Utility Systems Repairer Operator

Boiler Plant Operator

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 15, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be Thursday, May 7, 2026, with subsequent cut-off dates on Thursday of each remaining week. This announcement may be extended or removed from USAJobs.gov at any time.

Boiler Plant Duties (50%)

• The incumbent operates, maintains, monitors and repairs three (3) "D" Type Water Tube Boiler Plant of 1,200 HP, a total of 3,600 HP and an output of 40,000 lbs/hr at 130 lbs/sq. inch per boiler and all auxiliary equipment. Must inspect, adjust and repair various boiler controls, safety devices, feed pumps, condensate pumps, fuel oil pumps to ensure safe and efficient plant operation. Required to perform installations of minor and major repairs of equipment and operate according to VA regulations, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes and Facility policies.
• Monitors four (4) 30,000 gallons of #2 ULTRAPURE fuel oil underground storage tanks and fuel oil delivery, INCON 2001 tank sentinel fuel oil monitoring device especially during boiler fuel oil operation and must maintain and monitor the opacity meter as per VA policy and EPA guidelines. Also monitors one (1) 30,000 gallons and two (2) 1,000 gallons undergrounds storage tanks of fuel for the operation of the Medical Center's emergency generators.
• Monitors two (2) 3,150 KVA Main Emergency Diesel Generators, one (1) 370 KVA Life Support Emergency Diesel Generator and one (1) 160 KVA Community Living Center (CLC) Emergency Diesel Generator during power outage until being relieved by the electrician.
• Tests and treats the boiler water, feed water, condensate return water, cooling tower water and city water as per JJP VAMC instructions and manufacturers recommendations and adjusts pump settings to maintain concentration of chemicals within the systems.
• Operates, monitors and repairs four (4) low pressure air compressors and three (3) air driers to sustain continuous supply of clean dry air for pneumatic controls of Boiler Plant, Air Conditioning Plant and Air Handling Units providing environment controlled climate throughout the medical center.

Air Conditioning Plant Duties (50%)

• Operates, monitors and does emergency repairs on one (1) 1,400 ton, two (2) 1,200 ton, one (1) 1000 ton and one (1) 800 ton, a total of 5,600 ton Air Conditioning Plants and auxiliary equipment. All operation of equipment must be safe, efficient and as per manufacturer's instruction and JJP VAMC policies.
• Operates and monitors the one (1) computer known as FX40 Graphic Energy Building Automation Systems that controls the energy management systems and the air conditioning systems throughout the Medical Center.
• Keeps and maintains all daily records of plant operations and monitors fire alarm systems. Must respond on any emergency calls throughout the medical center such as fire alarm systems, plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling and hazard spills during WHEN hours.
• Operates high voltage switchgear that provide electricity to the Medical Center during the WHEN hours. This includes operation of the 5KV switchgear in coordination with Consolidated Edison of New York. It also includes locating tripped 480 Volt switchgear in the electrical network rooms and then charging and resetting these breakers. All switchgear operation is to be reported in the plant log and to the Electrical Shop Foreman.
• Performs all housekeeping tasks such as sweeping, mopping, waxing, etc., in both plants and storage areas.
• The incumbent is free to normally use his/her own judgment and initiative in the greater part of all assignments. Plants are operated and maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on rotating schedule. Maybe required to work overtime on occasions.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts, 5 days a week. Shifts are from 12am - 8am, 8am - 4pm, and 4pm - 12am.

Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer Operator/PD11688A

Physical Requirements: The position involves working with heights; working with moving parts and rotating machinery; electrical apparatus; noisy machines. Work is performed inside where the area is usually dry and heated, but short periods of time may be spent exposed to extreme and abnormal temperatures. The incumbent is exposed to greasy and dirty work as well as fumes from refrigerants and combustible gases. Hazards include the possibility of electrical shock, injury to eyes from handling chemicals and injury from burns in connection with steam piping and valves.

The employee is also required to work rotating shifts.

US Department of Veterans Affairs