Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

The primary purpose of the Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO) combines the duties of a Boiler Plant Operator and a Boiler Plant Equipment Mechanic and is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the facility's boiler plant and auxiliary utility systems. This position is also regularly given shift-level responsibility as the "operator in charge" for the SLC VAMC Engineering Department while operating the plant on nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/05/2024.

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:

• Attention to Detail
• Decision Making
• Mental Visualization
• Technical Problem Solving
• 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.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: The USRO frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and auxiliary equipment. The job can require moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. When performing repairs, they may occasionally work from scaffolds and platforms and may perform strenuous work while standing, sitting, or lying down. Workers frequently lift and carry parts, tools, chemical supplies, or other equipment weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted, and may sometimes be required to move items weighing over that amount with the assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. They will also be required to work a rotating shift schedule, which can be arduous.

Responsibilities:

Utility Systems Repairer Operator responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Journeyman-level acquired training and/or experience in the repair and operation of boilers and auxiliary equipment in plants of this size.
• Broad knowledge of all phases of boiler plant operation and be able to use that knowledge to grasp the interrelations between the various processes found in the boiler plant and associated systems.
• A proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and diagrams.
• An analytical ability when it comes to taking logs, viewing trends, and interpreting what the data means and how it can help predict situations that may be occurring so that they operator can anticipate changes before they possibly become catastrophic.
• The ability to select and use proper hand tools, power tools, and test equipment used for maintenance and repairs.
• Computer skills to be able to navigate the Siemens and Johnson Controls panels, the VistA Work Order System, as well as the ability to proficiently use the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
• The ability to complete their required duties in a timely manner, without mistakes, with little to no supervision.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills when working with both hospital staff and other engineering trade personnel.
• Operating all controls of the boiler plant in both automatic and manual modes of operation, as the situation requires.
• Perform hourly rounds on equipment and recording readings in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures.
• Maintain the Boiler Plant Logbooks and records and providing proper shift turnover to oncoming Operator.
• Operate and monitor graphic control systems and various metering systems for the boiler plant. Analyze the chemistry of the boiler water, feed water, water softening, and condensate systems using standard chemical tests. If any of these tests are found to be out of specification, take required actions to correct the discrepancy, which can include adjusting the pumps or modifying the electronic control system.
• Communicate with appropriate personnel per medical center policy concerning station fire alarms, disaster notification and various other alarm systems.
• Performing various housekeeping functions within the boiler plant.
• Operation, as needed, of the three 30,000-gallon below-ground propane storage tanks, the associated air mixing equipment, and all metering and monitoring equipment.
• Monitoring the Sensodyne Gas Detection system for any potential buildup of combustible gasses or carbon monoxide in the boiler plant, propane yard, or co-gen plant spaces.
• Ensure that all boilers and associated equipment are operated IAW manufacturer recommendations and VA Boiler Plant Operations policies.

Work Schedule: 8 hour shifts weekdays, 12 hour shifts weekends, rotating every 4 weeks
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD13765A and PD13765A
Physical Requirements: The USRO frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and auxiliary equipment. The job can require moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. When performing repairs, they may occasionally work from scaffolds and platforms and may perform strenuous work while standing, sitting, or lying down. Workers frequently lift and carry parts, tools, chemical supplies, or other equipment weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted, and may sometimes be required to move items weighing over that amount with the assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. They will also be required to work a rotating shift schedule, which can be arduous.