Utility System Operator

SummaryThis position is located in the Operations Section within Engineering Service at the Alexandria Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ALX VAHCS) in Alexandria, Louisiana. The Utility Systems Operator is responsible for the safe operation of the central boiler and chiller plant and for the day to day installations, repairs, and maintenance of a wide range of highly complex and critical utilities systems, and associated building automation systems (BAS) throughout the Alexandria VAHCS.ResponsibilitiesMajor duties of this position include but are not limited to: Operating, dismantling, repairing and overhaul of refrigeration and air conditioning units. Replacing bearings, seals, springs, floats, couplings, belts, etc. Repairing or replacing component parts. Operating and maintaining the boiler plant and the air condition plant. Aligning and tensioning motors, pulleys, drives, belts, etc. Detecting and repairing leaks; adding refrigerants; changing filters; cleaning strainers; lubrication; refrigerant piping and insulation; repairing coils; etc. Performing careful coordinated adjustments and operation of regulators, thermostatic expansion and other valves, both manual and motorized dampers, switches, defrosting equipment running times and cycles, high and low side pressures and temperatures, etc. to maintain optimum efficiency and meet changing cooling demands. Maintaining safe, efficient operations adequate to meet the needs of the Medical Center. Maintaining an adequate supply of steam at the Boiler Plant - This entails close observation of various gauges and charts and adjustments to controls to ensure safe and efficient functioning of the boilers and their auxiliary equipment. Follows safety procedures in the lighting off sequences and all boiler testing procedures. Operates all support equipment-Deaerator Tank, Condensate Storage Tanks, associated pumps, chemical injection systems, and air-control systems. Records steam production and other operating data at hourly intervals as required on the steam log sheet, changes flow charts, and computes daily use of makeup water, steam production, and average outside temperature. Performs hourly inspections of operating equipment and records diesel fuel tank levels and diesel fuel usage daily for the eight 30,000 gallons tanks. While operating the boiler side, the incumbent may not leave the boiler plant unattended as this is a high-pressure producing facility. Maintains proper chemistry control of boiler water, condensate, etc. through daily testing. Adjust chemical injection and blowdown rates as required. Records free or total chlorine of domestic water at the boiler plant and in the event of low chlorine readings informs operations supervisor outside normal business hours. Performs hourly checks of all operating equipment in the chiller plant, making multiple inspections per shift of the six (6) cooling towers, utility feeds and operational output per the BAS system; and checking the bulk oxygen storage facility daily for any other that normal appearances or operations. Maintains proper chemistry chilled water, and cooling towers through daily testing. Maintains a comfortable environment throughout the campus, controlling air handlers, hot water re-heat systems, and chilled water pumps via the Siemens DESIGO control system, a PC-based building management system, checking the alarm screen at least hourly and verifying operational parameters as trouble calls are presented. Relays information to the appropriate personnel on station in regards to the fire alarm system, medical gas alarm panels and elevator emergency working hours. The AC/chiller plant operator fields hot and cold calls, as well as other engineering service calls. After normal business hours, the operator will also receive calls normally directed to Quick Response and perform first response actions to trouble calls, including fire alarms and elevator entrapments, throughout the campus and corrects problems if reasonably simple and can be done in a short time. May be called upon to perform duties normally considered outside their field of expertise, exercising judgment and using creativity to solve problems. Responsible for maintaining an accurate and complete log of conditions and events during his tour, and the turnover of items requiring further attention to the appropriate shop. Monitors the five (5) emergency life safety generators for startup and transfer. Inspect, adjust, and repair all boiler controls safety devices, instrumentation, flow meters, etc., and inspect repairs and adjustments made by contractors. Use tools such as psychrometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometers, and dead-weight testers. Perform major and minor repairs to equipment and operate in accordance with VA regulations and directives, ASME boiler and pressure vessel codes, ASHRAE standards, facility policies, and good engineering practice. Perform all maintenance and housekeeping duties within the plants. May be required to perform minor electrical troubleshooting and repairs. Work Schedule: Full-time rotating shifts based on the needs of the agencyTelework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Position Description Title/PD#: Utility System Operator/502-06113-ARelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorizedFinancial Disclosure Report: Not requiredRequirementsConditions of EmploymentQualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/02/2020. 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:Dexterity and SafetyEquipment Assembly, Installation, RepairInterpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)Measuring InstrumentsOperation of Equipment/MachineryTechnical Practices 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: Work assignments require moderate physical effort. Works requires frequently lifting, carrying or otherwise handling items weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds). Occasionally required to handle items greater than 18 kilograms. Assistance is usually available with heavy items. Works in a sitting position for extended periods. Frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, reaching, and stooping are required. Occasionally, climbing and work in high places as well as crawling may be required. Subject to working on hot systems as well as those subject to confined spaces. Generally, performs assigned tasks in well lighted and ventilated locations, but is often exposed to extreme heat when working in enclosed equipment rooms or near steam or hot water piping or extreme cold when working outside or in air plenums. Often works in noisy, damp, dirty or cramped areas. Often works from ladders or scaffolds. Is subject to cuts, abrasions, and burns while using trade tools and equipment. While performing work which requires the installation and/or removal of insulating materials which frequently create airborne dust particles, the incumbent will be required to wear respiratory safety devices or other protective apparel which are restrictive and uncomfortable.EducationThere is no educational substitution for this position.Additional InformationReceiving Service Credit or 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 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. Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. Financial disclosure not required. For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document. If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.