Job opening: Utility System Repairer/Operator

Salary: $29 - 34 per hour

Published at: Oct 10 2023

Company: Veterans Health Administration

Employment Type: Full-time

Operates and performs operational/preventive maintenance on a semi-automatic, gas/oil-fired, high pressure steam plant consisting of three 13,500 pound fire tubed type power boilers and related auxiliary equipment. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY. This position is being filled using the approved Direct Hire Authority (DHA) VA-001 for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) based on their critical hiring need in support of the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017.

Duties

The duties of the Utility System Repairer/Operator includes but is not limited to: Monitors the overall operation of the boiler plant to maintain the required steam production for heat and process used throughout the VA campus. Makes various operational adjustments to maintain plant efficiency and safety. Maintains records and logs of plant operating conditions. Performs daily boiler water tests to determine chemical treatment required to prevent scales and corrosion of the boilers. Maintains proper chemistry control of boiler water, condensate, and chilled water through dally testing and adjusts chemical injection and blowdown rates as required. Perform dally and preventative maintenance determined by scheduled activities (i.e. steam trap maintenance, valve maintenance, greasing of equipment and other predetermined tasks). Performs maintenance work on boiler plant equipment (i.e. cleaning and repairing boilers; dismantling, repairing and installing control linkages; replacing valve seats, disc, and packing; adjusting and repairing feed water regulators, pressure reducing valves, boiler feed water pumps, deaerating feed water heater, booster pumps, and heat exchangers). Adjusts boiler combustion controls, boiler safety devices, and Individual screw compressors for each boiler for steam atomizing. Tests the emergency diesel generator for the boiler plant. Examines blueprints and electrical schematics, sketches, written or oral instructions. Checks the operation of safety equipment (i.e. flame controls, low water cutouts, low and high water alarms, high pressure cutouts switches and safety valves). Maintains the correct level of water that is pumped into the campus water tower. Sounds the correct alarm signal on the station steam whistle as specified by station policy. Monitors the line status annunciator for all power to the campus and reports any changes to appropriate personnel. Operates various hand and power tools and technical test equipment, including ammeters, voltmeters, and ohmmeters. Responds to many of the building alarm systems, i.e. fire alarms, medical gas alarms, elevators, generators, and the Environmental Control System. Initiates emergency call-ins for maintenance when notified by the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD). Acts as first responder for off-tour emergency calls. May be required to make emergency decisions during off hours, natural disasters, bad weather, etc. WORK SCHEDULES: FT WAYNE: (Week 1: Friday - Wednesday 12:00am to 12:00pm, Thursday 12:00am to 8:00am; Week 2: off) MARION: (Week 1: Monday - Saturday 12:00am to 12:00pm, Sunday 12:00am to 8:00am; Week 2: off) Position Description Title/PD#: Utility System Repairer/Operator/PD91959 Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/25/2023. 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. Applicants must receive a minimum of two points on the below screen-out element to be deemed eligible for consideration. Ability To Do the Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision. Tasks related to: operating and/or maintaining boilers and auxiliary equipment; JOB ELEMENTS. The below job elements (skills, knowledge, abilities, and personal characteristics considered necessary for success on the job) are approved by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for individual occupations as well as for jobs having common requirements. Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading) Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Materials Screen-out question: Current, valid state issued Driver's License is required for this position. Individuals required to operate a Government-owned or leased motor vehicle to properly carry out their assigned duties must be properly screened during the recruitment and onboarding process. Applicants must: Possess a valid, unrestricted State driver's license, Have a safe driving record, and Demonstrate that they are medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore, please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid stated issued Driver's License. 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. Must climb vertical fixed ladders to a height of 30 feet above floor level to catwalks to operate large valves, make visual Inspection of boilers, etc. Otherwise, the physical effort is of a moderate type. Working Conditions. The work area is somewhat noisy. The usual hazards involved in the handling of highly combustible fuels exist. May be required to enter a boiler drum through a 12" x 16" elliptical manhole to clean the boiler internally. NOTE: Your answers will be verified against the information you provide on your resume, documents, and information supplied by your references. If you do not clearly describe your experience in your resume, you will be rated ineligible. We cannot make assumptions about your work experience and skills.