Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Leader
Veterans Health Administration
West Palm Beach, FL, USA
6/13/2026
Automotive Technician / Mechanic
Full time
Summary
West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is looking for an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Work Leader, assigned to Facilities Management Service. 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
Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Lead duties include directing work teams consisting up to 3 Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic WG-10, and 2 Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic WG-8. The employee installs, recognizes the cause of faulty equipment and makes repairs, modifies and relocates equipment on special purpose air conditioning and refrigeration units and systems that are frequently modified to provide specific and critical climactic conditions in throughout the Medical Center.
Additional Duties include but not limited to:
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00-3:30PM.
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
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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, 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.
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:
Technical Expertise:
Leadership & Supervisory Skills:
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: 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.
Working Conditions:
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
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.
Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.
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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.
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.
West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is looking for an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Work Leader, assigned to Facilities Management Service. 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
Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Lead duties include directing work teams consisting up to 3 Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic WG-10, and 2 Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic WG-8. The employee installs, recognizes the cause of faulty equipment and makes repairs, modifies and relocates equipment on special purpose air conditioning and refrigeration units and systems that are frequently modified to provide specific and critical climactic conditions in throughout the Medical Center.
Additional Duties include but not limited to:
- Maintains, installs and repairs air conditioning and refrigeration systems to provide specific and critical climactic 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.
- Works with engineering personnel while planning and modifying systems to meet specific conditions.
- Accomplishes repairs and modifications to meet conditions determined necessary.
- Supervisor is available on difficult, unique or administrative problems. Otherwise, employee completes work without undue interruption.
- Must have a broad knowledge of the principles and theories of air conditioning (refrigeration cycles, heat transfer laws, refrigerant tables) to calculate air flow and pressure and temperature characteristics for different systems.
- Must have a knowledge of the construction characteristics of a variety of types and models of systems that are designed to reach and maintain critical and extreme conditions under a variety of circumstances.
- Knowledge of troubleshooting techniques to check out the operating efficiency of the mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic systems for air conditioning and refrigeration requirements.
- Responsible passing on to other workers the instructions received from supervisors and getting work started, e.g., by assigning the immediate tasks to be performed by individual members of the group led.
- Demonstrating proper work methods and seeing to it that needed plans, blueprints, materials, and tools are available, and is required to purchase needed stock and parts from venders and local supply locations.
- Maintain a current knowledge, and answering questions of other workers on procedures, policies, written instructions, and other directives (for example, technical orders).
- Seeing to it that there is enough work to keep everyone in the work crew busy.
- Assuring that all safety rules are followed, and that the work crew has all needed and or required personnel safety equipment, and that all tools and equipment are used properly.
- Answering questions of supervisors on overall work operation and problems (for example, concerning additional on the job training requirements for individual employees).
- Insure that the refrigeration equipment at this Medical Center is operating and functioning safely.
- Obtaining technical information, details of problems and determining priorities related to a specific work request.
- Resolve misunderstandings or identify specific problems in a refrigeration unit.
- Works closely with medical professional, nursing and engineering personnel to identify, solve and coordinate solutions to refrigeration problems.
- Communicates with Supply personnel, outside venders and service personnel in order to secure required parts and services.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00-3:30PM.
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
- U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
- 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 Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- 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.
- Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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, 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.
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:
Technical Expertise:
- 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.
- Proficient in reading blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
Leadership & Supervisory Skills:
- Experience leading HVAC teams or crews.
- Ability to assign tasks, monitor progress, and ensure quality work.
- Skilled in mentoring and training junior technicians.
- Strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
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: 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.
Working Conditions:
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
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.
Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.
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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.
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.