Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic

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.

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Duties

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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.

In this position at grade 11, 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

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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

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.

Applicants must meet the screen out elements and achieve an overall score of at least fifty (50%) or higher

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.

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

• 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.
• A probationary period may be required.

This position has physical requirements which include but may not be limited to:

• Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over
• Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over
• Pushing - 1 hour
• 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
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• 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 and inside
• Excessive heat
• Excessive cold
• Excessive dampness or chilling
• 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
• Vibration
• Working closely with others
• Working alone
• Protracted or irregular hours of work
• Long hours working on snow crew

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. For more information, please visit our Careers website.

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.

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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.

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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.