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Summary The Air Conditioning Equipment Operator position performs work involved in operating, troubleshooting and repairing complex utility systems. The position is located in the Maintenance & Operations Section, Engineering Service, at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, Spokane, Washington. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited to: Performs journeyman level electrician work independently such as wire pumps, fabricate extension cords, replace fan belts, install electric motors, install high/low pressure switches on fuel line systems, disconnect electric line from auto blown down valves, and grease all electric motors, valves and pumps. Performs journeyman level steamfitter work independently. Test and replace wires, switches, and other basic electrical components. Individual must be able to determine when to bring another boiler on line or to remove a boiler from operation in the least amount of time. Individual must be able to change load demands while maintain safe levels and efficient combustion. Individual must be responsible for the start operation, adjustment, shut-down, maintenance and repair of four (4) Burnham Boilers capacity of 12,000 lbs, steam per hour at a maximum pressure of 200 psig with a normal operating pressure of 120 psig. Use of manual, automatic microprocessor controls or control system to monitor, adjust, and control all phases of the boiler plant operations. Operates and maintain feed water and condensate regulators and pumps, combustion control equipment, dr.-aerating equipment, dr.-alkalizers, and special safety equipment such as relief valves and flame failure devices. Operates all boiler auxiliary equipment such as automatic boiler controls, feed water heaters, pumps, forced and induced draft fans, and water softeners. Keep steam in the patient areas if a power, water, or steam failure occurs. Adjust firing controls for the correct air fuel mixture, adjust fuel feeds, and air drafts to obtain the most efficient air fuel mixture for maximum combustion efficiency and energy conservation. Maintains the proper percentages of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and oxygen. Takes boiler and condensate return water samples and run test to determine specifics such as acidity, causticity, and alkalinity using reagents, color sides and other standards. Maintains efficient combustion levels to ensure compliance with air pollution laws, pollution levels are monitored regularly by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and other regulatory agencies. Adjust firing controls for the correct air fuel mixture, adjust fuel feeds, and air drafts to obtain the most efficient air fuel mixture for maximum combustion efficiency and energy conservation. Work Schedule: 12am - 12pm compressed schedule shift work Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Operator/PD70370A Physical Requirements: This position requires frequent walking, standing, bending, climbing, stooping, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling moderately heavy loads weighing up to 40 pounds (such as bags of salt or chemicals). The position requires occasionally lifting items weighing over 40 pounds with assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment (such as removing or installing larger valves). Incumbent must be in good physical condition, have good eyesight with or without glasses and cannot be colorblind. Incumbent occasionally works in awkward and cramped positions while making repairs or performing inspections and maintenance. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of 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 (other than blueprint reading) Measuring Instruments Operation of Equipment/Machinery 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. Education Additional Information Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. 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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.