Utility System Repairer-Operator

Summary

The incumbent will serve as a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator organizationally aligned to the Boiler-Chiller Plant, Facility Management, Engineering Service, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System.

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Duties

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The duties include but are not limited to:

• Operating and safely maintaining three 25,000 and two Patterson Kelley finned tubed C900 hot water units.
• Safely and efficiently maintaining five 1,200 ton centrifugal chillers, associated cooling towers and all related pumps and systems.
• Operating and safely maintaining two 200 ton process chillers, associated condensing units and all related pumps and systems.
• Completing and maintaining all official plant operational records including boiler plant log book, operational log, overtime call back log, hospital engineers log, chiller plant log book, plant production logs, chemical analysis logs and preventative maintenance work orders.
• Using pressure reducing valves, electric driven pumps, de-aerating feed water heaters, surge tanks, steam supply, effluent discharge systems. and the medical center's steam and natural gas domestic water system.
• Repairing, troubleshooting, installing and altering equipment and systems.
• Conducting rigorous preventative maintenance on a wide variety of complex fixed mechanical systems and/or movable mechanical equipment.
• Using hand tools and power operated shop equipment including grinding machines, drill presses, micrometers, veneer calipers, chain falls and hoists, arc welding, brazing and soldering.
• Handling refrigerants, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic operating characteristics of machinery and equipment.
• Using measuring instruments such as the volt-ohm multi-meter, amp meter, continuity testing equipment, voltage testing equipment, oscilloscopes, combustion analyzing equipment for pollution control and efficiency.
• Repairing and maintaining the boilers, chillers and auxiliary equipment including all medical center utility systems.
• Analyzing and chemically treating all waters associated with plant operations such as boilers, soft, condensate, chilled, and condenser.
• Completing preventative maintenance with Joint Commission requirements and equipment manufacture recommendation.
• Reading and interpreting technical manuals, blueprints, shop drawings, and other highly complex technical guides proficiently.

Work Schedule: Rotating Schedules to include weekends and holidays.

Position Description Title/PD#: Utility System Repairer-Operator/PD92968A and PD92968A

Physical Requirements : Makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and other hard-to-reach places, requiring standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Carries tools, equipment, and parts that weigh up to 50 pounds. The work is performed both inside and outside, making repairs and installations in bad weather; in work areas that are noisy, dirty, dusty, greasy and extremely warm; on scaffolding or cranes at heights of 30 feet or more; and in close quarters such as manholes and attics. Occasional exposure to the possibility of injury from falling, electrical shock, burns, and rotary devices such as electrical motors. Frequently exposed to the possibility of cuts and bruises and occasionally exposed to the possibility of broken bones. May be required to wear appropriate safety gear such as protective eyewear.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; including Resume, Transcripts, etc. is 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.

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:

• Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
• Dexterity and Safety
• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Materials
• Measuring Instruments
• Operation of Equipment/Machinery
• Technical Practices
• Troubleshooting
• 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.

Preferred Experience: Possession of a current 3rd class stationary engineers license or equivalent training or experience. Note: Please provide a copy of your 3rd class stationary engineer license with your application if you are claiming it.

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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

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.

The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries.

The Values are I ntegrity, C ommitment, A dvocacy, R espect and E xcellence (" I CARE ").

As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips.

"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 subject to consistency review and may be downgraded or upgraded at OPM's discretion.

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.