Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic- Leader

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Lexington, KY seeks an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic- Leader to direct two mechanics and one Electronic Industrial Controls Mechanic. You will prioritize work, perform installation and repairs, and mentor staff.

Responsibilities include diagnosing HVAC systems with metering equipment, ensuring safety and proper PPE, and maintaining detailed records while collaborating with the Utilities Supervisor.

Qualifications

• EPA 608 Certification is required.
• HVAC experience with installation, repair, and maintenance of systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct and train subordinate mechanics under leader role.
• Coordinate and prioritize daily work with Utilities Supervisor.
• Install, repair and maintain HVAC systems per manufacturer specifications.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot using electrical metering equipment.
• Ensure safe work practices and PPE use.
• Maintain comprehensive work records and communication with staff and customers.

Skills

PPE usage

HVAC maintenance

Troubleshooting

Record keeping

Leadership

Communication

Safety compliance

Education

EPA Section 608 Certification

Tools

Electrical meters

Refrigeration tools

Job description

Incumbent serves as a work leader for Air Conditioning Mechanics at the multi-divisional Lexington VA Health Care System. In this capacity, the position involves the direction of two (2) Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanics, WG-5306-10 and one (1) Electronic Industrial Controls Mechanic, WG-2606-11 and reports to the Utilities Supervisor. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating and determining priority of all work.

Major Duties

• Major duties include but not limited to: Utilizes proper PPE when exposed to dust, grease and dirt, cold and hot conditions, extreme noises and vibrations, poor lighting etc. and when in contact with torches and refrigerant. Maintains records accurately where required and repairing and maintaining the HVAC equipment working independently and at times with others. Uses electrical metering equipment in order to troubleshoot controls and HVAC equipment. Demonstrates knowledge and or experience in calculating the cubic feet of an area and measuring air flow in order to determine air changes per hour and must also know the relationship between positive and negative air flow. Performs the installation of all air conditioning equipment systems and components in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and posted instructions made available to him. Works in cramped positions quite frequently in both hot and cold locations; and frequently is necessary that he/she move from one area to the other, climb ladders, bend, squat etc. and lift heavy objects at times. Knows of refrigeration and all related components and the tools of the trade including compound gauges, vacuum pumps, recovery machines, oxygen/acetylene torches etc. Repairs and maintains all air handling units and fan coils including VAV (variable air volume) systems, temperature controls, humidifiers, pre-filters, after filters, hot and cold water pumps, and pneumatic/electronically operated valves and dampers, freezers/ refrigerators, graphic controls system, reheat units, room induction units, and all associated piping and controls. Incorporates daily working knowledge to diagnose, repair, and make alterations on the air handling equipment, air duct system, chilled water system, pumps, refrigeration, condensate water system, air conditioning controls, makeup water system, condensate drain system, cooling tower facilities, and all types of refrigeration and HVAC equipment. Communicates, both orally and in writing, with staff, supervisor, and customers. Demonstrates, instructs and trains subordinate employees in all trades under his/her leadership. Studies and shares knowledge of new literature for current information and codes in HVAC fields with staff and supervisor. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic- Leader/PD34096A Physical Requirements: It is necessary that the incumbent demonstrate, instruct, and train his/her subordinate employees under his/her leadership.

Conditions of Employment

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.

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:

• Communication
• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Operation of Equipment/Machinery
• Technical Competence

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. ***Must have "EPA Section 608 Technical Certification"****

Additional Information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.