Air Conditioning Equipment Operator

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Augusta, GA seeks an Air Conditioning Equipment Operator to operate and maintain facility utility systems in support of safe, reliable medical center operations.

The role includes monitoring energy management systems, performing routine preventive maintenance, and responding to equipment issues. Rotating 8- or 12-hour shifts are required to ensure 24/7 operations; physical duties include walking, lifting, and climbing as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operates gas/oil-fired steam boilers and associated pumps and chillers.
• Starts, stops, and regulates boilers, chillers, and pumps.
• Controls the medical center's energy management system and related HVAC components.
• Monitors gauges and conditions to identify potential equipment problems.
• Responds to plant trouble calls and coordinates maintenance when needed.
• Analyzes water quality and treats boiler and condenser-water systems.
• Performs preventive maintenance and maintains operating logs.
• Performs minor repairs: seals, bearings, valves, piping, and motors.
• Detects malfunctions and determines corrective action for safe operation.
• Performs boiler safety-device testing and follows safety procedures.
• Maintains accurate plant logs and communicates operating conditions and shifts.

Job description

The Air Conditioning Equipment Operator serves within Engineering Service and is responsible for the operation - monitoring - adjustment - maintenance - and minor repair of facility utility systems. Duties include operating steam boilers - centrifugal chillers - cooling towers - pumps - and associated equipment to support safe - reliable - and efficient medical center operations.

The Air Conditioning Equipment Operator serves within Engineering Service and is responsible for the operation - monitoring - adjustment - maintenance - and minor repair of facility utility systems. Duties include operating steam boilers - centrifugal chillers - cooling towers - pumps - and associated equipment to support safe - reliable - and efficient medical center operations.

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: Equipment Assembly - Installation - Repair Interpret Instructions - Specifications (mobile equipment operations) Measurement and Layout Operation of Equipment/Machinery Troubleshooting (Electronic 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.

Duties

• Duties include
• but are not limited to: Operates and performs minor repairs on gas/oil-fired steam boilers - boiler feedwater pumps - condensate transfer pumps - centrifugal water chillers - cooling towers - chilled-water pumps - condenser-water pumps - and associated equipment
• Starts - stops - and regulates boilers - chillers - pumps - and associated equipment in response to facility load demands
• Operates and adjusts the medical center's centralized energy management system and associated field components controlling heating - ventilation - air conditioning - and smoke-control systems
• Monitors gauges - meters - instruments - and operating conditions to calculate system flow and identify potential or developing equipment problems
• Responds to plant trouble calls - evaluates equipment problems - performs repairs within assigned capabilities - and coordinates additional maintenance support when necessary
• Analyzes water samples and chemically treats boiler - chilled-water - and condenser-water systems to maintain required treatment levels
• Performs scheduled preventive maintenance - maintains operating and maintenance records - and assists mechanics with major equipment repairs and off-season overhauls
• Performs minor equipment repairs - including replacing mechanical seals - bearings - valves - pipe fittings - and motors - and repairing insulation - valve packing - piping - and seals
• Detects equipment malfunctions - locates and troubleshoots problems - and determines appropriate corrective action to maintain safe and reliable plant operations
• Performs required boiler safety-device testing and follows established plant safety procedures
• Maintains accurate plant operating logs and communicates operating conditions - shift activities - alarms - and other pertinent information to appropriate personnel
• Work Schedule: Rotating and/or permanent 8- or 12-hour shifts are required to support 24-hour - 7-day-per-week plant operations
• Specific work hours will be determined based on operational needs
• Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Operator/PD11462A Physical Requirements: Work requires regular walking tours of the plant to inspect equipment and involves lifting - kneeling - standing - climbing - and stooping
• Repairs may require working in awkward and cramped positions and lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds.