Summary The position is at the full performance level located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the Loma Linda, CA VA Medical Center (VAMC) in the Facility Management Service (FMS). The primary purpose of the Utility Systems Operator (USO) is to ensure the safe operation of the facility's centrally located boiler and chiller plant. Responsibilities Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Controls, operates and maintains efficient and reliable operation of the electrical emergency power generation. Manually runs emergency generator and perform manual operation of switchgears when necessary to maintain power supply to the hospital. Visually inspects boiler settings and refractory linings for signs of deterioration and failure due to heat stress resulting in flue gases escaping into the plant and endangering on-duty personnel. Controls, operates and maintains HVAC equipment inside the chiller plant and cooling tower yard. Responds to hot and cold calls by analyzing the chiller plant and air handling units' (AHU) performance and make necessary adjustments to bring the HVAC system within parameters. Analysis includes AHU set points, air filter condition, outside air supply temperature and humidity, damper/economizer positions, chilled water valve opening, humidifier percent opening, fan speed and its relationship to the static pressure. Perform necessary temporary adjustments to keep hospital or space at an acceptable HVAC condition. Write notes in the log book of all work performed and adjustments made to be reported to USO Supervisor and briefing HVAC technicians. Controls and operates two-domestic hot water heaters. Observes and documents information such as pressures, temperatures, water levels, and detectors to identify signs of trouble. Monitors and performs Plant's chemical water treatment including testing of water hardness coming from the tap and water softener. Monitors plant status with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer system. Performs thorough housekeeping of boiler, electrical, chiller plants and cooling tower yard. Keeps the Plant in an orderly manner, painting, sweeping and mopping and dusting off Plant equipment. Operator makes independent decisions and judgments regarding troubleshooting techniques, and modification and repair procedures. Controls or operates a Supervisory Control Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer to control and operate life support equipment. Performs maintenance on plant equipment using blueprints, specifications, sketches, and from oral or written instructions. Balances electrical load between generators. Maintains circuit voltage and frequency constant when generators are added to or removed from the system. Responsible for monitoring the fire alarm system, medical gas alarm panel and elevator emergency call system for the entire facility. Adjusts equipment as necessary for efficient operation, including such equipment as alarm devices, proper size burner tips, automatic combustion controls, feed water deaerator, and heaters, chillers, internal chemical injection equipment, automatic stop valves, forced and induced draft fans, fuel and steam pressure control and relief valves, feedwater regulators and pumps. Perform operational testing of equipment and systems to determine their efficiencies. Works with engineering to determine performance parameters for reliable operation. Tests, adjusts, maintains, and repairs boiler safety devices such as flame safeguard systems, pressure switches, pressure differential safety switches, timers, water column safety devices, electric/electronic probes and sensors, steam safety valves, steam pressure reducing valves and automatic and manual fuel valves for preventing major pressure vessel failures and/or furnace explosions. Work Schedule: Various shifts due to 24 hours operations Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD10833A Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: Not Authorized As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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, Repair Follow Directions Operation of Equipment/Machinery Troubleshooting Without 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: May be required to lift weight up to 100 pounds. Heavy weights are handled by hoists or cranes and worker may be assisted by other workers. Heavy exertion may be required for short periods of time. May be required to sit, stand, kneel, crouch, stoop or work in awkward positions for long periods of time. Work requires close attention of eyes and coordination of hands. Working Conditions: Exposure to considerable noise due to operation of diesel engines, subject to call 24 hours a day. Works 8-10 hour shifts during 24-hour period. May be required to work from ground level to elevated positions of 50 feet on platforms or ladders. Exposed to high voltage electrical conductors, sharp end rough edges, etc. Subject to severe electrical shock, burns, cuts, bruises, and falls. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
