Utility Systems Operator

Summary Incumbent is assigned to 12-hour rotating shifts providing 24/7 coverage for Engineering and the Medical Center. The primary duty station is Graphic Control, located in the Boiler Plant at Copper Drive Division (CDD). 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: Familiarity with the operation of chiller plant equipment. Make independent decisions on the need to adjust, start or stop equipment to maintain energy efficiency. Operate, maintain, and repair high/low pressure steam boilers and condensing boilers. Recommends changes to schedules, priorities, and work sequences as necessary and make minor deviations in procedures or redirect resources under their control to overcome problems. Follows all departmental policies and procedures. Reviews electronic information including technical manuals and electronic drawings. Monitors pertinent information from gauges and thermometers, graphs, indicators, and other technical measuring devices. Interprets blueprints, diagrams, instructions and specifications. Understands critical alarms related to HVAC units, medical vacuum, medical air, oxygen, fire, fire dampers, life support equipment in surgery, recovery, coronary care, etc. Ensures inspections and adjustments are in accordance with set guidelines for operations. Familiarity with hand and power tools, calibration equipment, and chemical titration equipment. Maintain water treatment in the cooling towers, distribution systems and boilers, per instructions and chemical vendors recommendations. Utilize working knowledge of boilers, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, controls and auxiliary machinery and equipment. Monitors and provides assistance with shutting down and resetting elevator operations and sewage lift station. Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Full Time, 24/7 8:00am-8:00pm / 8:00pm-8:00am Compressed Schedule Rotating Shifts Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD30043A 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 All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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 or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/30/2026. 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: Mechanics Use Prints and Drawings Operation of Equipment/Machinery Communications Troubleshooting Without more than normal supervision PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Experience with building management and chilled water systems preferred. 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 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 There is no educational substitution for this position Additional Information 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. 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. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.