What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Systems Repairer-Operator position at US Veterans Health Administration?
Duties
Boiler Plant Operation:
Operate, maintain, and repair a High-Pressure Boiler Plant consisting of three (3), gas/oil fired high pressure boilers that deliver 12000 Ibs/hr of steam per each boiler, boiler feed-water pumps, condensate pumps, deaerator, condensate return systems, chemical feed systems, and associated auxiliary equipment. USRO stops, and regulates high pressure boilers and associated equipment as load demands. Low pressure hot water boilers are located outside of the high pressure boiler plant, and chiller plants. The USRO is required to travel distances in all weather between cooling and heating plants.
Operate and monitor graphic control systems and various metering systems for the boiler plant, chiller plant, and Medical Center HVAC systems, including compressors of various complexities, air handling units, variable air volume systems, direct expansion systems, chilled water systems.
USRO ensures that all boilers and associated equipment are operated IAW manufacturer recommendations, VA directive, and VA Boiler Plant Operations policies. USRO ensures that all boilers and associated equipment are tested and perform IAW Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual Current Edition. Routinely collect samples in the Boiler Plant from boiler, feed water, condensate, and makeup water systems. Perform and analyze chemical tests on collected samples and chemically treats water systems to maintain proper chemical levels. USRO will be required to operate snow removal equipment, and perform snow, or ice removal tasks as needed around the facility grounds when not assigned to the high pressure boiler plant.
Perform hourly rounds on equipment and records readings in accordance with policies and procedures. Maintain Plant log books and records and provide proper shift turnover to oncoming Operator. Perform troubleshooting and diagnostics on all equipment as assigned and make repairs as necessary and required. Perform routine scheduled preventive maintenance. Maintain logs of scheduled and daily operations. Write, complete, and close work orders as required. Perform all operations in a safe and efficient manner. Equipment must be started and stopped to match load and to maintain maximum efficiency. Perform various housekeeping functions within the assigned Plant.
Air Conditioning Repair and Operation:
Operate, maintain, and repair a Chilled Water Plant that consists of two (2) 300 ton and one (1) 250-ton hermetic centrifugal chillers, four (3) cooling towers, and associated equipment. Serves as an Air Conditioning Equipment Operator, utilizing a thorough understanding of environmental regulations and requirements regarding Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and thermodynamic principles of refrigeration to operate air conditioning systems, and detect and repair equipment in the chiller plant. Operate and/or monitor control systems and various metering systems for the Chiller Plant, and Medical Center HVAC systems. Operate multiple, complex and specialized centralized, multiple zone systems that effect operating rooms, laboratories, intensive care units, and telecommunication areas. Check temperature sensing points in the buildings, adjust controls, start, regulate, stop air handling equipment, and reset temperature controls and steam spray valves for humidity control. Log gauge readings, test water in cooling towers and record results of water condition tests, perform operator maintenance, and replace minor and major parts. Conducts independent troubleshooting and other work on diverse and complex air conditioning systems including computer and telecommunications areas, IT room, hospital operating rooms, clinical laboratories that contain sensitive measuring equipment, and intensive care wards. Routinely collect treated water, chilled water loops, cooling tower, and heating loops samples from the Chiller Plant. Perform and analyze chemical tests on collected samples and chemically treat water systems to maintain proper chemical levels. Perform hourly rounds on equipment and records readings in accordance with policies and procedures. Perform diagnostics and repairs to both DDC and pneumatic controls and control systems. Operate, maintain, and repair numerous systems, including but not limited to salt based water softening systems, deionized water system, reverse osmosis systems, and associated pumps, piping, and chemical feed systems. Perform repairs to large air handling units, rebuild pumps, replace items such as mechanical seals, bearings, valves, pipefitting's, and motors. Repairing insulation, re-packing valves and re-piping systems is also required along with various other. Installs new equipment and systems. Plans and lays out work utilizing blueprints or layout sketches when provided.
PERFORMS OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator
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
Qualifications
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)
- Materials
- Technical Problem Solving
- Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
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: Regular walking tours of the plant, main hospital and out buildings to conduct inspection of equipment which include some lifting, kneeling, standing, climbing, and stooping. Maintenance and repairs frequently require working in awkward and cramped positions. Lifting up to 50 lbs., frequent standing, walking, and climbing are required while checking equipment.
Working Conditions: Work is performed on a rotating shift basis plant coverage is 24-7-365. Most work is done inside with routine exposure to: surrounding temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Loud noise and occasional inclement weather. The use of protective clothing or gear, such as rubber aprons, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, safety googles, gloves, face shield, frequently required. Incumbent will be issued with arc flash graded uniforms to include: pants, long sleeved shirts and cotton T-shirts that are required to be worn in full while on duty. Incumbent may also be exposed to the following dangers: electrical shock, hydrocarbon refrigerant, chemical splashes, burns, scalds, cuts, bruises, or broken bone.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Benefits
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.
Review our 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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.
Benefits
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.
Review our 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.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Documents Accepted:
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Documents Required:
- Resume
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/19/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12276257.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.Agency contact information
Melissa Bartles
Email
Melissa.Bartles@va.gov
Address
Louis A Johnson VA Medical Center
1 Medical Center Drive
Clarksburg, WV 26301
USNext steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
Documents Accepted:
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Documents Required:
- Resume
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
This job is open to
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.
