Summary The Utility Systems Repairer-Operator works within the Maintenance Division of Facilities Engineering Service at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center (MVAMC) in Minneapolis, MN. Responsibilities MAJOR DUTIES: Troubleshoots the chemical injection systems in the event of detecting improper dosages of chemicals. Routinely collects water samples, testing to ensure proper chemical balance and adds chemicals as necessary to the cooling towers, hydronic heating systems, chilled water loops and low-pressure boilers. Keeps comprehensive logs that track @types and amounts of chemicals expended, test results, observations and other pertinent information needed to ensure proper management of the chemical program of the VAMC. Inspect, troubleshoot and repair electric motors, chilled water pumps and shut-off or isolation valves throughout the Energy Center. Monitors Building Automation System control points to check operation of and troubleshoot defective fans, motors, air handlers, compressors, pumps, etc. Provides coverage in the ATS department by providing active monitoring of the early start-up and shutdown of automatic guided vehicles (AGV) and perform system repairs as necessary to ensure food and sterile processing supply deliveries are on time. Perform minor repairs to windows or doors and associated closer hardware, to ensure patient/employee safety concerns are immediately addressed. Repairs leaks in pressurized potable water piping and sanitary drain piping, by re-torquing loose fittings or replacing entire components. Checks operation of pumps; water, medical gases, building air, vacuum and sanitary sewage systems and performs minor repairs. Reset circuit breakers and replace fuses. Replaces/changes ballasts or lamps as needed. Detect malfunctions of equipment and diagnose trouble to determine probable cause of trouble and make adjustments and repairs. Read, interpret and use blueprints and schematics for pneumatic, plumbing, or electrical systems and low voltage controls for troubleshooting of systems. Effectively use a wide variety of hand tools, power tools and test equipment. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts to include nights, weekends, and holidays to provide 24-hour, continuous coverage. Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Authorized for highly qualified candidate Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved 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 Pre-employment physical required Subject to background/security investigation 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 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 PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK CONDITIONS: Prolonged physical effort is not routine. Occasionally lifts objects over 50 lbs. Lifting equipment is provided for heavier objects. Some standing, stooping, bending, crawling and working on ladders (occasionally over operating equipment) is required. Most work is performed indoors with adequate light and ventilation. Occasionally work is performed in areas of confined space. While working in the central boiler and chiller plant, exposure to temperatures in excess of 100F is common. Workers are also exposed to extreme temperature changes while working on outdoor cooling towers, roof exhausts and ventilating fans. The incumbent is subject to rotating machinery, grease, dirt, chemicals, oils and fumes. Noise level is often high, and hearing protection is often required to prevent hearing loss. Other protective gear such as goggles, gloves and rubber aprons are required when working with chemicals or performing various other tasks. Incumbent works a regular, rotating shift, to include nights, weekends and holidays to provide twenty-four hour, continuous shift coverage. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications. For this position, the job element method is used to match what you, the applicant, can do against what the work calls for. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be compared to the knowledge, skills and abilities (called job elements) needed for success. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element (WG-2 and higher only; screen-outs are not applicable to WG-1). Applicants who appear to meet the screen out element are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligibles are rated against the remainder of the job elements. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume. You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Materials Measuring Instruments Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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; religious; 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. Education Additional Information 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. 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.
