Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic

Full Job Description

The incumbent serves as an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic and is assigned to the Projects & Operations Section (Energy Center) at the Portland VA (PVAMC).

This is an open, continuous announcement. It establishes a standing register of eligible applicants, which closes on April 13, 2026, or until the position has been filled.

Multiple cut-off dates will be used to consider applications for referral to the selecting official.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

EPA CERTIFICATION: In accordance with E.P.A 40 CFR Part 82, employees working in this position must have and maintain proper EPA Certifications for working with refrigerants.

You must have and submit EPA Certification Types I, II and III in order to meet the requirements of this position. Applicants who do not meet this requirement are ineligible for further consideration.

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.

Examples include: Performing all mechanical and electrical work required to maintain, repair, and service refrigeration and air handling equipment.

Diagnose the cause of faulty equipment relating to these systems. Use skills in the refrigeration cycle for both commercial and industrial systems.

Locate and check elements such as those controlling low- and high-side pressure, the temperature of cooling units, and the temperatures of the liquid and suction lines.

Monitor the running time of various mechanisms. Check for leaks by visually and audibly examining equipment components. Use prescribed test procedures and equipment as needed.

Explore probable reasons for equipment failure to minimize equipment downtime. Demonstrate skills in plumbing and intermediate pipefitting.

The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Materials Technical Practices Troubleshooting Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment 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.

Major Duties:

The Air Conditioner Equipment Mechanic Installs and repairs systems to condition the air for different kinds of structures including those areas that have special requirements such as communication centers, data processing centers, operating rooms, laboratories, intensive care units and other areas with sensitive equipment.

The work involves installing, recognizing the cause of faulty equipment, and making repairs on a variety of domestic and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning units and systems for heating, cooling, humidifying and dehumidifying.

Monitors and operates Direct Digital Control system and makes necessary changes in parameters, troubleshoots various problems.

Makes meaningful contributions toward solving operational and design problems, and improvises troubleshooting techniques.

Maintains, installs, troubleshoots and repairs electrical, electronic and pneumatic control systems.

Installs and repairs systems to condition the air for different kinds of structures including those areas that have special requirements. Reads e-mail, time documentation and the work order system.

Orders parts and materials needed to complete assigned tasks. Keeps records on refrigerants and stock on hand and amount used and/or reclaimed.

Repairs compressors, evaporators, defrosting controls, relays, gears, and pulleys.

Repairs and maintains water and gas distribution systems and equipment, sewage disposal systems, fire sprinkler systems, low pressure steam distribution system to include regulating valves, traps, strainers, radiator valves and condensation piping.

Conducts air and water balance on HVAC systems. Uses flow hoods, differential pressure measuring devices, rotation vane anemometer. Calculates air changes and room pressures.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm PST Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD20751A 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, acids oils , and other safety hazards during accomplishment of assigned duties.

Often required to crawl under buildings where extreme exposure to fiberglass and asbestos is not uncommon.