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Air Cond Equip Operator Leader

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Atlanta VA Health Care System

Summary

The incumbent serves as an A/C Equipment Operator responsible for operating, monitoring, and adjusting central plant systems, including high-pressure steam boilers, large-capacity centrifugal chillers, and building automation systems. Work involves continuous monitoring of critical infrastructure supporting a major medical center with 24/7 patient care operations. The position requires rotating shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure uninterrupted plant operations.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/02/2026 to 03/11/2026
Salary
$41.64 to - $48.60 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WL 11
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Atlanta, GA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time - Monday - Friday 12:00 am - 12:00 pm
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
CBTB-12857126-26-SMH
Control number
859426300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (including the facility and CBOCs where this vacancy is located) serving on career/career-conditional appointments, including VA Title 38, Hybrid Title 38, and Canteen employees on excepted appointments covered by the interchange agreement and those eligible under CTAP. This does not include temporary, term, or temporary intermittent.

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Duties

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A. PLANT EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS AND MONITORING (50%)

  • Operates and monitors four (4) high-pressure Cleaver-Brooks firetube boilers (Model 4WI 200-300-200ST, 10,000 lbs/hr each) for steam generation supporting heating, sterilization, kitchen operations, and critical medical center functions
  • Operates and monitors four (4) centrifugal chillers: two Trane CVHF models (CVHF1070, CVHF870) and two York YK chillers (Model YKKSKSH9-CYG) each rated at 1,000 tons cooling capacity for air conditioning and process cooling
  • Performs routine system inspections and monitoring of critical parameters, including steam pressure, boiler water levels, flue gas temperatures, chiller suction/discharge pressures, condenser and evaporator temperatures, motor current draws, and system efficiency indicators
  • Makes operational adjustments using digital control panels, automated system interfaces, and building automation system (BAS) controls to maintain optimal equipment performance and energy efficiency
  • Starts, stops, and transitions equipment based on seasonal loads, daily demand cycles, energy conservation protocols, and plant operational requirements
  • Monitors and responds to alarms and alerts from the building automation system (BAS), implementing corrective actions within defined operator authority and escalating issues beyond operator capability to appropriate supervisory or maintenance personnel
B. SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND WATER TREATMENT (25%)
  • Conducts water analysis and applies appropriate chemical treatment for boiler feedwater, boiler water, and chilled water systems to meet operational standards, manufacturer specifications, and regulatory requirements
  • Performs routine maintenance tasks including lubrication of equipment, filter changes, minor adjustments, and preventive maintenance activities as directed
  • Maintains detailed logs of system performance, shift activities, critical readings, equipment status, and maintenance activities using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and manual logbooks
  • Conducts systematic walk-throughs of mechanical rooms and equipment spaces to identify potential issues, ensure safety compliance, verify proper equipment operation, and report concerns to appropriate personnel
  • Performs basic troubleshooting of system malfunctions and implements corrective actions within operator authority while coordinating with maintenance personnel for complex repairs
C. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND COMMUNICATION (15%)
  • Responds to emergencies, including equipment failures, utility interruptions, abnormal system conditions, fire alarms, and medical center events requiring immediate plant support
  • Executes emergency shutdown protocols and initiates backup systems in accordance with established procedures or supervisory direction
  • Communicates shift updates, system status, operational concerns, and equipment issues to supervisory staff and oncoming shift personnel to ensure continuity of operations
  • Collaborates with the Plant Operations Supervisor and coordinates with HVAC mechanics, electronic control technicians, and other trades for troubleshooting, maintenance support, and emergency response
D. SAFETY AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE (10%)
  • Ensures compliance with EPA, OSHA, Joint Commission, and VA directives in all operational activities
  • Participates in safety programs, safety training, and emergency drills as required
  • Maintains required certifications for boiler and pressure vessel operations
  • Adheres to personal protective equipment protocols and participates in the respiratory protection program
  • Reports safety hazards, near-miss incidents, and regulatory compliance issues to supervisory personnel

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 12:00 am - 12:00 pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Cond Equip Operator Leader/PD103870
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • Subject to background/security investigation
  • Pre-employment physical required
  • 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.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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 or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/11/2026.

EXPERIENCE
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in power plant operations, central plant operations, HVAC systems, or large facility utility operations. Experience must demonstrate knowledge of boiler and chiller operations, building automation systems, and preventive maintenance practices.
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen-out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the online questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to meet the minimum acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and eliminated. The potential eligibilities are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:

  • Ability to Lead or Supervise
  • Ability to Provide Production Support Services
  • Accessibility
  • Conflict Management
  • Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
  • Mechanical
  • Plumbing and Pipefitting
  • Troubleshooting
  • Use of Test Equipment: Electronics


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.

FACTOR 1: KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of high-pressure steam boiler operations, safety procedures, and monitoring techniques including feedwater systems, combustion controls, and steam distribution. Knowledge of large-capacity centrifugal chiller operations, refrigeration cycles, and cooling system fundamentals. Understanding of chilled water and steam system fundamentals, thermodynamic principles, heat transfer concepts, and fluid dynamics. Knowledge of building automation systems (BAS) and digital control systems used in modern utility plant operations. Knowledge of water chemistry, water analysis procedures, and chemical treatment protocols for boiler and cooling water systems. Knowledge of basic troubleshooting techniques for steam and chilled water systems, pumps, motors, and auxiliary equipment. Knowledge of safety procedures and emergency protocols for pressurized systems and mechanical equipment.

FACTOR 2: SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Plant Operations Supervisor. The incumbent receives initial instruction on new procedures and equipment but is expected to work independently once trained. Work is reviewed through inspection of completed tasks, review of logs and records, and evaluation of system performance.

FACTOR 3: GUIDELINES
Guidelines include manufacturer's operating manuals, standard operating procedures, VA directives, OSHA regulations, EPA requirements, and emergency response protocols. The incumbent must interpret and apply guidelines to varying operational conditions and make adjustments based on system requirements.

FACTOR 4: COMPLEXITY
Work involves operating complex central plant equipment with multiple interrelated systems. The incumbent must coordinate boiler and chiller operations, respond to varying load demands, and make operational decisions that impact facility-wide systems and patient care operations.

FACTOR 5: SCOPE AND EFFECT
Work directly affects the operation of critical infrastructure supporting a major medical center. Equipment failures or operational errors can impact patient care, safety, and facility operations. Proper operation ensures reliable heating, cooling, and steam service for medical center operations.

FACTOR 6: PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts include Plant Operations Supervisor, maintenance personnel, HVAC mechanics, electronic control technicians, facility management staff, and occasionally medical center personnel when performing duties in patient care areas.

FACTOR 7: PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are made to coordinate work activities, report system status, request maintenance support, communicate operational issues, and ensure continuity of plant operations across shifts.

FACTOR 8: PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work requires frequent walking throughout the facility, climbing ladders to access elevated equipment, working in confined spaces, and performing maintenance tasks in various positions. Visual acuity is required for reading gauges, meters, and computer displays. Manual dexterity is necessary for operating controls and performing maintenance tasks.

FACTOR 9: WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in central plant mechanical spaces with high ambient temperatures up to 120°F, elevated noise levels requiring hearing protection, high humidity conditions, and exposure to water treatment chemicals. Work involves potential contact with pressurized systems, hot surfaces, and moving machinery.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required. Formal technical training or certification in HVAC systems, boiler operations, refrigeration, or related mechanical systems is highly desirable.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Valid driver's license required for emergency response capabilities
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required VA security clearance
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Capability to respond to facility emergencies outside normal work hours
  • Physical ability to meet the demands of the position
  • Successful completion of facility-specific training programs and competency evaluations

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

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.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the 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.

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