Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic

Summary NIST is seeking an A/C Equipment Mechanic to support the safe and reliable operation of complex HVAC systems across campus. You will maintain, troubleshoot, and repair heating and cooling equipment to ensure research laboratories, specialized spaces, and campus buildings maintain the environmental conditions needed to operate efficiently and without interruption. Responsibilities 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 lay out 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 HVAC 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. Assist with site snow removal during winter operations by operating snow blowers, plows, heavy equipment, and shovels to clear walkways, parking lots, and building entrances outside of normal business hours or as weather events occur. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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 50% (fifty percent) or higher. AND Driver's License (Screen-Out): A valid state driver's license is required for this position. NOTE: Do not submit a copy or photograph of your driver's 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 Education 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 Explosives 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.