Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic
Company
Department of Commerce - National Institute of Standards and Technology
Location
Boulder, Colorado
Type
Full Time
Job Description
Summary
NIST's Building Management and Maintenance group is seeking AC Equipment Mechanics to support the safe and reliable operation of complex HVAC systems across the campus. These positions help ensure critical facilities maintain the precise environmental conditions needed for research laboratories, specialized spaces, and building operations to function efficiently and without interruption.
Duties
In this position at grade 10, you will:
- Operate, monitor, and regulate large, complex, and centralized HVAC systems to maintain desired temperatures, humidity levels, and air quality.
- Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on a wide variety of HVAC equipment, including commercial packaged units, chillers, steam systems, boilers, and control systems.
- Analyze system issues and apply troubleshooting techniques to identify and resolve problems quickly and effectively.
- Interpret and work from blueprints, schematics, technical manuals, and specifications to plan and layout work, determine repair methods, and ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards.
- Conduct regular tests and adjustments to optimize HVAC system performance and ensure the most efficient operation.
- Operate heavy equipment such as snow blowers and plows to clear snow and ice from walkways and parking areas as weather events occur.
At the WG-11 grade, you will:
- Install, adjust, maintain, and repair complex HVAC systems tailored to the specific environmental requirements of laboratories and research facilities.
- Diagnose and resolve malfunctions in HFVAC equipment, including commercial-grade units, chillers, steam systems, and boilers.
- Install various types of ductwork and associated components, such as round, square, rectangular, and spiral ducts, as well as flexible ducts and connections, ensuring proper sealing and airflow.
- Analyze system performance data, interpret diagnostic reports, and implement corrective actions to optimize HVAC system efficiency and reliability.
- Conduct comprehensive tests, adjustments, and precise calibrations on HVAC systems and components, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations.
- Utilize building management control systems to diagnose and resolve complex issues, implement modifications, and optimize system performance in response to specific space requirements.
- Safely handle, store, and dispose of refrigerants and other hazardous chemicals following strict safety protocols and environmental regulations.
- Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on a wide variety of HVAC equipment, including commercial packaged units, chillers, steam systems, boilers, and control systems.
- Additionally, assist with site snow removal during winter operations which can include operating snow blowers, plows, heavy equipment and shovels to clear site walkways, parking lots and building entrances. Snow removal duties can be assigned out of hours or during normal business hours as the weather events occur.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
U.S. citizenship
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Suitable for Federal employment
Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination
Must obtain and maintain Universal CFC Certification for handling refrigerants within six months if not already held
Must possess a valid state driver's license
Callback or emergency overtime required
Bargaining Unit Position: Yes - American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Local 2186
Qualifications
All applicants must submit a resume NOT TO EXCEED two pages on standard-size paper. If the resume exceeds two pages, only the first two pages will be reviewed for qualifications or assessment determinations.
There are no specific length or level of experience requirements. The applicant's overall background of experience, education, and training must clearly demonstrate the ability to perform A/C Equipment Mechanic duties without more than normal supervision.
AND
Driver's License (Screen-Out): A valid state Driver's License is required for this position.
NOTE: We cannot accept photographs; therefore, please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued Driver's License.
Applicants must meet the screen out elements and achieve an overall score of at least fifty (50%) or higher
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; religious; 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.
The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification System for Trade and Labor Occupations Handbook.
If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration
Additional information
This position is covered by the Federal Wage System. The FWS is a uniform pay-setting system that covers Federal appropriated fund and non-appropriated fund blue-collar employees who are paid by the hour. For more information regarding the FWS, visit http://www.opm.gov/oca/wage/.
We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY in order to be considered for this position.
All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible in order to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:- your performance and conduct;- the needs and interests of the agency;- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
This position has physical requirements which include but may not be limited to:
Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over
Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds
Straight pulling - 1 hour
Pulling hand over hand
Pushing
Reaching above shoulder
Use of fingers
Both hands required
Walking - 6 hours
Standing - 6 hours
Crawling - 2 hours
Kneeling - 2 hours
Repeated bending - 6 hours
Climbing, legs only - 4 hours
Climbing, use of legs and arms
Both legs required
Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle
Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4
Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
Both eyes required
Depth perception
Ability to distinguish basic colors
Ability to distinguish shades of colors
Hearing (aid may be permitted)
This position has environmental factors which include, but may not be limited to:
Outside
Outside and inside
Excessive heat
Excessive cold
Excessive humidity
Excessive dampness or chilling
Dry atmospheric conditions
Excessive noise, intermittent
Constant noise
Dust
Silica, asbestos, etc.
Fumes, smoke, or gases
Solvents (degreasing agents)
Grease and oils
Radiant energy
Electrical energy
Slippery or uneven walking surfaces
Working around machinery with moving parts
Working around moving objects or vehicles
Working on ladders or scaffolding
Working below ground
Working with hands in water
Explosives
Vibration
Working closely with others
Working alone
Protracted or irregular hours of work
Long hours working on snow crew
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities such as:
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Telework
Flexible work schedules
Paid parental leave
Paid vacation
Sick leave
Family-friendly leave
Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families
Back-up child care program
Child and elder-care resources
On-site childcare center
Lactation spaces
Wellness programs
Fitness center
Employee assistance programs
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.
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Date Posted
03/16/2026
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