Air Conditioning Equipment Operator

Air Conditioning Operator (ACO) – VA Medical Center | Nashville, TN

Role Overview
We are seeking skilled Air Conditioning Operators to support hospital HVAC and building systems at the TVHS VA Medical Center. This role ensures critical climate control for patient care areas, labs, operating rooms, and technical spaces.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full-time (40 hours/week)

• Shifts include 1600–2400 and 2400–0800

• Emergency on-call availability required (up to 30 additional hours per employee annually)

• Required to work federal holidays if scheduled

• Onsite hospital environment

Training Requirements

• Minimum 45 days of onsite training before working independently

• Training schedule typically Monday–Friday, 0800–1600

• Continued employment depends on successful training completion

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor multi-zone air conditioning plants

• Start, stop, and adjust chillers, pumps, and air handling equipment

• Maintain temperature and environmental controls for critical medical areas

• Perform hourly inspections and log system readings

• Respond to HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and building service emergencies

• Perform weekly and monthly preventative maintenance

• Maintain cleanliness of fan rooms and mechanical spaces

• Communicate issues during shift hand-offs

Equipment & Systems Experience

• Centrifugal and reciprocating chillers (up to ~3,000 tons)

• Cooling towers and condenser systems

• Air handling units and pneumatic tube systems

• Building Automation Systems (Siemens Desigo preferred)

• Basic plumbing and electrical systems

• Fire alarm and monitoring systems

Required Experience & Certifications

• 12+ months commercial HVAC/building operations experience (more preferred)

• EPA 608 Universal Refrigerant Certification

• Experience with hospital or large facility systems strongly preferred

• Ability to pass VA background check and obtain VA badge (Real ID required)