The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. This is an entry level position located within Engineering Service in the Boiler and Chiller Plants at the Veterans Healthcare System Ann Arbor, MI. The Boiler Plant is a 24 hour per day operations.

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. As part of the VA's succession planning, the Technical Career Field (TCF) training program was created to ensure individuals are trained in critical areas that have current or predicted shortages. The program is nationally funded to include salary, benefits and training/travel dollars. At the time of acceptance into the TCF program, trainees will be asked to sign mobility, training, and service agreements. Relocation expenses for acceptance into the training program or for placement are not funded by the TCF program. Please keep in consideration, the training program is meant for those individuals who plan on staying with the VA a minimum of 3 years after completion of their training program. Selectees will be required to complete and sign the following paperwork; Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. Although not guaranteed, with more than 150 freestanding facilities and hundreds of clinic locations, we will strive to place trainees in positions that will work for their needs and the needs of the VA. This is a developmental position leading to a GS-9, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. You will ultimately acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-9. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Under direct supervision of Assistant chief Engineering, you will gain knowledge in the basis theory of boiler operations, trade practices and skills in the operation and maintenance of boiler operations; Learn the basics of boiler plant operations and steam systems, under close supervision; Operates, secures and maintains power boilers and auxiliary support equipment; Inspects boilers and auxiliary equipment; Performs proper safety procedures prior to working on boiler plant equipment; Assists with preventive maintenance inspections; Assists with boiler and associated steam production equipment repairs discovered during performance inspections; Performs water treatment and chemical testing of pool and boiler feed condensate; Cleans equipment and performs general housekeeping duties as assigned; Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts to be discussed at interview Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Skills to do the work of a Utility Systems Repairer - Operator Helper with more than normal supervision that includes the ability to work under the direct guidance of a supervisor or journeyman level personnel, will learn theory and the advanced basics of operation of the Boiler Plant and Water Treatment Plant including natural gas and fuel oil boilers; Learns and fully understands the various systems within the plants; Will assist with the day to day operation of the Boiler Plant and Water Treatment Plant; Will successfully complete an In-House training program. 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. 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. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Equipment Assembly, Installation, RepairTechnical PracticesUse and Maintain Tools and Equipment IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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; religious; 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. 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/.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

NOTE: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Ann Arbor VA Medical Center 2215 Fuller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]