Summary This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until May 31, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 5, 2024, with subsequent cut-off dates on the end of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Responsibilities The Air Conditioning Equipment Operator position is under the Operations Section of Facilities Management Service at the East Orange Campus of the VA NJHCS. The incumbent is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of a computer controlled central air conditioning system, other related air conditioning systems and all utility systems. Duties may include but are not limited to: Responds to all calls for temperature control as well as all emergencies regardless of trade; Reviews all remote temperature sensing points, differential sensing points, differential pressure switches and relative humidity sensing points in order to control differential temperatures; liquid volume/mass flow rate; flow rate of heat transfer fluids; equipment run time; duty cycling; chilled water plant optimization; automatic restart programming; remote start-stop; remote reset and status of alarms; Monitor and perform maintenance, adjustments and repairs on chillers, air handlers, utility systems and related equipment; Filters, cleaning strainers, replacing belts, servicing pumps, lubricating components, etc; Makes rounds of areas assigned, read gauges and meters, makes needed adjustments and performs other related duties such as BMS monitoring; Detects equipment malfunction, and troubleshoots by making minor adjustments and/or repairs such as replacing valve plates, broken flares, tubing, adjusting expansion valves, replacing small electric motors and making temporary pipe repairs; Assists mechanics in major equipment overhaul or maintenance during breakdown or in the non-cooling season; Responsible for the proper care of hand tools, instruments and equipment assigned or used during tour of duty, keeping work areas and shop clean; Monitors and performs maintenance, adjustments and repairs on the chillers, air handlers, utility systems and related equipment; Maintains proper steam pressures for the various systems throughout the facility by means of pressure reducing valves; Ensures condensate return-systems are operating properly; Operator makes adjustments and repairs as required to steam traps, pressure power pumps, electric condensate pumps, flash tanks and condensate receivers; and Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: The Operations Section functions on a twenty-four hour, seven days per week operation plan. The incumbent is required to work a rotating, three (3)-shift tour. The Operator alternates working hours on all three shifts on weekends and weekdays. Tours are 8:00am-4:00pm, 4:00pm-12:00am, 12:00am-8:00am Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Operator/PD12081227 Physical Requirements and Work Conditions: On occasions, may have to bend, stoop, crawl, sit and climb and work in uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time. Works on ladders and occasionally over operating equipment. Occasionally lifts objects over 50 pounds and uses chain hoist when lifting heavier objects. Work is generally performed indoors with adequate light and ventilation. Occasionally, work is done outside where the Operator is subject to a variety of weather conditions. Incumbent may have to work in hot, cramped and dirty environments and occasionally in-areas of temperature extremes of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Exposed to the possibility of burns while working on steam and hot water equipment. Noise level is often high, sometimes requiring hearing protection to prevent hearing loss; Other protective equipment such as goggles, gloves and masks may be needed periodically. Occasionally, works in contaminated areas and is exposed to communicable diseases when changing filters, etc. The A/C Equipment Operator is also subject to noxious gases, cuts, bruises, falls and scrapes. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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 (includes blueprint reading) Materials Shop Practices Technical Practices Troubleshooting Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision Preferred Experience: EPA Certification Types I, II and III or Universal through an EPA approved technician program. 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. Additional Information 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. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.