AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT MECHANIC

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Reminder: Address any related skill sets in your resume/application, describe skill level in great detail.

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.

Skill and Knowledge
Knowledge of the principles and theories of air conditioning and refrigeration such as the refrigeration cycle, heat transfer laws, the use of refrigerant tables; and ability to calculate airflow, and the pressure temperature characteristics for the different systems in order to locate and repair faulty equipment swiftly, reduce inoperative time to a minimum, locate trouble before dismantling, and make repairs
which insure proper functioning after assembly.
Knowledge of a variety of compressors such as gear, reciprocating, centrifugal, or rotary pump, and a variety of refrigerant controls such as those with low and high pressure side floats, automatic thermostatic expansion valves, capillary or choke types, and those based on volume or quantity changes. A variety of complicated motor controls are also used such as hermetically sealed motors and pressure controls, thermostatic motor controls (remote and double remote), full and semi-automatic defrosting controls, relays, and other controls to protect against overload or overheating. Various types of power sources are used with various combinations or pulleys, belts, horse power capacity, and tensioners in order to troubleshoot malfunctions that are extremely difficult to locate.

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
• Technical Practices
• Troubleshooting
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• 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.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: The work requires carrying of equipment, tools and testing devices that seldom weigh over 50 pounds. Most of the equipment can be reached from the floor or from ladders. Occasionally, platforms and scaffolding are needed to reach parts of the systems such as fans, electrical and water lines and duct work. The incumbent is required to stoop, stretch, bend, kneel and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Most of the work is usually performed inside, but the incumbent is frequently subject to sudden temperature changes when working on equipment such as walk-in freezer units. Occasionally subjected to cuts, burns, electrical shocks, and respiratory ailments; and exposed to repeated, prolonged or concentrated amounts of refrigerant gases that may cause toxic effects on eyes, skin, and internal organs. There is an occasional requirement to work outside, on top of tall buildings, in drafty attic spaces, and in cramped areas with low overheads.