Air Conditioning Equipment Operator

Veterans Health Administration • Augusta, GA

3d

About The Position

The Air Conditioning Equipment Operator serves within Engineering Service and operates, monitors, adjusts, maintains, and performs minor repairs on facility utility systems to support safe, reliable, and efficient medical center operations. Equipment includes steam boilers, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, pumps, and associated systems. The operator responds to facility load demands, monitors operating conditions, performs preventive maintenance, and supports equipment repairs and overhauls.

The position requires rotating and/or permanent 8- or 12-hour shifts to support plant operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Specific work hours are determined by operational needs. The work includes regular walking tours to inspect equipment, as well as lifting, kneeling, standing, climbing, and stooping. Repairs may involve awkward or cramped positions and lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete required online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Serve a one-year probationary period, subject to written certification that continued employment advances the public interest.
• Demonstrate training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
• Provide detailed resume descriptions of training or experience that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties.
• Meet the position's screen-out element and demonstrate relevant job elements, including equipment assembly, installation and repair; interpreting instructions and specifications; measurement and layout; operation of equipment and machinery; troubleshooting electronic equipment; and working without more than normal supervision.
• Complete annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain a medical or religious exemption; employees with an exemption must wear a face mask when required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and perform minor repairs on gas- or oil-fired steam boilers, boiler feedwater pumps, condensate transfer pumps, centrifugal water chillers, cooling towers, chilled-water pumps, condenser-water pumps, and associated equipment.
• Start, stop, and regulate boilers, chillers, pumps, and associated equipment in response to facility load demands.
• Operate and adjust the medical center's centralized energy management system and field components that control heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and smoke-control systems.
• Monitor gauges, meters, instruments, and operating conditions to calculate system flow and identify potential or developing equipment problems.
• Respond to plant trouble calls, evaluate equipment problems, perform repairs within assigned capabilities, and coordinate additional maintenance support when necessary.
• Analyze water samples and chemically treat boiler, chilled-water, and condenser-water systems to maintain required treatment levels.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance, maintain operating and maintenance records, and assist mechanics with major equipment repairs and off-season overhauls.
• Perform minor equipment repairs, including replacing mechanical seals, bearings, valves, pipe fittings, and motors, and repairing insulation, valve packing, piping, and seals.
• Detect equipment malfunctions, troubleshoot problems, and determine corrective actions to maintain safe and reliable plant operations.
• Perform required boiler safety-device testing and follow established plant safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate plant operating logs and communicate operating conditions, shift activities, alarms, and other pertinent information to appropriate personnel.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• VA may grant credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual, subject to prior request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed