Utility Systems Operator

Summary

This primary purpose of the position is to operate and maintain the machinery that provide heating, cooling, and ventilation in the VA Medical Center. Starts and stops equipment and monitors meters and safety controls. Ensures that the systems operate safely and economically by regularly inspecting meters, gauges, values, and instruments.

Duties

• ***This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT, open until December 14, 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.*** Major duties include, but are not limited to: Operation and repair of two 500 h.p. and one 350 h.p. Nebraska "D" type water tube multi-fuel gas/oil-fired high-pressure boilers which are capable of producing 46,750 lbs./hr. steam each at 125 P.S.I. Operation and repair of all equipment relevant to the operation of these boilers. This includes feed water pumps, fuel oil feed pumps, fuel oil transfer pumps, feedwater pumps, condensate make up/feed transfer pumps, values, regulating valves, reducing stations, unit heaters, emergencies repair of air compressor systems, all piping, condensate return tank, blow down tank, D.A. tank, and pollution control equipment. Maintaining the water softeners and regenerating as necessary. Operation and repair to the central air conditioning plant, equipment consisting of 1350 tons of electrically generated air conditioning capacity. Operation of the Johnson METASYS Computer System which controls heat, ventilation, air conditioning (H.V.A.C.) throughout various locations of this station. Operation and monitoring of the fire alarm panel, phone, police radio, elevator alarms, medical gas alarms, emergency generators, all plant logs, and responsible for calculation of the VA Medical Center emergency needs during the shift and running procedures for emergency call back and emergency preparedness plans. Inspect main water and natural gas supplies to ensure there is no damage or signs of leakage. other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD03236A Physical Requirements: There can be a great deal of physical effort involved with this position as the equipment is large and must be maneuvered into and out of specific locations while dismantling and reassembling. The incumbent frequently carries and sets up parts and equipment that could weight up to 100 pounds. Incumbent makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding and platforms where the parts of systems worked on are frequently in hard-to-reach places, therefore, stooping, bending, and kneeling maybe required for long periods of time. He/she needs to be familiar with lifting dynamics and heavy object handling and must pass an annual physical for plant operators.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job Subject to a background/suitability investigation Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 A complete application package; including Resume, Transcripts, etc. is required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed. Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.