This is Job Posting for Technical Career Field (TCF) Internship which is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. This is a 2-year temporary internship, that may result in a permanent position.

Duties

The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. *Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. This is a developmental position leading to a WG-5, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Duties include but are not limited to :Energy Center: The incumbent duties include operation of the steam production within the Energy Center and steam distribution systems throughout the medical center facility. Operate / perform steam generation and systems operation of four(4) fire-tube boilers and their associated subsystems including water conditioners, deaerator tanks, storage tanks, air compressors, pumps, valves, regulators, meters, all distribution lines, and multiple underground fuel tanks. Performs daily scheduled preventive maintenance; assures oil changes, lubrications, system maintenance and documentation occurs on a regularly scheduled basis. Performs equipment repair, rebuilds, inspections, and cleaning of the boilers, tanks, and auxiliary equipment. Assures proper fuel levels are maintained for boiler water through appropriate test and correctives measures: maintains water softeners and regenerates systems as necessary. Assures proper fuel levels are maintained to operate boilers for a minimum ten January days The incumbent supervises and is and is responsible for the coordination and accomplishment of all activities of chilled water production within the Energy center and its associated distribution systems throughout the medical center. Oversees chilled water generation and systems operation of three 800-ton electric centrifugal chillers and their associated subsystems including tanks, pumps, valves, regulators, meters, cooling towers, and all distribution lines. Performs equipment repairs, rebuilds, inspections, and cleaning of chillers, tanks and auxiliary equipment/systems. Work Schedule: Monday - Sunday / Rotating 8 hour shifts 7AM - 3PM; 3PM - 11PM; 11PM - 7AM Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available. Telework: Not available Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Helper/PD92636A

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/12/2023. You may qualify based on experience as described below: 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 - Normal Supervision: Do you have the ability to learn and retain the training of the duties for Utility Systems Repairer/Operator with normal supervision? 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 (includes blueprint reading)Measuring InstrumentsOperation of Equipment/Machinery Duties for this position are listed below: WG-5: No experience required. This is an internship. Candidate needs to have a learners attitude. WG 8 : Repairers have a working knowledge of the standard methods of combustion, heat transfer principles, and fuel characteristics to install, repair, and maintain heating boilers and domestic heating units and systems. They have knowledge of heating surfaces, combustion chambers, and the various heat circulating methods, and have a working knowledge of pneumatics, electricity, and basic electronics to locate faults in temperature controls and control devices such as damper motors, mixing valves, and modulating motors. They are familiar with the construction and operating characteristics of the heating systems so that they can install, adjust, repair, or replace components, control devices, and units. They have skill in determining the condition of system parts and components to make repairs or replacements. Grade 8 repairers use technical manuals, manufacturers', manuals, and special instructions to determine whether replacement, service, or repair of key parts or components of the heating system is required. They have skill in installing, aligning, adjusting, and repairing oil, gas, and coal burners and other burning mechanisms as well as heating boiler components located in structures such as dormitories, recreation facilities, residential housing, and remote buildings requiring individual heating systems. They use shop mathematics to compute fuel consumption rates, heat generating units, and air to fuel ratios and conversions. When working in boiler plant facilities, they may perform refractory maintenance including repairs of internal boiler lining using brick and castable materials. They use standard and specialized hand and power tools common to the trade such as adjustable wrenches, pneumatic hammers, pipe cutting equipment, and drill presses. WG 9: Repairers apply a comprehensive knowledge of all operational phases of boiler plant operations and their interrelationships for safe, efficient, and economical generation of steam e.g., water treatment, fuel systems and steam generation controls. He/she applies knowledge of the principles and theories pertaining to combustion, heat transfer and steam generation. In addition, he/she applies a thorough knowledge of the structural and operational characteristics of multiple fuel power boilers and the related auxiliary equipment and control systems, e.g., microprocessor control system, computer monitoring system, fuel systems, burner equipment, distribution equipment, pumps, compressors, water treatment systems to properly operate, adjust, troubleshoot, and maintain the equipment and systems. He/she applies a thorough knowledge of water treatment procedures and water analysis, using standard chemical tests. He/she has a thorough knowledge of procedures or adjustments during combustion of fuels to maintain optimum efficiency. He/she has complete knowledge of plant piping and system layout in order to bypass component equipment or systems in order to maintain service under unusual conditions. 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.For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Physical Requirements: Works from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and elevated catwalks. Work may be at or above ground level. Frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, reaching, stooping and crouching, as the work site dictates. Frequently lifts and carries boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 lbs. unassisted. Occasionally carries items weighing over 50 lbs. with assistance. Working Conditions: Mainly works indoors but occasionally works outside for short periods of time. Subject to elevated 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. Work on catwalks and ladders

Education

There is no Education Substitute for Experience.

Contacts

• Address Ann Arbor VA Medical Center 2215 Fuller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 US
• Name: Robert Coman
• Phone: 734-845-3510
• Email: [email protected]