Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

About the role

The Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO) performs under the supervision of the Utility Systems Supervisor, with second level direction provided by the Maintenance and Operations General Foreman. This position performs a full range of tasks that are involved in the upkeep, maintenance and operation of the Boiler Plant, Building Automation System (BAS) and the Chiller Plant.

What you will do

• are included but not limited to Possess full administrative accountability for matters such as attendance, leave, and discipline for (10) WG-4742-11 Utility Systems Repairer Operators (USROs) (Shift Work Required).
• Establishes deadlines for all work assignments for personnel, training, motivating, and directing subordinates in testing, adjusting/balancing equipment, repair, modification, installation, and troubleshooting.
• Plan work assignments based on general work schedules, methods, and policies by higher-level supervisors Manages the work performed by the USROs, including responding to and making work assignments to provide first response to trouble calls and service calls in a hospital setting.
• These management responsibilities include ensuring USROs respond to or assign tasks to mitigate problems where their abilities and/or experience safely permit.
• Implements a comprehensive maintenance and repair program which will assure the physical plants and all their subsystems are operational, safe and efficient.
• Implementation of a preventative maintenance (PM) program is an integral part of this requirement.
• Assists with managing and planning a dynamic multi-million-dollar equipment inventory, maintenance, and repair program from a multitude of diverse types of systems and subsystems.
• Identifies and makes economically sound recommendations concerning equipment systems or facilities maintenance, modernization, or replacement planning.
• Manages the USROs who are responsible for preventive maintenance and repairs of all steam plant and chiller plant equipment and maintaining the plant in a clean, safe working environment as well as emergency repairs outside of normal working hours.
• Incumbent has a practical knowledge to train operators on electronic theory and design and ability to use theoretical concepts to devise solutions for operating or repair problems on one-of-a-kind systems.
• Ensures that all Joint Commission, NFPA, OSHA, EPA, VA construction standards, VHA Boiler Plant Safety Manuals, medical center directives, national and local plumbing, electrical and HVAC codes and other applicable guidelines are followed.
• Conducts inspections to assure quality control of work performed by USROs.
• Conducts life safety inspections and assigns work from such inspections to the appropriate individuals or unit.
• Provides safe operation of a multifuel boiler plant.
• Fuel supplies include natural gas (primary) with #2 diesel fuel oil as backup and propane as the backup pilot.
• Upkeeps, maintains and operates the Boiler Plant, Building Automation System, and Chiller Plant.
• Starts, stops and regulates the utilities for safe and optimum efficiency of utility generators, equipment, and distribution systems.' Executes operational techniques and maintenance procedures in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.
• Differentiates routine trouble calls from emergency calls and initiates proper corrective actions.
• Utilizes BAS to control and monitor HVAC generation, distribution and termination components of multiple systems components.
• Works from blueprints, drawings and other specifications or schematics to ensure safety and housekeeping rules are followed.
• Maintains thorough understanding of work order systems and BAS processes to mitigate issues from trouble calls timely and appropriately and respond with high level of customer service.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair utility generators, 5 equipment and distribution systems.
• Use tools and testing devices, such as basic hand tools, specialized hand tools, electrical/electronic test equipment and power tools.
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm (rotating shifts, to include nights and weekends) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD080342 Physical Requirements: Incumbent may work from ladders, scaffolding, and/or hydraulic platforms.
• This position requires working in uncontrolled environments, in inclement weather conditions, and in confined or uncomfortable spaces.
• Many work sites are hot, dirty, dusty, greasy, poorly lit, cramped and with unpleasant odors.
• Occasionally is subject to possible dangerous working conditions including exposure to hazards normally encountered in the hospital trades and various types of infections.
• May be subject to electrical shock and/or electrical burns, cuts, bruises, and strains.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment as necessary to accomplish assigned tasks in a safe manner.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation 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 Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 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, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Documents you must provide

• Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.
• Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
• You will not be contacted for additional information.
• Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
• Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply.
• Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
• Applications are accepted online.
• Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

What to expect next

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

Additional information

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.

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted.

HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.

VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

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 ***

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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.