Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

Summary

Serves as Utilities Systems Repairer-Operator within the Facilities Management Service/Engineering Operations Section at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS). Is supervised by the Utilities Systems Repairer Operator Supervisor.

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Duties

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• Operation, maintenance, repair, service, troubleshooting, of a wide range of highly complex and critical utility systems.
• Operation, maintenance, repair, service, troubleshooting, of a wide range of highly complex and critical Building Automations stems.
• Knowledge and experience of boilers and chillers.
• Monitors, operates, and troubleshoots, Fire Alarm Panels, oxygen Nitrogen Medical Gas Panels, Johnson Controls Metasys Extended Architecture Control system, Johnson Controls PMI Control System, Siemens Apogee Control System, SCADA Emergency Power System.
• Operates and performs preventive maintenance, installation, operation, monitoring, troubleshooting and repairs to all fuel oil pumps needed top operate generators.
• Identifies and records electrical and mechanical statuses throughout the plant.
• Operating and monitoring all emergency power equipment including all generators and all switch gear related to emergency power.
• Has the ability and skill to interpret equipment schematics, electrical circuit plans, wiring diagrams, and maintenance manuals.
• Reviews final plans and specifications for construction feasibility and practical Performs inspections and interprets findings to determine corrective action. Identifies and records engine and generator malfunctions.
• Maintenance, repair, modification, calibration, and installation of all nonmedical electronic systems and components as a delegated responsibility located in the Central Energy Plant.
• Knowledge of all aspects of electrical systems and theory such as secondary power distribution lines and circuits used to supply a wide range of voltage, amperage, phase, and frequency requirements, to distribution panels, switchgear, power and control circuits., Incumbent performs preventative maintenance, installations, operation, monitoring, troubleshooting and repairs which include: switchgear, SCAOA ATS controls, load bank equipment, pumps, regulators, governors, and electrical panels.
• Ability to interpret values and meaning represented by gauges, meters and other measuring scales that indicate temperatures, pressures and like devices in the field and through the automated Graphic Control Center using the Energy Management Computer System.
• Experience with controlling air handlers, hot water reheat system and chilled water systems.
• Experience with maintenance and repair of Boilers Systems, Chillers Systems, Natural Gas System, Steam and Chill Water Distributing System, Fuel Oil System, Fire Alarm System, Medical Gas System, Elevator System.
• Experience with charging systems with proper refrigerants.
• Experience with Boilers, pumps, condensate tanks, deaerator tank, valves, and steam piping.
• Ability to monitors, operates, and troubleshoots, Fire Alarm Panels, Oxygen Nitrogen Medical Gas Panels, Johnson Controls Metasys Extended Architecture Control System, Johnson Controls PMI Control System, Siemens Apogee Control System, SCADA Emergency Power System, Medical Air and Dental Vacuum Systems, and Air Compressors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

Work Schedule: Rotating Shift, including holidays and weekends 0730am-16:00pm, 16:00pm-23:30pm, 00:00am 0-08:30am, subject to change based on the needs of the facility.

Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD07646A

Physical Requirements : May frequently work in hot, humid, confined spaces around equipment and systems associated with facilities.

Must climb ladders, bend, crouch. stoop and endure prolonged periods of standing and walking. Must lift parts and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds. Must be physically fit as work involves lifting, pulling, climbing, crawling, working with hands over head, working in confined areas, and using arm and back muscles. Must possess ability to be on feet for long periods either standing, walking, working off ladder, or staging materials, and lifting equipment. Frequently handle objects weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally moves objects weighing 50 to 100 pounds with assistance, and /or use of carts. They are required to push, pull, reach, walk or stand, crawl, knee bend, stoop and work in cramped positions for sustained periods of time. They must exercise normal care and practice all safety regulations during the performance of duties to prevent injury.

Working Conditions: May be required to to work in areas of high temperature, cold temperature, constant noise, chemical fumes, dirt, soot, rotating equipment, oil, grease. work is performed inside and outside, sometimes in bad weather, wet, cramped locations; is frequently exposed to the possibly of cuts and bruises, toxic fumes, gases, and acids. assist in other crafts within the engineering services.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• Selective Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( 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.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation

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.

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)
• Materials
• Measuring Instruments
• Technical Practices
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment

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

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. 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.

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

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

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.