The employee works within the Maintenance Division of the Facilities Management service line at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. The work of Facilities Engineering involves the efficient operation and timely completion of maintenance repairs, preventive maintenance, inspections, station level projects and development and project management of contracted construction projects. As a Utility Systems Operator, the employee operates and maintains the Energy Center.

Duties

Major duties include: Inspect, adjust, and repair all boiler controls safety devices, instrumentation, flow meters, etc. Inspect repairs and adjustments made by contractors Use tools such as manometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometers and dead-weight testers Perform repairs to equipment and operates in accordance with VA regulations and directives, ASME boiler and pressure vessel codes, ASHRAE standards, facility policies, and best engineering practices Keep equipment clean and lubricated in accordance with preventive maintenance schedules Perform required inspections and tests Maintain hourly operational and maintenance logs and record sheets Conduct water analysis to determine proper chemical concentrations and feed chemicals into equipment as necessary Maintain the Energy Center in a clean, neat and orderly manner Work Schedule: Sunday - Saturday, generally 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. (24/7 coverage; tours are rotated for a 12-hour shift) (work hours may be further discussed during interview). Virtual: This is not a virtual position Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD60187A Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

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 seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• 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
• Pre-employment physical required

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. Possessing a Boiler Operator license is preferred. 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. For this position, you must have the ability to do the work of a Utility Systems Operator without more than normal supervision in performing the full range of duties. Related experience includes: operate, inspect and troubleshoot boilers and chillers; keep equipment clean and lubricated; maintain hourly operational and maintenance logs and record sheets; and perform preventive and corrective maintenance on chillers, cooling towers, boilers, pumps, stem traps and associated piping and equipment. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal SupervisionAbility to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)Dexterity and SafetyKnowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.Operation of Job Family Specify Equipment, Machinery, etc.Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)Use of Measuring Instruments 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: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. The Operator will be assigned on a rotating shift basis to operate the boiler plant and/or the chiller equipment, all of which must be operated on a continuous 24-hour day, 7-day work basis. The Operator must observe safety regulations and use safe work methods in performing the job as he/she is unaccompanied for portions of the shift. The operator must be capable of occasionally lifting objects weighing over so pounds, lifting heavy tools and equipment such as motors, piping and valves. He/she must be capable of climbing over and under the equipment to reach obscure portions of the equipment. He/she must be capable of climbing onto catwalks, roof areas and other isolated areas. Working Conditions: Most of the time work is performed indoors. Occasionally works in areas of temperature extremes, i.e., 100 degrees Fahrenheit and above in the plant or is exposed to changes in temperature while working on outside cooling towers, roof exhausts and ventilating fans. Noise level is often high, sometimes requiring ear protection to prevent permanent damage to hearing. Other protective devices such as goggles, masks and gloves may be needed periodically. The incumbent is exposed to the possibility of burns when working on steam and hot water lines. Occasionally work is required in contaminated areas and is exposed to communicable diseases when changing filters, etc. Operators are also subject to noxious gases, cuts, bruises and broken bones while working around machinery and equipment.

Education

There is no educational substitution.

Contacts

• Address Minneapolis VA Medical Center One Veterans Drive Minneapolis, MN 55417 US
• Name: Kara Grieser
• Phone: (320) 252-1670 X7151
• Email: [email protected]