Utility Systems Operator

Duties

• Operates, overhauls, installs, maintains and repairs all types of mechanical equipment and complete operational systems which require knowledge of a wide range of thermodynamic principles and practices.
• Receives work assignments through electronic work orders, inspection reports, and written or oral instructions.
• Works in accordance with available drawings, schematics, technical orders, service manuals or specifications.
• Coordinates the safe and efficient operation, routine Preventive Maintenance (PM), and repair of utility systems and their components within the plant.
• Responsible for checking the equipment throughout the boiler plant for any mechanical failures, diagnose equipment issues (mechanical, electrical or otherwise) with test equipment, provide repairs. and calibrations for equipment - for example chillers and boilers that supply the facility with water and ensure that hospital pathogens are not transferred (i.e.- legionella etc.), domestic water pumps, air compressors and water softeners.
• Performs the corrective and preventive maintenance necessary for the boiler plant and ensures appropriate documentation of all medical, lab and facilities equipment that is under the purview of the facility's utility management plan including medical chillers, laboratory medical air systems, fire pumps, domestic water booster systems etc.
• Independently prioritize the criticality of repairs needed based upon its impact to the hospital's operation and criticality to patient care which necessitates a keen understanding of the systems throughout the facility, areas of the facility and the criticality of the procedures done therein after hours and on weekends.
• Maintains logs, records and other plant data such as steam production and distribution systems, emergency electrical power systems, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, medical gas and vacuum systems, service/control air systems, energy management systems, and domestic water system.
• The primary duty is to check the entire boiler plant for any mechanical failures; check all equipment including but not limited to chillers, boilers, pumps, air compressors and water softeners; checking the Temp Track System for any alarms; checking the Johnson Control Computer for alarms on the NIE's for the entire building; and monitor all equipment 24/7.
• Maintains and repairs all equipment; run/test the fire pump; and maintain proper pressures of domestic water. After 4:00pm and on weekends, unsupervised, position is the on-site facility management charge person to direct all calls for emergencies that come in by phone. Responsible to get in touch with supervisors, general foreman, VA police, chief of engineering and AOD on all emergencies.
• Boiler plant operators are responsible for maintaining lab chillers; medical air vacuum systems; fire pumps; domestic water booster systems; and boilers with reheat systems. These noted responsibilities are not typical for most boiler plant operators and are unique to Richmond.
• Performs other directly related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 8 hour shift that rotates each pay period (1st, 2nd or 3rd)
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD02787A
Physical Requirements: Strenuous physical effort is required to observe, adjust and maintain equipment. Work requires frequent standing, stooping, walking and climbing. Frequently climbing ladders and working in manholes and higher places is required. Frequently works in awkward or cramped positions while performing maintenance work. Lifts and carry tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds. Assistance is usually available for heavier items. The majority of work is performed indoors; however, the employee will be exposed to extreme temperatures, smoke, dirt, noise, unpleasant odors, toxic fumes, soot, water, fuel, chemicals and all types of weather conditions. Employee is subject to injuries such as cuts, bruises and burns resulting from contact with various elements and equipment throughout the physical plant. Position is required to work irregular shifts of eight (8) hours. (The plant is to be manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.) The environment in the physical plant is noisy and at times very hot. The position will encounter abnormal levels of heat, constant noise, rotating equipment, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oils, and fumes in this area. He will be subject to cuts, abrasions, and burns.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• 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
• 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

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:

• Dexterity and Safety
• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
• Measuring Instruments
• Operation of Equipment/Machinery
• Technical Practices

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.

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 .