Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

Summary This position is organizationally aligned under the Engineering Service Line at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital (578), Hines, IL - a complexity level 1a VHA facility. The unit mission is to ensure the installation, repair, troubleshooting, service and maintenance, and all other operations at the Joliet CBOC and Hines Boiler Pant. Responsibilities Air Conditioning Equipment Duties Independently operates, maintains, and repairs all HVAC and refrigeration systems throughout the facilities, ensuring strict temperature control for sensitive clinical areas. Performs inspections, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on chillers, air-handling units, pumps, controls, valves, compressors, and related components. Conducts quality-assurance checks, vibration analysis, rounds, and water testing to ensure system performance meets established tolerances. Installs and repairs ductwork, tubing, and fittings using welding, brazing, soldering, and mechanical assembly methods. Tests systems for leaks, evacuates and charges refrigerants properly, and ensures optimal operating conditions using a broad range of mechanical, electrical, and rigging tools. Boiler Plant Duties Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs all boiler plant systems, including boilers, pumps, condensate/steam systems, pollution control equipment, and water-softening equipment. Uses manual, automatic, and microprocessor controls to adjust and monitor boiler operations for efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulations. Performs chemical water testing and treatment for both chilled and boiler systems. Maintains and repairs pneumatic control systems, industrial controls, and auxiliary equipment required for reliable plant operation. Uses mechanical, electrical, and rigging tools to perform rebuilds, installations, preventive maintenance, and system adjustments. Industrial Equipment & Power Support Systems Duties Monitors, operates, troubleshoots, and repairs fire alarm systems, building automation controls (Andover), pneumatic controls, and all emergency power systems including generators, ATS units, and switchgear. Performs calibration, modification, maintenance, and installation of non-medical electrical and electronic systems. Conducts monthly generator and ATS testing per Joint Commission and NEC requirements. Interprets wiring diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and control drawings to diagnose and correct electrical, mechanical, and engine-generator issues. Maintains electrical distribution systems, ensuring proper voltage, phase, load, regulation, and synchronization. Ensures compliance with CEOSH, Life Safety, OSHA, and environmental standards through regular inspections and coordination with Safety and GEMS staff. Supports other Engineering Service functions as required. Work Schedule: Training will take place Monday-Friday 7:00am -3:30pm. Open positions after training are for 3:00pm -11:30pm Tuesday thru Saturday. Multiple Fixed Tours - All Shifts. NOTE: Shifts will be discussed at interview. Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD13158A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized 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 Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical 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 ( 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. 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 or 2-year 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 period 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, 10/16/2026. 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: Mechanics Planning and Evaluating Systems Testing and Evaluation Technical Practices 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/Working Conditions: The work typically involves walking, sitting, and similar situations found in most office settings. Require lifting and/or moving of items up to 50 pounds on an infrequent basis. Involves prolonged periods of computer work and requires interior and exterior site review across the campus. Position requires ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently. Education Additional Information The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website 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. 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.