Summary The Utilities System Repairer-Operator (USRO) Leader performs routine maintenance and repairs to facilities, structures, equipment, and related fixtures primarily at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC and on occasion, incumbent may be required to perform work at other associated work environments including healthcare, laboratory, industrial, administrative, food preparation, soiled and sterile areas and pipe basement, and other locations as needed. Responsibilities The Utilities System Repairer-Operator (USRO) Leader performs a variety of tasks involved in the steam and chilled water generating and distribution plant, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems/controls/monitors, domestic hot/cold water distribution systems, medium pressure air systems, medical gas alarm systems, fire alarm/suppression systems, fuel distribution systems for the boiler/electrical generation systems, energy transfer systems and associated electrical components of the above systems. Duties include but not limited to: Ability to start, stop and regulate the utility or utilities for optimum efficiency and troubleshoot, maintain, and repair the associated equipment and distribution systems. Knowledge of the locations and functions of the associated equipment and distribution systems is required. Incumbent, while working other than normal business hours, is unsupervised and acts in a decision-making capacity. Responsible for ensuring that all operational techniques and maintenance procedures are executed in accordance with established guidelines and procedures. Required to differentiate emergency trouble calls from routine corrective actions and has the authority to initiate emergency corrective procedures for either in house or contract staff. Operates the Medical Center's centralized chilled water plant, which supplies chilled water for the HVAC system for the medical center campus including laboratories, operating rooms, offices, support, and other buildings. Utilizes the Building Anemometer System (BAS) to control and monitor the HVAC generation, distribution and termination components that consists of multiple chillers, air handling units and air terminal units. Responsible for preventive maintenance and repairs of all steam plant and chiller plant equipment and maintaining the plant in a clean, safe working environment. Works with other workers to modify and balance various elements of systems that are designed to meet a wide variety of extreme and critical conditions. Ensures all work orders are completed by utility plant staff within the time frame indicated by the Supervisor. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm. Work schedule subject to change based on the needs of the agency. Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer Operator Leader/PD105630 Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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 or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/17/2025. 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 Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Lead or Supervise Materials Measuring Instruments Production Support Service Technical Practices Use and Maintain Hand Tools (Electrical Work) 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/Working Conditions: The work requires a considerable amount of standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and/or uncomfortable positions. The incumbent may work from ladders and scaffolding. When operating equipment, the worker may be under a great deal of strain from constant reaching, bending, turning, and moving of hands, arms, feet, legs, and by the vibration and jerking of the equipment. The incumbent carries, lifts, and handles parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and may occasionally exceed 50 pounds Education Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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. 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. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
