Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic at the Luke Weathers Jr VA Medical Center in Memphis, TN. The role involves maintaining and repairing complex HVAC systems to ensure specific environmental conditions meet medical standards. Successful candidates will have strong troubleshooting skills and experience in HVAC installations.

Work hours include Monday to Friday with varying shifts. Physical requirements involve exposure to extreme temperatures and the need for safety equipment. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the comfort and safety of the medical center.

Qualifications

• Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair HVAC systems.
• Experience with installation and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
• Understanding of pneumatic and electronic controls.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and maintain HVAC/R systems.
• Repair and install complex equipment and controls.
• Maintain critical temperature and humidity levels in medical facilities.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Repair

HVAC systems

Blueprint reading

Job description

Summary

The Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic is located in the Maintenance & Operations Section of Engineering Service. The incumbent requires knowledge of the construction characteristics of a variety of type and models of systems that are designed to reach and maintain critical and extreme conditions under a variety of circumstances.

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 applicants must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the duties of this position. Evidence must be supported by detailed descriptions on the 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 preset screen‑out element. Applicants who possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification will be considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, Interpret Instructions, Specifications (including blueprint reading), Materials, Technical Practices, Troubleshooting.

Experience may include paid, unpaid, or volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) or other organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience translating directly to paid employment. All qualifying experience, including volunteer experience, will be credited. A full year of work is considered 35‑40 hours per week. Part‑time experience will be credited based on actual time spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities and the number of hours per week in each position.

Duties

• This position is in the Maintenance and Operations Section – Engineering Service.
• Reports directly to the Maintenance and Operations Supervisor.
• Primary purpose: troubleshoot, diagnose, repair, modify, and maintain complex air‑conditioning, refrigeration, heating, ventilation, and building automation systems (HVAC/R) that provide specific and critical climatic conditions throughout the medical center campus.
• Incumbent’s duties include: recognize need for repair, troubleshoot, install, and make repairs on equipment in this large medical center complex requiring temperatures between 70 and 74 °F at all times.
• Maintain an electronic data‑processing center requiring temperatures of 65‑75 °F with a critical equipment requirement of not more than 3.7 °F per hour and not more than 2 % relative‑humidity per hour.
• Repair, install, modify, and calibrate complex pneumatic and electronic controls serving independent systems throughout the entire medical center complex. Operate glycol run‑around and preheat systems; test and treat glycol for freeze protection and rust prevention. Repair, install, and modify various types of ice‑producing equipment.
• Repair, modify, and install walk‑in coolers and freezers having automatic defrost controls, thermostatic expansion valves, solenoids, semi‑hermetic compressors, water‑cooled condensers, and various pressure controls.
• Install equipment in various areas of the medical center such as radiological film processors, computer room equipment, energy‑management sensors and cables, biomedical testing equipment, and toxicology testing equipment, ensuring heat and exhaust are directed outside the room without affecting the critical area.
• Dismantle, repair, repack, and modify pumps by installing and replacing mechanical seals, shaft sleeves, impellers, and bearings; reassemble and realign pumps to maintain less than .003 inches of run‑out on each axis.
• Responsible for treating cooling‑tower circulating water. The incumbent may also be required to perform other duties as assigned.
• Work schedule: Monday‑Friday – 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; or 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic/PD50541-A
• Physical requirements: exposed to extreme weather conditions when working in air handlers and on the roof; exposed to low temperatures (–20 °F) when working in freezers; may be exposed to diseases when working in patient rooms and around exhaust fans; must wear protective masks and other personal equipment when appropriate.

Location: Luke Weathers Jr VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN.