Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Leader
Veterans Health Administration
West Palm Beach, FL, USA
5/14/2026
Automotive Technician / Mechanic
Full time
Summary
As an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Work Leader, assigned to Facilities Management Service located at West Palm Beach VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida directing duties related to installs, repairs, modifies and relocates equipment on special purpose air conditioning and refrigeration units and systems that are frequently modified to provide specific and critical climatic conditions throughout the medical center.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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You will serve as an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Work Leader and be responsible for performing maintenance and repair of various air conditioning, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, plumbing and water distribution systems.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Leader/PD017690
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
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:
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, 05/20/2026.
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.
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:
***PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
The best qualified applicant will have previous Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Work Leader experience in a federal agency with experience leading teams or crews and strong background in HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair; ability to troubleshoot complex HVAC systems (commercial and/or industrial); familiarity with refrigeration cycles, heat pumps, boilers, chillers, and ventilation systems; and proficient in reading blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams. The highly qualified applicant will have previous Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Work Leader experience in a federal agency. Will have documented experience working with HVAC systems, teams/crews, mentoring and training junior technicians.****
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: Heaviest weight handled unassisted with normally be 50 pounds, and with assistance 100 pounds or more. Uses lifting devices or obtains assistance in moving heavy items. Works from ladders , scaffolding and/or platforms where systems are in hard to reach places, requiring employee to work in close quarters or in cramped positions. Work requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate tools when assembling units and replacing defective components, coordination for reading and setting gauges, checking for refrigerant leaks, and adjusting controls, and color discrimination to recognize color code. Work frequently requires stooping, stretching, bending, and kneeling for long periods of time. Works indoors and outdoors, on elevated structures, and in cramped areas. Subject to discomfort from face masks and/or other protective devices when there is a possibility of exposure to toxic refrigerants, noxious gases, fumes or acids. Employee is exposed to the dangers of moving equipment, energized electric circuits, sharp metal edges, and toxic fumes while performing the duties of the position. Exposure to electrical conductors, moving objects, sharp edges, etc., may occur along with danger to cuts, burns, and respiratory ailments. Typical safety equipment required by the trade are safety shoes, safety glasses, and hard hats.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
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.
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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.
Benefits
Help
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.
Review our 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.
As an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Work Leader, assigned to Facilities Management Service located at West Palm Beach VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida directing duties related to installs, repairs, modifies and relocates equipment on special purpose air conditioning and refrigeration units and systems that are frequently modified to provide specific and critical climatic conditions throughout the medical center.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
You will serve as an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Work Leader and be responsible for performing maintenance and repair of various air conditioning, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, plumbing and water distribution systems.
- Maintains, installs and repairs air conditioning and refrigeration systems to provide specific and critical climatic conditions throughout the Medical Center.
- Modifies and balances various elements of systems that are designed to meet a wide variety of extreme and critical conditions.
- Reviews plans or specifications, determines the size, shape, and location of equipment and installs or plans the installation to meet the conditions of the experiment or test.
- Modifies, alters, or substitutes components and elements of the system in order to meet specific pressure-temperature characteristics.
- Works with engineering personnel while planning and modifying a system to meet specific conditions, and accomplishes repairs and modifications to meet conditions required.
- Assignments are made by the Utility System Foreman with minimum accompanying instructions concerning work methods or work materials to be used.
- Accomplishes repairs and modifications to meet conditions determined necessary.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Leader/PD017690
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Requirements
Help
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, 05/20/2026.
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.
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:
- Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading)
- Ability to Lead or Supervise
- Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
- Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.
- Knowledge of Materials
- Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
- Troubleshooting
***PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
The best qualified applicant will have previous Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Work Leader experience in a federal agency with experience leading teams or crews and strong background in HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair; ability to troubleshoot complex HVAC systems (commercial and/or industrial); familiarity with refrigeration cycles, heat pumps, boilers, chillers, and ventilation systems; and proficient in reading blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams. The highly qualified applicant will have previous Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Work Leader experience in a federal agency. Will have documented experience working with HVAC systems, teams/crews, mentoring and training junior technicians.****
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: Heaviest weight handled unassisted with normally be 50 pounds, and with assistance 100 pounds or more. Uses lifting devices or obtains assistance in moving heavy items. Works from ladders , scaffolding and/or platforms where systems are in hard to reach places, requiring employee to work in close quarters or in cramped positions. Work requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate tools when assembling units and replacing defective components, coordination for reading and setting gauges, checking for refrigerant leaks, and adjusting controls, and color discrimination to recognize color code. Work frequently requires stooping, stretching, bending, and kneeling for long periods of time. Works indoors and outdoors, on elevated structures, and in cramped areas. Subject to discomfort from face masks and/or other protective devices when there is a possibility of exposure to toxic refrigerants, noxious gases, fumes or acids. Employee is exposed to the dangers of moving equipment, energized electric circuits, sharp metal edges, and toxic fumes while performing the duties of the position. Exposure to electrical conductors, moving objects, sharp edges, etc., may occur along with danger to cuts, burns, and respiratory ailments. Typical safety equipment required by the trade are safety shoes, safety glasses, and hard hats.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
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.
Expand Hide additional information
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.
Benefits
Help
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.
Review our 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.