This is an entry level TCF trainee position for Utility Systems Repairer-Operator, located at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center Walla Walla, WA. Under supervision of the Maintenance and Operation Supervisor (Boiler Plant), the incumbent participates in the Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Technical Career Field (TCF) 2-year training program, which is a national workforce development program within VHA designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions.

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* 50% Boiler Operator The incumbent assists in making periodic visual checks of equipment to ensure proper operation; operates manual and automatic control instruments and high pressure gas/oil fired boilers required for continuous Boiler Plant Operation; maintains constant observation of gauge glasses, water columns, signals, indicators, flow meters, and/or charts in determining steam evaporation, and excessive steam production; interprets flow meter/chart readings and makes system operation determinations; e.g., builds up/lowers boiler fires, activates pressure reducing valves, starts/stops water pumps, etc. Checks and makes adjustments to feed water regulators and pumps. Checks steam, airflow, gas, and/or oil meters and fuel gas-temperature records. Fires on oil eight hours or more each month. Fires up or takes boilers offline. Frequently checks water levels and steam pressure gauges; opens intake valves to add water or to blow off steam. Ensures proper operation of heat recovery system to maximize heat recovery and minimize thermal pollution. The incumbent assists in the collection of boiler, condensate, feed, and soft water samples and conducts water tests; analyzes results determining acidity, causticity, and alkalinity by using prescribed reagents, color slides, or other standards. Calculates treatment requirements, making determination of required chemicals to be added to boilers and de-aerating tank to treat water or control corrosion/scale formation. The incumbent learns system/equipment repairs or adjustments noting technical difficulties in system/equipment operations (e.g., rerolls tubes; repairs refractories and pumps; replaces fan motors; dismantles/cleans/repacks valves, pistons, and/or seals; mounts, connects, and adjusts transformers, motors, electrodes, relays; solenoids, rheostats, aqua-stats, stack switches, and/or ducts; repairs/replaces water regulators, boosters, generators; alarms/safety devices, and blower/draft motors and bearings; checks/tests trips and special governors; replaces bearing casings, packing and/or valves, valves seats, and discs; uses a reseating tool to reseat; aligns/adjusts water, air, or steam; repacks stuffing box; and replaces defective gaskets, diaphragms, bellows, etc.). Adjusts and tests control equipment and completed repairs and reports extensive major deficiencies and/or malfunctions. Uses varied hand and power tools in maintaining systems/equipment and making minor repairs or adjustments. Transports tools, equipment, and/or materials to work areas. Keeps work areas in a clean and orderly manner; removes and disposes of waste, debris, and excess materials. Follows safe work practices. Operates and tests fire/disaster alarm equipment and emergency communications. Serves key role in sounding station fire/disaster alarms and maintaining emergency communications with local public safety offices/officials. 50% Utility System Repair The incumbent assists in work that involves installing, recognizing the problem or cause of faulty equipment, and making repairs on a variety of electric and gas hot water boilers and their compressors, condensers, coils, fans, electrical/air operated control systems. The incumbent assists in performing the installation, modifications, and repairs to high temperature-high pressure piping systems and equipment such as hot water systems, steam heating systems and equipment, electric and gas hot water boilers, condensate lines, heating coils, radiators, and convectors, steam traps, valves, water softening equipment, and other related components. Follows work orders or other instructions on their own. The incumbent will learn to install, modify, and repair by setting up piping routes and equipment locations, placing and cutting openings in floors, walls, and ceilings that may be constructed of concrete, wood, plaster, metal, etc. Shall perform work typical of a journeyman plumber; shall install, modify, and repair utility systems and equipment such as water, gas, and supply, drain, condensate return and vent lines. Work Schedule: Sunday-Saturday, rotating shifts 12am/8am, 8am/4pm, 4pm/12am Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Helper (TCF Trainee)/PD806440 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 09/03/2024. 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, the ability to do the work of a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Helper (TCF Trainee), WG-4742-5, without more than normal supervision (SCREEN-OUT). Experience includes but is not limited to: the ability to perform the most difficult and complex in the areas of operations, maintenance and repair of boilers and ancillary equipment's. Skilled in the use of low-pressure fire tube boilers. Skilled in operating, adjusting, maintaining and repairing axillary equipment including unfired pressure vessels, centrifugal pumps, rotary pumps, piston pumps, forced draft fans, atomized air compressors, water softening units, fuel oil strainers and filters, steam traps and strainers, piping and valve; Troubleshoots, repairs and installs various components of the steam, condensate, fire sprinklers, water and drainage/sewer systems. 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 InstrumentsTechnical PracticesUse 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. Physical Requirements: Work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion (40 pounds) while lifting, transporting, carrying, pulling, moving, handling, or setting up Ladders, scaffolds, materials, tools, equipment, etc. Repairs, maintenance, and/or observation work requires kneeling, stretching, pushing, pulling, crouching, stooping, bending, climbing, and walking/standing for long periods of time and negotiating confined spaces. Works from ladder, scaffold, platform, ground level, or hard to reach places requiring climbing ladders, reaching over and under while in cramped, awkward, tiring, and/or uncomfortable positions. Uses hand, eye, leg, and body coordination while performing assigned work. Working Conditions: The incumbent works indoors in adequately lighted and ventilated conditions. The BPO is exposed to high ambient temperatures from boilers and equipment noise. Danger of boiler bursts; gas line ruptures; carbon monoxide poisoning; scalds/burns; gas, oil, or sulfur fumes; water treatment test chemicals; and/or hazards of working with large scale combustion processes, steam under high pressure vessels, or moving machinery. Works recurring rotational shift assignments including nights, weekends, and holidays proving continuous 7 day 24-hours coverage.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Jonathan M Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center 77 Wainwright Drive Walla Walla, WA 99362 US
• Name: Maria Dela Cruz
• Phone: 253-582-8440 X75434
• Email: [email protected]