Job opening: Utility Systems Operator

Salary: $30 - 35 per hour

City: Albany

Published at: Mar 25 2024

Company: Veterans Health Administration

Employment Type: Full-time

This position is located in FMS at the Albany VAMC.

Duties

Physical Plant Operations The incumbent answers and facilitates trouble calls from the hospital on off hours and perform first response actions and correct urgent problems. The incumbent may be called upon to perform duties normally considered outside the incumbent's expertise, exercising judgement and using creativity to solve problems. If the situation dictates excessive time or assistance, the operator has the authority to call in off-duty employees on an overtime basis and if the situation warrants, informing the USRO Supervisor, M&O Supervisor, M&O Manager, and /or the Chief Engineer. Instrumentation The incumbent works independently to troubleshoot, repair, modify, overhaul, test, calibrate and install a variety of multi- component industrial and precision instruments and equipment as it relates to both the Boiler Plant and Chiller Plant. The equipment and systems normally serviced are interdependent electrical, mechanical and Hydraulic devices which control and regulate flows, pressures and levels. The incumbent will work using operating principles, blueprints, diagrams, technical manuals, test equipment trade tools. Plumbing The incumbent performs plumbing related duties which include planning, layout, and routing or piping systems. The incumbent must be able to work from sketches and blueprints or other technical data. The cumbent will work on the installation and repair of different types of piping which include copper, galvanized steel, black iron, PVC, Carbon Steel, Plastic tubing, Stainless tubing as well as transition couplings and valves associated with these materials. All plumbing and piping must meet trade standards, Material specifications and codes for Water, Air, High pressure steam, Boiler Condensate, Fuel oil, and Natural gas. Other duties include repairing various pumps and general plumbing maintenance. Electrical The incumbent has experience with various Electrical systems, AC, DC, single phase and 3 phase, Machinery Control Centers, control isolation and read circuit diagrams pertaining power supply, boiler controls, pump controls, Fan controls, DDC panels, UPS supplies, electric actuated control valve systems and various instrumentation. Incumbent will independently trouble shoot and repair electrical circuits, single phase and 3 phase motors, switches, starter circuits, Variable Frequency drives, and other process controls. Have knowledge of the NFPA Electrical code and electrical lock out tag out procedures. Boiler Plant Operator The incumbent starts, operates, adjusts, stops, maintains, and performs various operational repairs on single or multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary and pollution control equipment. The boilers operated at this facility are duel fuel utilizing both oil and natural gas to produce the steam required to meet changing load demands. The boilers require constant attention to maintain efficiency and control the formation of pollutants. He or she maintains efficient combustion levels and ensure compliance with air pollution laws or regulations. Through the use of both manual and automatic control systems, boiler plant operators monitor, adjust, and control all phases of boiler plant operations. Air Conditioning Equipment Operator The incumbent operates a centralized, multiple zone system, checking temperature sensing points in the buildings, adjust controls, start, regulate, stop air handling equipment, and reset temperature controls and steam spray valves for humidity control. He or she log gauge readings, test water in cooling towers and record results of water condition tests, perform operator maintenance, and replace minor parts. Due to the size and complexity of the facility and end users (e.g., industrial, computer and telecommunications areas, hospital operating rooms, special research laboratories that contain sensitive measuring equipment, clinical laboratories, or intensive care wards) the incumbent requires a more extensive knowledge and skillset when compared to other facilities. Perform other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 2nd Shift (4:00pm - 12:00am) OR 3rd Shift (12:00am - 8:00am) Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD38783A Physical Requirements: The position will frequently work in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. The work requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. The position frequently will lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds) unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 18 kilograms (40 pounds) with assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
Subject to a background/suitability investigation
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
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

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 (other than blueprint reading)Measuring InstrumentsOperation of Equipment/MachineryTechnical Practices 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.