Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (Technical Career Field (TCF) Trainee)

The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained coached and supervised by a preceptor.

As part of the VAs succession planning the Technical Career Field (TCF) training program was created to ensure individuals are trained in critical areas that have current or predicted shortages. The program is nationally funded to include salary benefits and training/travel dollars. At the time of acceptance into the TCF program trainees will be asked to sign mobility training and service agreements. Relocation expenses for acceptance into the training program or for placement are not funded by the TCF program. Please keep in consideration the training program is meant for those individuals who plan on staying with the VA a minimum of 3 years after completion of their training program.

Selectees will be required to complete and sign the following paperwork; Mobility Training and Continued Service Agreements.

Although not guaranteed with more than 150 freestanding facilities and hundreds of clinic locations we will strive to place trainees in positions that will work for their needs and the needs of the VA.

This is a developmental position leading to a GS-9 performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. You will ultimately acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-9. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance availability of higher level work and availability of funds.

TCF is a national workforce development program within VHA designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. The TCF career fields represent those technical areas where VA-specific knowledge and experience are essential for success. Selectees will follow a structured two-year individual development plan and will receive training and mentorship from a subject matter expert (preceptor). Trainees must remain at the hiring grade for a minimum of one year. Selectees will also be required to sign Mobility Training and Continued Service Agreements.

Major duties and responsibilities include:

• Learns the basics of boiler plant operations and team systems under close supervision.
• Lights off operates secures and maintains power boilers and auxiliary support equipment.
• Assists with preventive maintenance inspections (PMI) on boilers and associated boiler/steam production equipment.
• Cleans equipment and performs general housekeeping duties as assigned.
• Assists with boiler and associated steam production equipment repairs discovered during performance inspections normal operation or as a result of equipment failure.
• Performs water treatment and chemical testing of pool and boiler feed condensate.
• Learns to operate and perform maintenance on emergency electrical generators to meet plant electrical requirements when the main electrical source is unable to provide the necessary power.
• Works as mechanic responsible for maintenance of the air conditioning plant and all peripheral equipment including Air Handling Units (AHUs) Fan Coil Units (FCUs) pumps piping etc. all Heating and Ventilating Units (HVUs) exhaust fans and all other equipment involved in the air conditioning control room including starting and stopping all equipment measuring key temperatures pressures etc. controlling chemical composition of water in systems etc.
• Assists Journeyman Utility System Repairer-Operator (USRO) in maintenance duties including performing maintenance making adjustments and repairs or replacing any component of the central air conditioning system all HVUs and exhaust fans and associated duct work.
• Assists Journeyman USRO in the maintenance and repair of all package chilled water or air conditioning systems such as units serving OR Intensive Care Units etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective 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.
• Training-Service Agreement and Mobility Agreement required
• 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 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.

SCREEN OUT: Must possess the ability to do the work of a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (TCF Trainee) without more than normal supervision that includes the ability to work under the direct guidance of a supervisor or journeyman level personnel learn theory and the advanced basics of operation of the Boiler Plant and Water Treatment Plant including natural gas and fuel oil boilers learn and fully understand the various systems within the plants assist with the day to day operation of the Boiler Plant and Water Treatment Plant and successfully complete an in-house training program.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK CONDITIONS: Works from ladders scaffolding platforms and elevated catwalks. Work may be at or above ground level. Frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking standing climbing bending reaching stooping and crouching as the work site dictates. Frequently lifts and carries boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 lbs. unassisted. Occasionally carries items weighing over 50 lbs. with assistance. Mainly works indoors but occasionally works outside for short periods of time. Subject to elevated temperatures constant noise rotating machinery soot dirt grease chemicals oil and fumes. Subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids caustics hot water steam and contact with boilers. Work on catwalks and ladders.
You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:

• Ability to Interpret Instructions Specifications etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading)
• Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly Installation and Repair etc.
• Technical Practices (Theoretical Precise Artistic)
• Use of Measuring Instruments

IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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.

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; religious; 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.

For more information on these qualification standards please visit the United States Office of Personnel Managements website at