U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechan

Join the Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic team at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, located at the Durham VA Medical Center – Engineering Service, Durham, North Carolina.

Pay Range

$30.55/hr – $35.65/hr (base pay)

Job Summary

The position involves repairing, modifying, and maintaining air conditioning and refrigeration systems across the VA medical center. Knowledge of HVAC systems, ductwork, refrigeration, and electrical schematics is required, along with the ability to troubleshoot and repair complex equipment.

Qualifications

• Valid EPA Technician Certification (Type I, II, III, or Universal) from an EPA-approved program.
• Experience fabricating ductwork from sheet metal and installing air conditioning duct systems.
• Experience installing and maintaining HVAC and refrigeration equipment, including ultra‑low freezers, centrifuges, refrigerated incubators, and tubing.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, diagrams, schematics, and electrical schematics for building automation and HVAC systems.
• Proficiency in using precision tools, such as volt‑ohm meters, amp meters, leak detectors, and calibration equipment.
• Experience calibrating thermostats, transmitter controls, and pneumatic electric controls.
• Ability to charge HVAC systems with refrigerants and properly reclaim and dispose of refrigerants.
• Demonstrated knowledge of refrigeration cycle, heat transfer laws, and refrigerant tables.
• Evidence of training or experience sufficient to perform the duties, supported by a detailed resume.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, install, and modify complex HVAC equipment and systems.
• Fabricate and install sheet metal and ductwork for a variety of air conditioning and heating applications.
• Operate and troubleshoot centralized Environment Monitoring and Control Systems (EMCS) and other electronic sensing and control systems.
• Repair and maintain medical air and medical vacuum systems, including vacuum pumps and air compressors.
• Calibrate and set up thermostats, transmitter controls, and other HVAC equipment.
• Charge HVAC systems with refrigerants and ensure proper disposal of waste refrigerants.
• Use precision tools to perform mechanical repairs to pumps, compressors, chillers, and evaporators.
• Follow written and oral work orders, preventive maintenance schedules, and safety protocols.
• Maintain inventory of HVAC parts and notify supervisors when reordering is needed.

Work Conditions

Primarily indoor work with occasional outdoor exposure. Duties may require working in cramped spaces, lifting up to 50 pounds, and operating ladders, scaffolding, or platforms. Protective clothing and face masks may be required during repairs involving hazardous refrigerants.

Employment

Full‑time, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 1‑year probationary period.