The Utility System Operator (USO) is assigned to the Utility Plant, in Facilities Management Service, at the Erie VA Medical Center.

Duties

Position Description Title / PD#: Utility Systems Operator / PD02177A Work Schedule: Monday - Sunday; shifts will vary between 1st, 2nd and 3rd The USO is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and safe operation of three Williams and Davis gas/oil combination boilers, Models (1) 4200-200S and (2) 4400-200S producing steam capacity of 6,900 LBS/HR (1) and 13,800 (2) each; and (2) each 600-ton centrifugal chillers The USO monitors hospital alarms for various systems including medical gas, generators, refrigerator/freezers, and engineering control systems. The USO also responsible for testing and analyzing water used by the various machine Major Duties include but not limited to: Maintenance, repair, and safe operation of three Williams and Davis gas/oil combination boilers, Models (1) 200-200S and (2) 4400-200S producing steam capacity of 6,900 LBS/HR (1) and 13,800 (2) each; and (2) each 600 ton centrifugal chillers York OPTI-View computer controls. Monitors hospital Medical Gas alarms and engineering systems management alarms using systems knowledge and judgment to properly notify appropriate response personnel in a timely manner. Operates the boiler plant to maintain efficient combustion levels and ensures compliance with air pollution laws or regulations. Uses electronic, hydraulic, mechanical and pneumatic controls in conjunction with meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements. Adjusts fuel feeds and the volume and velocity of draft and other fire box variables to achieve maximum combustion efficiency with changing load demands or variations in fuel. Performs all necessary operations to maintain the chiller plant and associated equipment, such as Condenser water pumps, chilled water pumps, condenser water cooling towers, pump and fan VFDs. Responsible for testing and analyzing boiler feed water, boiler water, condensate return water, chilled water, and chiller condenser water using standard chemical tests. Monitors, adjusts and controls all phases of boiler plant operations. Performs preventative, scheduled, and emergency maintenance on equipment including boiler feed water pumps, fuel oil pumps, air compressors, automatic controls, valves, piping, pumps, plant electrical systems and related components and other boiler plant systems. Will maintain burner management control systems including electronic and electro-mechanical controls utilizing ultra-violet, and related testing devices. The incumbent applies broad experience and specialized knowledge of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic theory and a working knowledge of electronics to diagnose, isolate, and repair malfunctions, and to achieve and maintain critical accuracies, sensitivity levels, and precise tolerances in aligning and adjusting complex instrument systems, components, and mechanisms. Incumbent works from manufacturers' technical information sources and operating instructions that may be vague or incomplete.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/24/2023. 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, RepairInterpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)Operation of Equipment/MachineryTechnical PracticesWithout 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: Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Occasionally works from scaffolds and platforms and may perform strenuous work. Frequently lifts and carries tools and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally required to handle items that weigh more than 50 pounds with the assistance of lifting devices or other workers. Must possess sufficient strength to be able to open/close large valves including those located overhead. Must be able to enter physically and mentally a 12" x 16" manhole to access boiler confined spaces. Must have ability to assess equipment /system operating conditions during all hours in often remote locations while working alone and respond with sound judgment and ingenuity to stressful situations. Ability to always maintain a high degree of mental alertness and concentration for up to twelve hours at a time. Working Conditions: Mainly works indoors, but occasionally works outside for short periods of time. Subject to high 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Erie VA Medical Center 135 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16504 US
• Name: Margie Brooks
• Phone: (412) 822-1090
• Email: [email protected]