The incumbent is responsible for the operation of Chiller Plant, maintenance and repair of a wide variety of HVAC equipment and systems which serve the entire Medical Center and Temperature / Humidity / Pressure Differential System. HVAC systems includes, but is not limited to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and associated equipment. Ensure these systems are in proper and safe operating condition; makes adjustments and emergency repairs when necessary.
Summary
The incumbent is responsible for the operation of Chiller Plant, maintenance and repair of a wide variety of HVAC equipment and systems which serve the entire Medical Center and Temperature / Humidity / Pressure Differential System. HVAC systems includes, but is not limited to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and associated equipment. Ensure these systems are in proper and safe operating condition; makes adjustments and emergency repairs when necessary.
ALL US CITIZENS
DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (COVID-19 - VA 005) in-accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3) and 5 CFR 337.205(b)(1)-(4).
This job requires performance of work during both a day shift under normal supervision, and rationally on off-hour shifts with no supervisor on site. Cooling and non-cooling seasons are determined based on the main chiller plant status. Seasons are determined based on weather conditions, facility needs, and leadership.
Cooling Season:
Start the chiller plant, operates a centralized multiple zone air conditioning (Chiller) plant -consists of multiple chillers (steam, gas and electric), cooling towers, chill water systems, supporting equipment, and Building Management Systems (BMS).
Responsible for other chillers, chill water systems, and supporting equipment outside the plant serving other spaces within the medical center .
Logging, on a continuing basis, pressures and temperatures of components to include but not limited to compressor, engine, gear box, chill and condenser water lines, and all other components and systems that has reading devices.
Performs necessary operational equipment maintenance, equipment breakdowns repairs, and other tasks as assigned
Diagnoses malfunctions and makes repairs on air conditioning systems and all related pumps, fans motors and associated piping complete with regulating valves, temperature control valves, pressure relief valves and electronic graphic control center.
Preventative maintenance and repairs on a variety of systems serving the medical center to include but not limited to installations and/or diagnose equipment malfunctions, repairs on a variety of refrigeration and air-conditioning units such as walk-in freezers, ice making machines, window A/C units, package units, split AC units, reach-in refrigerator, refrigerated centrifuges, and Air Handling units (AHU) as assigned
Monitoring of system alarms, contact impacted service / area / space, respond to the location, perform corrective actions, enter comments into the system, and clear alarm when the condition stabilizes and meets regulatory requirements and parameters.
Respond to emergencies to include but not limited to leaks, floods, fire alarm, elevator entrapments and any facility maintenance engineering related issues.
Non-Cooling Season
Perform maintenance, installation and servicing of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment throughout the medical center. Assignments includes but not limited to lubrication of motors, blowers and valves, monthly preventative maintenance, changing and cleaning of filters and coils, cleaning and painting of equipment; punch tubes on chillers and condensers, diagnose equipment malfunctions, repairs on a variety of refrigeration and air-conditioning units such as walk-in freezers, ice making machines, window A/C units, package units, split AC units, reach-in refrigerators refrigerated centrifuges, Air Handling units (AHU).
Monitoring of system alarms, contact impacted service / area / space, respond to the location, perform corrective actions, enter comments into the system, and clear alarm when the condition stabilizes and meets regulatory requirements and parameters.
Respond to emergencies to include but not limited to leaks, floods, fire alarm, elevator entrapments and any facility maintenance engineering related issues.
Preventive maintenance, work orders, and to enter all work performed into electronic work order system and update shift trouble logs.
Performs all duties as assigned
Work Schedule: Weekends, Holidays, Evenings and Nights (WHEN), on rotating shifts. Position Description Title/PD#: Air Cond Equipment Operator/PD08186A Physical Requirements: Required to climb ladders, reach and lift heavy loads of over forty pounds and walk long distances in a regular work. Required to perform a great amount of kneeling, bending, stooping, standing and climbing. Employee must be able to wear safety and protective clothing and /or equipment presented for the work setting. Working Conditions: Required to work both indoors and outdoors, in poorly lighted conditions, in all types of weather. Incumbent might have to work in areas of temperature extremes in plant or is exposed to changes in temperature while working on outside equipment, roof exhaust and ventilation fans. Noise level, when machines are in operation (cooling season) is high, requiring the use of ear plugs to prevent damage to the hearing. Other protective devices such as goggles, masks, and gloves may be needed periodically. Occasionally works in contaminated areas and is exposed to communicable diseases when changing filters, etc.
Operators are also subjected to noxious gases, cuts, bruises and scrapes. Required to work in most adverse conditions (during an emergency) in areas which are noisy
and exposed to sewage, gases and fumes. Works in all areas of the Medical Center,
including contagious disease and/or contaminated areas.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by 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.
Related experience includes: Working independently as a journeyman in the Knowledgeable of controls and safety devices and their functions in system, and capable of adjusting controls to meet requirements and desires. A working knowledge of functioning, purpose and location of all equipment in the system operated. Typical examples being centrifugal compressor, engine, condenser, chiller, heat exchangers, water pumps, cooling tower, filters, fans, heating and cooling coils, controls, starters, circuit breakers, valves, etc. Knowing the theory and principles of refrigeration and being capable of applying same to the operation of the plant for maximum efficiency and preventing damage to equipment. Working knowledge of HVAC equipment such as Package units, Ice Machines, Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, Split systems, air handlers, building management system, and temperature/humidity/pressure monitoring systems. This experience must be documented in your resume
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:
Clerical
Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
Inspect
Operation of Equipment/Machinery
Troubleshooting
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
There are no education requirements for this position.
Additional information
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
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. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
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.
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.
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/23/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12841104.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete..
VA New Jersey Health Care System
385 Tremont Avenue
East Orange, NJ 07018
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/23/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12841104.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete..
VA New Jersey Health Care System
385 Tremont Avenue
East Orange, NJ 07018
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
