low and high side pressure. Check for leaks by visual and audible examination of equipment components, by applying prescribed and tested procedures and equipment, and by exploration of probable reasons for equipment failure to minimize equipment down time. Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions including wiring and piping schematic drawings and diagrams. Maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical, electronic and pneumatic control systems. Refrigerant tables knowledge and use. Ability to perform conduct air and water balance on HVAC systems. Work Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 2:00pm - 10:30pm (PST) Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD20751A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Maybe Authorized. Physical Requirements: The incumbent may be required to make repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, under buildings, small, tight places, manholes, and where the systems and equipment are in hard to reach places. This requires the incumbent to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions for prolonged periods. The incumbent frequently handles, lifts, carries and sets up parts with excessive weights (up to 65 lbs).). The incumbent must be able to maintain intense concentration for long periods of time. Working Conditions: Required to work outside, under and on top of tall buildings, in cramped areas with low overheads and in areas with moving equipment and machinery; is exposed to electrical hazards, hot and cold areas, and contagious diseases; required to occasionally wear uncomfortable face masks and protective clothing; subject to exposure to refrigerant, acid oils, and other safety hazards during accomplishment of assigned duties. Often required to crawl under buildings where extreme exposure to fiberglass and asbestor is not uncommon.