Utility Systems Repairer Operator

The duties of the Utility Systems Repairing-Operating includes but is not limited to:

• Operate maintain and troubleshoot centralized chilled water systems including multiple 1000-ton chillers pumps cooling towers and chemical treatment systems.
• Monitor and control steam and chilled water systems using Schneider Electric Facilities Energy Management System and BAS/SCADA platforms.
• Regulate temperature and humidity for critical spaces (ORs labs ICUs IT research areas) requiring precise environmental control.
• Perform field repairs isolate defective equipment and take corrective action during abnormal or alarm conditions to ensure uninterrupted hospital operations.
• Conduct daily water and condenser water analyses and adjust chemical concentrations for optimal system performance and corrosion control.
• Inspect lubricate adjust and repair air handlers fans motors valves strainers belts coils ductwork dampers and HVAC/R components.

• Operate high-pressure steam boilers producing up to 76225 lbs/hr including associated fuel systems feedwater equipment condensate systems and auxiliary components.
• Perform combustion analysis adjust fuel-air ratios regulate pressure systems and ensure compliance with safety environmental NFPA and ASHRAE standards.
• Troubleshoot malfunctions in burners safety devices regulators flue gas recirculation systems steam traps expansion joints and condensate return systems.
• Execute emergency shutdowns/startups respond to fuel supply interruptions power outages and equipment failures ensuring continuous operation.

• Maintain repair and calibrate electronic control systems for boilers chillers feedwater systems fuel delivery systems and auxiliary equipment.
• Diagnose complex faults in analog/digital circuits using oscilloscopes multimeters signal generators and software diagnostic tools.
• Interpret and update P&IDs wiring diagrams schematics and technical manuals to support troubleshooting and repairs.
• Develop and implement custom control logic for PLC/DDC systems and integrate legacy equipment with modern BAS platforms.

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on boilers chillers pumps motors refrigeration units air handlers water treatment systems VFDs exhaust systems and distribution loops.
• Collect and analyze water samples from boilers condensate tanks deaerators and softeners; adjust chemical feed rates and perform blow-down procedures.
• Complete repair and replacement of piping steam traps valves gauges pump motors and related components.
• Maintain accurate operating logs detailing steam generation boiler pressures temperatures fuel consumption and system performance.

• Work unsupervised on night weekend and holiday shifts; act as lead operator ensuring safe operation of all plant systems.
• Respond to emergency trouble calls for all Medical Center utilities and coordinate corrective actions including calling in off-duty personnel when necessary.
• Make critical decisions such as boiler shutdown/startup load transfers and system bypassing to maintain medical center operations.

• Ensure work complies with VA standards NFPA codes ASHRAE guidelines environmental regulations and Joint Commission requirements.
• Maintain records in CMMS (e.g. Maximo/TMA) and prepare documentation for internal audits and external inspections (EPA Joint Commission).
• Collaborate with engineers contractors and maintenance personnel on upgrades retrofits commissioning and SOP revisions.

Work Schedule: Position requires shift work to support 24/7 boiler plant operations. Tours of duty may include days evenings nights weekends and holidays.
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer - Operator/PD00618A
Physical Requirements: Subjected to sustained physical effort in the operation of power boilers chillers HVAC/R equipment steam distribution systems chilled water distribution systems; physical requirements may include working from ladders scaffolds and platforms where parts of the system are in hard-to-reach places. Work is carried out in tiring positions such as standing crouching stooping kneeling and prone for long periods of time. Occasionally the incumbent will be required to lift items in excess of 50 pounds and 100 pounds with assistance. The incumbent frequently lifts carries and sets up parts and equipment that weighs up to 50 pounds.

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• 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 ( May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

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 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.

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:

• Equipment Assembly Installation Repair
• Inspect
• Interpret Instructions Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Technical Practices
• Without more than normal supervision

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.