Summary Operates and performs operational/preventive maintenance on a semi-automatic, gas/oil-fired, high pressure steam plant and related auxiliary equipment. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until April 30, 2026 or until all positions are filled. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY. This position is being filled using the approved Direct Hire Authority (DHA) VA-001 for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) based on their critical hiring needs. Responsibilities The duties of the Utility Systems Repairing-Operating includes but is not limited to: Monitors the overall operation of the boiler plant to maintain the required steam production for heat and process used throughout the VA campus. Makes various operational adjustments to maintain plant efficiency and safety. Maintains records and logs of plant operating conditions. Performs daily boiler water tests to determine chemical treatment required to prevent scales and corrosion of the boilers. Maintains proper chemistry control of boiler water, condensate, and chilled water through dally testing and adjusts chemical injection and blowdown rates as required. Perform dally and preventative maintenance determined by scheduled activities (i.e. steam trap maintenance, valve maintenance, greasing of equipment and other predetermined tasks). Performs maintenance work on boiler plant equipment (i.e. cleaning and repairing boilers; dismantling, repairing and installing control linkages; replacing valve seats, disc, and packing; adjusting and repairing feed water regulators, pressure reducing valves, boiler feed water pumps, deaerating feed water heater, booster pumps, and heat exchangers). Adjusts boiler combustion controls, boiler safety devices, and Individual screw compressors for each boiler for steam atomizing. Tests the emergency diesel generator for the boiler plant. Examines blueprints and electrical schematics, sketches, written or oral instructions. Checks the operation of safety equipment (i.e. flame controls, low water cutouts, low and high water alarms, high pressure cutouts switches and safety valves). Maintains the correct level of water that is pumped into the campus water tower. Sounds the correct alarm signal on the station steam whistle as specified by station policy. Monitors the line status annunciator for all power to the campus and reports any changes to appropriate personnel. Operates various hand and power tools and technical test equipment, including ammeters, voltmeters, and ohmmeters. Responds to many of the building alarm systems, i.e. fire alarms, medical gas alarms, elevators, generators, and the Environmental Control System. Initiates emergency call-ins for maintenance when notified by the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD). Acts as first responder for off-tour emergency calls. May be required to make emergency decisions during off hours, natural disasters, bad weather, etc. WORK SCHEDULES: Week 1: off; Week 2: Sunday-Friday 12:00am-12:00pm, Saturday 12:00am-8:00am Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairing-Operating/PD92544A Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required 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. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. 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. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/30/2026. 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. Ability To Do the Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision. Tasks related to: operating and/or maintaining boilers and auxiliary equipment; JOB ELEMENTS. The below job elements (skills, knowledge, abilities, and personal characteristics considered necessary for success on the job) are approved by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for individual occupations as well as for jobs having common requirements. Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading) Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Materials Must possess a current and unexpired State issued motor vehicle's license. (NOTE: DO NOT submit a copy of your driver's license at this time) NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore, please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid stated issued Driver's License. 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. Must climb vertical fixed ladders to a height of 30 feet above floor level to catwalks to operate large valves, make visual Inspection of boilers, etc. Otherwise, the physical effort is of a moderate @type. Working Conditions. The work area is somewhat noisy. The usual hazards involved in the handling of highly combustible fuels exist. May be required to enter a boiler drum through a 12" x 16" elliptical manhole to clean the boiler internally. NOTE: Your answers will be verified against the information you provide on your resume, documents, and information supplied by your references. If you do not clearly describe your experience in your resume, you will be rated ineligible. We cannot make assumptions about your work experience and skills. Education Additional Information DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY. This position is being filled using the approved Direct Hire Authority (DHA) VA-001 for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) based on their critical hiring need in support of the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017. 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. 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. VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) 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. NOTE: This position is under consistency review and the grade may change after the candidate is hired If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
