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Posted: February 26, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Air Conditioning Equipment Operator

Veterans Health Administration

Department of Veterans Affairs

Fresh

Salary

$27.31 - $31.86

per hour

Closes

March 2, 2026More VA jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves operating and maintaining air conditioning systems in a veterans' hospital, monitoring equipment for issues, and responding to emergencies like alarms or system failures to keep the facility comfortable and safe.

Workers also handle related tasks such as checking elevators, fire alarms, and water systems, especially outside regular hours.

It's a good fit for someone with hands-on experience in HVAC maintenance who works well independently and can stay calm under pressure.

Key Requirements

  • Current EPA-approved CFC Universal Certification for refrigerants handling
  • Thorough knowledge of electrically driven centrifugal compressors and auxiliary machinery
  • Ability to analyze indicators, alarms, and instruments to detect and correct abnormal conditions
  • Experience responding to emergency calls for air conditioning, elevators, and engineering systems
  • Proficiency in technical practices including equipment operation, repair, and blueprint reading
  • Dexterity and safety in using measuring instruments and assembling/installing equipment
  • Ability to work without more than normal supervision, including after-hours on-call duties

Full Job Description

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. 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. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.

The position requires a current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved CFC Universal Certification.

This is in accordance with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act 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.

Major 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: 12 am - 8am Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Operator/674-01015-A Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking; Standing; Crawling; Kneeling; Repeated bending; Climbing, use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Depth perception; Hearing (aid permitted)

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/26/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/27/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: CAZM-12896930-26-JET