Summary This position is located in the Operations Section within Engineering Service. The Utility Systems Operator (USO) is responsible for the safe operation of the central boiler and chiller plant and for the day to day installations, repairs, troubleshooting, service and maintenance, and operations of a wide range of highly complex and critical utilities systems, and associated building automation systems (BAS) throughout the Alexandria VAHCS. Responsibilities Duties include, but are not limited to: Responsible for the safe operation of the central heating plant which consists of two (2) fire tube and one (1) water tube boilers, each developing varying pounds of steam per hour for an operational output of 55,000 pounds per hour operating 70-80 psig. Operates all support equipment-Deaerator Tank, Condensate Storage Tanks, associated pumps, chemical injection systems, and air-control systems. Records steam production and other operating data at hourly intervals as required on the steam log sheet, changes flow charts, and computes daily use of makeup water, steam production, and average outside temperature. Maintains proper chemistry control of boiler water, condensate, etc. through daily testing. Responsible for the operation of four (4) 1500-ton centrifugal chiller units, total capacity of 6,000 tons. Fields hot and cold calls, as well as other engineering service calls. Perform operator-level preventive and corrective maintenance on chillers, cooling towers, boilers, pumps, steam traps, and other associated equipment. Monitors the five (5) emergency life safety generators for startup and transfer. Inspect, adjust, and repair all boiler controls safety devices, instrumentation, flow meters, etc., and inspect repairs and adjustments made by contractors. Use tools such as psychrometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometers, and dead-weight testers. Perform major and minor repairs to equipment and operate in accordance with VA regulations and directives, ASME boiler and pressure vessel codes, ASHRAE standards, facility policies, and good engineering practice. Work Schedule: 12 hour rotating shift, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Position Description Title/PD#: Utility System Operator/PD06113A Physical Requirements: Work assignments require moderate physical effort. Works requires frequently lifting, carrying or otherwise handling items weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds). Occasionally required to handle items greater than 18 kilograms. Assistance is usually available with heavy items. Works in a sitting position for extended periods. Frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching,reaching, and stooping are required. Occasionally, climbing and work in high places as well as crawling may be required. Subject to working on hot systems as well as those subject to confined spaces. Working Conditions: Generally, performs assigned tasks in well lighted and ventilated locations, but is often exposed to extreme heat when working in enclosed equipment rooms or near steam or hot water piping or extreme cold when working outside or in air plenums. Often works in noisy, damp, dirty or cramped areas. Often works from ladders or scaffolds. Is subject to cuts, abrasions, and burnswhile using trade tools and equipment. While performing work which requires the installation and/or removal of insulating materials which frequently create airborne dust particles, and will be required to wear respiratory safety devices or other protective apparel which are restrictive and uncomfortable. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job Subject to a background/suitability investigation May serve a probationary period Pre-employment physical may be required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 A complete application package; including Resume, Transcripts, etc. is 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary or 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 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. 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: Dexterity and Safety Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Measuring Instruments Operation of Equipment/Machinery Technical Practices 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. Education 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.
