The position is at the full performance level located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the VA San Diego Healthcare System, VA Medical Center (VAMC) in the Engineering Service, Central Plant. The primary purpose of the position is to serve the Veteran under the supervision of the Supervisor, Central Plant. ***Differential pay may be available for some shifts. Recruitment Incentive may be available for highly qualified candidates.***

Duties

The Central plant generates, pumps, treats, and distributes all utilities throughout the VASDHS Campus. On a regular and recurring basis, the incumbent alters, remodels, relocates, operates, troubleshoots, maintains, adjusts, repairs, constructs and provides design review for a modern central power plant on rotating shifts; 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Performs all work at a full range of varied and complex Engineering tasks requiring the expertise of 4 or more at the Craftsmen level and thorough knowledge of the remainder of the trades. Duties and responsibilities involve Pipe Fitting, Medical Air systems; Bulk Oxygen, Medical Air Compressors, Medical Vacuum, Filters and air dryers. Electrical and Electronic systems and components, High pressure Steam, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Refrigeration, Control Systems; Electrical Generation, control and distribution: 4.6 Megawatt High Voltage Natural Gas Cogeneration Plant which provides 90% of the electrical power to the entire medical center campus; 2.5 Megawatt diesel generators for Emergency Power for the entire Medical Center Campus, Fuel Oil storage, monitoring and distribution; Open and Closed Loop treated water systems, Domestic water Distribution and treatment, Deioniozed and Reverse Osmosis Water generation, storage and distribution; Natural Gas systems, piping, metering and control, Pneumatics, Mechanical Cooling systems, Pumping, Data input, Acquisition and Analysis, Hazard materials exposure control, Central Plant Safety, Ensures continuous operations of Utilities to the Medical Center, Energy monitoring, control and conservation.Incumbent is also responsible for all Engineering Utility equipment, monitoring and distribution systems throughout the Medical Center after normal working hours. The Operator shall assess the calls received and based on the information provided by the caller physically evaluate the situation. If not resolved or adequately contained, the operator shall escalate the issue thru the designated supervisor channel, notify and Contactors, Research, Engineering, Safety, Housekeeping, IT and other support staff after normal working hours. This is an extremely critical position for the entire Medical Center. The Operators will not, at any time, leave the Central plant unattended or be relieved by unqualified personnel not in the role as Central Plant Supervisor or Plant Operator. Work Schedule: Full time,Rotating Shifts based on the needs of the organization. Premium pay may be available for certain shifts. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD09766A Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Physical Requirements: Frequently lifts and carries weights of various loads above 50 pounds. Uses electrical, mechanical systems and forklifts to lift motors, pumps and other machinery overhead for replacement of repair. Extensive walking to inspect, troubleshoot and maintain plant equipment and take hourly readings, working on ladders and platforms, carrying equipment, parts and tools. All work is on a rotating shift basis, operators must be able to work all shifts 24/7/365, including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Working Environment: Must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required for the job tasks including footwear. Work shifts are 24/7/365. The Power plant is not heated or Air Conditioned, there is an extreme amount of noise, dangerously high temperatures from the Cogeneration plant, steam heat exchangers, exhaust manifolds, boilers and rotating equipment, very high levels of electrical voltage and current, potential sources of Carbon Monoxide and unburned gasses, potential water, Natural gas, refrigerant and fuel oil leaks, long periods of standing heavy lifting, dirt, dust, vapor, grease, dangerous chemicals, outdoor tasks under varying conditions, night time work in unlit areas working alone, asbestos environments in the interstitial, which requires wearing respirators and protective clothing and working alone in the intestinal spaces between floors after hours. There are tasks that require working in restricted access and confined spaces as well as overhead work requiring ladders. A physical examination is required prior to being hired for this position. Clearance to wear a respirator is required as well as annual re-certification. Must pass a physical examination including a treadmill and annual re-examination. This position is subject to medical monitoring for asbestos and annual hearing tests.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/30/2023. 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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal SupervisionEquipment Assembly, Installation, RepairInterpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)Measuring InstrumentsOperation of Equipment/Machinery 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.

Contacts

• Address San Diego VA Medical Center 3350 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92161 US
• Name: Kasandra Gabriel
• Phone: 505-265-1711 X7126
• Email: [email protected]