The incumbent serves as a Utility Systems Repairer/Operator (USRO) and is responsible for boiler, chiller, and domestic water system repair and operations. During non-regular duty hours when there is no other staff member present, the incumbent has shift responsibility and serves as the "operator in charge". This position is located in the Central Utility Plant, Engineering Section of Facilities Management Service Line.

Duties

Duties include: Operates all equipment located in the Boiler Plant inclusive of three heating boilers and two power boilers as well as all subordinate support systems. Start, operate, adjust, stop, maintain, and perform various operational repairs on single or multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary and control equipment. Maintain efficient and safe combustion performance through the use of manual, automatic, or digital controls systems via monitoring and making corresponding adjustments. Operators utilize a variety of controls output data and manual readings to determine necessary adjustments and corrective actions to ensure proper boiler operations or address changing load requirements. Operate, adjust, and maintain auxiliary support equipment including but not limited to condensate pumps, deaeration tanks, forced air draft fans, and emergency electrical generators. Monitor and make operational adjustment to maximize combustion efficiency. Observe and take readings from numerous data points to detect danger, changing load properties, potential carryover or other output quality concerns, and calculation of overall plant thermal efficiency. Analyze feedwater chemistry as well as boiler water and direct condensate to determine chemical properties. Determine the necessary treatment actions (manual boiler blow downs, make-up water modifications) and any modifications to automated chemical feed systems to achieve parameters. Performs all maintenance actions germane to the position or as per manufacture documentation. Identifying necessary additions, deletions, and modifications to said program. Required to inspect, maintain, repair, and replace system components including but not limited to steam traps, pressure reducing valves, condensate receivers and pumps, and heat exchangers. Perform hourly checks of all operating equipment in the central utility plant, making adjustments and minor repairs as necessary. Ability to use various power and hand tools in the repair of equipment, i.e., drill presses, portable hand drills, bench grinders, and pipe threading machines. Responsibility to initiate procurement actions under the micro-purchase threshold level in support plant operations via market research, development of requirements, and initiation of funding allocation when necessary. Monitoring, adjusting and maintaining chlorination equipment, testing samples and recording results, and completing reporting requirements in accordance with VA and State Requirements. Performs all other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 0600-1400 Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD11249A Physical Requirements: Frequently work in confined areas in and around equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Frequently lift and carries parts, materials, and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, carries items weighing over 40 pounds. Working Conditions: Works inside and outside at heights up to 50 feet. Subject to extreme temperature changes from a +105 to a -40 degrees. Subject to high noise level which requires wearing of hearing protection. Work inside boiler drums (when doing major overhaul) is tight and hot. Work is dirty, greasy, hot, cold and wet. Employee is subject to cuts, bruises, traffic hazards and is exposed to danger from boiler explosion, high temperature water and steam lines, electrical shock, falls, burns, scalds, chemicals, broken bones, explosive chemical or conventional munitions, carbon monoxide poisoning, and gas and oil fumes. Other Significant Facts: Incumbent must report for work during periods of hazardous road and weather conditions. Work is performed on a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 3 shift rotating tour of duty. Incumbent will be subject to rotate work hours through all three shifts schedules. Incumbent could be subjected to hazards normally encountered in the trade. This position requires working rotating shifts and overtime.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Incidental Driving: You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties.
• You may be subject to a pre-employment physical examination.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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 (includes blueprint reading)MaterialsMeasuring InstrumentsUse and Maintain Tools and EquipmentWithout 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Fort Harrison VA Medical Center 3687 Veterans Drive Fort Harrison, MT 59636 US
• Name: Allecia Munoz
• Phone: 352-213-8874
• Email: [email protected]