Utility Systems Operator

Summary The Utility System Operator is assigned to 12-hour rotating shifts providing 24/7 coverage of LVAHCS Sousley Campus for Facilities Management Service and the Medical Center. Responsibilities The Utility Systems Operator operates, maintains and repairs three 500 HP Cleaver-Brooks low pressure gas and oil fired tube boilers rated at 12 PSI with a total capacity of 52,500 pounds of steam per hour, two 950-ton Carrier centrifugal chillers, one Mcquay 1500 ton centrifugal chiller, and all auxiliary components of each system. A Johnson Controls Metasys Facility Management Computer System (FMS) controls and monitors the entire Cooper Drive Division (CDD) heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and environmental systems. As the Utility Systems Operator, the incumbent's duties include, but are not limited to: Serve as the "Operator In Charge" and primary representative for Engineering Service. Maintains full responsibility for maintenance, repair and operation of boiler plant, chiller plant and all HVAC equipment. Receive and assist in emergency repairs throughout the medical center. Monitor and perform hourly operational checks on all plant equipment that is highly complex in nature. Maintain logs containing pertinent information from gauges, thermometers, graphs, indicators, the FMS and other technical measuring devices. Maintain boiler water, feed-water and condensate water chemistry by applying the set boiler plant chemical treatment procedures. Adjust and operate plant equipment to maximize energy efficiency. Operate and repair equipment in accordance with VA policies, Standard Operating Procedures, supervisor's oral and written instructions, manufacturer's instructions, established procedures, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and standard trade practices. Diagnose and troubleshoot operational problems in respect to temperature, humidity, airflow, and pressurization and make adjustments and corrections to correct operational deficiencies. Assess all situations and make independent decisions as to the urgency of the call and take appropriate corrective action. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts - 24 hour coverage of facility Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD01111A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/11/2024. 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: Communications Computer Skills Mechanics Operation of Equipment/Machinery Troubleshooting Use Prints and Drawings 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: The incumbent must sometimes lift weight in excess of 50 pounds. At times works in awkward and cramped positions. Must work from ladders while using hand tools or holding a heavy object overhead. Frequent standing, walking and climbing is also required. Incumbent will monitor and operate the FMS and ambient conditions, making independent decisions on the need to start and stop equipment. Education Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.