Air Conditioning Equipment Operator

$71,531 - $83,491/Yr

United States Department of Veterans Affairs - Hines, IL

Part-time,Full-time

Onsite - Hines, IL

Administration of Human Resource Programs

About the position

The Air Conditioning Equipment Operator position at the Department of Veterans Affairs involves operating a centralized, multiple zone air conditioning plant at the Edwards Hines Jr. VA Hospital. The role requires managing complex equipment configurations and ensuring efficient operation of various air handling systems to meet the temperature and humidity control needs of large buildings.

Responsibilities

• Operate a centralized, multiple zone air conditioning system.
• Check temperature sensing points in buildings and adjust controls accordingly.
• Start, regulate, and stop air handling equipment from central or decentralized switches.
• Log gauge readings and test water in cooling towers, recording results of water condition tests.
• Perform operator maintenance and replace minor parts as needed.
• Ensure efficient operation of unusual equipment configurations to service large buildings.
• Adjust valves and reset temperature controls and steam spray valves for humidity control as conditions warrant.
• Compute tonnage and make-up water used per hour and gallons being circulated per unit of time.
• Test water in cooling towers and add chemicals for control of alkalinity, algae, and scale formation.
• Perform repairs such as replacing valve seals, broken flares, and copper tubing.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience or training in operating air conditioning systems and equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot malfunctions in advanced equipment and systems using testing techniques.
• Knowledge of operating principles of steam, gas, diesel, and electrically driven compressors and absorbers.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment as 'Operator in Charge'.
• Experience in maintaining logs of lubricant changes and requirements.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with sophisticated air conditioning systems that support specialized work activities.
• Familiarity with safety considerations involved in the use of steam.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
• Access to a range of benefits designed to make federal careers rewarding.