Duties

Major Duties:
Operates a centralized, multiple zone system. Checks temperature sensing points in buildings; adjusts controls; starts, regulates, and stops air handling equipment; arid resets temperature controls and steam spray valves for humidity control. Logs gauge readings, tests water in cooling towers, records results of water condition tests, performs operator maintenance, and replaces minor parts, Ensures that unusual equipment configuration requirements operate efficiently to service exceptionally large building(s), and meets the various needs of users. Systems operated have an extremely large capacity and flexibility, the level of complexity involved in this kind of situation is also reflected in the large number of components and amount of auxiliary equipment to coordinate and the large number of controls and gauges to monitor and use as bases for judgments and decisions.

Checks temperature sensing points in various building areas and adjusts controls to meet local requirements and desires. Starts, regulates, and stops various items of air handling equipment from central switches or from decentralized switches in fan or equipment rooms. Starts, stops and regulates the air conditioning compressors. or absorbers, the cooling tower fans, and other related support equipment in accordance with procedures with central or local switches as required for load conditions; adjusts valves and resets temperature controls and steam spray valves for humidity control as conditions warrant, based on observations. Logs results of water condition tests, dry and wet bulb temperatures, chiller oil level and oil pressure, water temperature entering and leaving condensers, volt and ampere readings, vacuum pressure, refrigerant temperature and level, high and low pressure readings humidity, and other readings. Computes tonnage and make-up water used per hour and the gallons being circulated per unit of time as well as the heat load. Tests water in cooling towers and adds chemicals for control of alkalinity, algae, and scale formation. Performs operator maintenance such as adding refrigerant; changing fillers in air handlers; cleaning strainers; replacing broken or worn drive belts on motors; lubricating the various compressor, fans, shafts and steam glands of pumps; and moving parts of other operating and standby equipment. Uses various lubricants arid maintains a log of lubricant changes and requirements. Performs repairs such as replacing valve plates, broken flares, and: copper tubing, repacking glands, adjusting expansion valves, replacing small electric motors, and making temporary repairs to pipes.

The A/C Equipment Operator must comply with any EPA certifications and/or requirements. The regulations require technicians to observe practices that minimize releases of refrigerant to the environment and to be certified as knowledgeable of these requirements, therefore, to ensure that the individuals handing refrigerant must be certified technicians.

An EPA Universal certification is required. (Must provide copy of EPA certificate or card. Failure to do so may result in loss of consideration)

Work Schedule: Details of the shifts will be discussed at the interview. Rotating Shifts. This position is part of a team covering a 24hr/7day per week Operation. Cycle durations are subject to change with a two week notice, due to the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the needs of the hospital. When a Federal Holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, staff may be required to work on that holiday. Staff may be required to work overtime on weekends, after hours on a duty day when necessary.
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Cond Equip Operator/PD00679A
Physical Requirements: The operator occasionally lifts objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Lifting equipment, such as chain hoists, is available to move heavier objects. Some standing, stooping, bending, and work on ladders is required.

Working Conditions: The work is usually performed indoors with adequate light and ventilation. Operators occasionally work in areas of temperature extremes in the plant or are exposed to changes in temperature while working on outside cooling towers, roof exhausts, and ventilating fans Noise level Is often high, sometimes to the point of requiring ear plugs Other protective devices such as goggles, masks, and gloves, may be needed periodically. The operator is exposed to the. possibility of burns when working on steam and hot water lines; and is also subject to noxious gases, cuts, bruises, and scrapes.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  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. Opens in a new windowLearn 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.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  Documents Accepted:
  

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • OF-306
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

  
  Documents Required:
  

  • Resume

  
  Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
  
  Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
  
  Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

• How to Apply

  All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
  
  To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/17/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11858055.
  
  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
  
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  
  To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete..

  
  

  Agency contact information

  Kiphanie Moore

  Phone

  414-712-8177

  Email

  kiphanie.moore@va.gov

  Address

  Edward Hines Junior Hospital
  5000 South 5th Avenue
  Hines, IL 60141
  US

  Next steps

  After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (COVID-19 - VA 005) in-accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3) and 5 CFR 337.205(b)(1)-(4).