What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Systems Repairer-Operator position at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs?
Summary
The primary purpose of the Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO) is to safely operate and maintain the Utility Plants Industrial Systems to include single and multiple fuel hot water boilers, chiller plants, lift stations, emergency generators, medical gas, and campus fire alarms. The USRO will also be responsible for all ancillary equipment associated with these systems to include pumps, cooling towers, chemical treatment systems, boiler and chiller control devices, and air handlers, etc.
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Duties
Work Schedule: Full time. Employee will be assigned to one of the following 12:00 am through 8:00 am, 8:00 am through 4:00 pm, or 4:00 pm to 12:00 am. Will be required to work weekends and holidays. Overtime may be necessary at times. Work during emergency situations (ie. Hurricanes) may be required. Tour of duty subject to change by supervisor based upon facility needs.
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD03716A
CSI: Not authorized
This is not a virtual position.
Recruitment/Relocation incentives not authorized.
DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
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:
Physical Requirements: The USRO generally works inside but may occasionally work outside for short periods where they could be exposed to inclement weather conditions. The can be subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, chemicals, and other hazards. May be exposed to asbestos, fiberglass, and other forms of insulation. While doing maintenance and repairs they are also exposed to the potential for cuts, abrasions, burns, and other potential contacts with hazards. To minimize the dangers from these and other similar conditions they must follow all prescribed safety guidelines and wear all appropriate personal protective equipment. USRO works in confined areas in/around boilers and auxiliary equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. When performing repairs, they may occasionally work from scaffolds and platforms and may perform strenuous work while standing, sitting, or lying down. Workers frequently lift and carry parts, tools, chemical supplies, or other equipment weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted, and may sometimes be required to move items weighing over that amount with the assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. They may also be required to work a rotating shift schedule, which can be arduous.
Preferred Experience: Boiler and Chiller experience- Minimum of 1 year.
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.
Education
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.
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.
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.
Read more
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.
Biloxi VA Medical Center
400 Veterans Avenue
Biloxi, MS 39531
US
The primary purpose of the Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO) is to safely operate and maintain the Utility Plants Industrial Systems to include single and multiple fuel hot water boilers, chiller plants, lift stations, emergency generators, medical gas, and campus fire alarms. The USRO will also be responsible for all ancillary equipment associated with these systems to include pumps, cooling towers, chemical treatment systems, boiler and chiller control devices, and air handlers, etc.
Learn more about this agency
Help
Duties
- Safely operate and maintain the Utility Plants Industrial Systems to include single and multiple fuel hot water boilers, chiller plants, lift stations, emergency generators, medical gas, and campus fire alarms.
- Safely operate and repair up to multiple chilled water plants (3-1250ton, 1-1000ton, 1-500ton chillers)( cooling towers, pumps, variable frequency drives and associated controls and equipment), providing chilled water for the entire facilities.
- Maintaining multiple centralized boiler plants and multiple buildings with decentralized natural gas/fuel oil boilers (6 million BTU's and lower, pumps, variable frequency drives, and associated controls and equipment) that are used for heating/hot water production for the facility.
- Monitor and Observe the fluctuating needs of the campus, adjusting boilers and chillers operations as needed to ensure a continuous supply of heated water and chilled water to the facility.
- Monitoring the mechanical, electrical, medical air, water, sewer, multiple generator systems, Versatrak monitoring system and electronic systems found throughout the facilities.
- Operate and maintain boiler plant 24/7, the USRO will be assigned to a shift and given shift level responsibilities.
- Responsible for taking trouble and emergency calls from the entire facility for engineering related problems.
- Monitoring of site-wide computer systems such as: Fire Alarm System Control, Building Automation System (BAS), and the Medical Gas Panel.
- Regularly coordinate with various trades to use the BAS to assist with maintenance by turning equipment on/off or adjusting the setpoints, making temperature changes on the equipment as needed using distributed digital control systems (DDC).
- Monitor campus emergency generators.
- May perform a range of journeyman plumbing, electrical, and carpentry tasks as long it does not interfere with the normal building system monitoring process.
- Regularly given shift-level responsibility as the "operator in charge" for the facility Engineering Department while operating the utility plants on nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Show proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and diagrams.
- Utilize a broad knowledge of all phases of boiler plant operation, chilled water plant operation and be able to use that knowledge to grasp the interrelations between the various processes found in the boiler plant, chiller plant and associated systems.
- The ability to select and use proper hand tools, power tools, and test equipment used for maintenance and repairs.
- Computer skills to be able to navigate the BAS panels, and the Maximo Work Order System, as well as the ability to proficiently use the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
- Perform overall plant scheduled preventative maintenance.
- Rebuilding and aligning pumps. Replacing items such as mechanical seals, bearings, valves, pipefittings, and motors. Repairing insulation, repacking valves and re-piping.
- Performing operational checks and calibrations on plant equipment such as pressure gauges, thermometers, trip switches, and level sensors, and replacing as necessary.
Work Schedule: Full time. Employee will be assigned to one of the following 12:00 am through 8:00 am, 8:00 am through 4:00 pm, or 4:00 pm to 12:00 am. Will be required to work weekends and holidays. Overtime may be necessary at times. Work during emergency situations (ie. Hurricanes) may be required. Tour of duty subject to change by supervisor based upon facility needs.
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD03716A
CSI: Not authorized
This is not a virtual position.
Recruitment/Relocation incentives not authorized.
DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.
Help
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
- Subject to a background/suitability investigation
- May serve a probationary period
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
- You will be required to complete a pre-employment physical
- Incidental Driver: Must be able to independently operate a Government Vehicle. Must provide clean driving record report from the DMV during the pre-employment process
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 Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
- Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
- Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
- Measuring Instruments
- Technical Practices
- Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
- Experience with controlling and repairing chiller plants, boiler plants and associated equipment
- Knowledge and experience with building automation systems
- Experience with fire alarm monitoring systems
- Experience with medical gas
- Knowledge of generators
- Experience with utility systems to include: natural gas, electrical, water & sewer
Physical Requirements: The USRO generally works inside but may occasionally work outside for short periods where they could be exposed to inclement weather conditions. The can be subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, chemicals, and other hazards. May be exposed to asbestos, fiberglass, and other forms of insulation. While doing maintenance and repairs they are also exposed to the potential for cuts, abrasions, burns, and other potential contacts with hazards. To minimize the dangers from these and other similar conditions they must follow all prescribed safety guidelines and wear all appropriate personal protective equipment. USRO works in confined areas in/around boilers and auxiliary equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. When performing repairs, they may occasionally work from scaffolds and platforms and may perform strenuous work while standing, sitting, or lying down. Workers frequently lift and carry parts, tools, chemical supplies, or other equipment weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted, and may sometimes be required to move items weighing over that amount with the assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. They may also be required to work a rotating shift schedule, which can be arduous.
Preferred Experience: Boiler and Chiller experience- Minimum of 1 year.
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.
Education
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.
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.
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.
Read more
- 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.
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.
Biloxi VA Medical Center
400 Veterans Avenue
Biloxi, MS 39531
US
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