Utility Systems Operator

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Big Spring (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator at the West Texas VA Health Care System.

The incumbent will operate and maintain high pressure boiler and chiller plants, HVAC systems, and associated water treatment facilities to ensure continuous patient care operations. The role involves monitoring control systems and performing repairs, with a night shift schedule of 12:00am-8:00am, five days on and two off, including occasional weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain four high pressure boilers, three centrifugal chillers, three cooling towers and an ice plant.
• Monitor boiler and chiller plant systems, checking control panels and ensuring safe operation.
• Maintain and repair HVAC equipment including air handling units, pumps, piping and ductwork.
• Record conditions and events; assist with EMCS and checkpoint systems; turnover for work.

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The incumbent serves as a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator in the Engineering Service at the West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS). As such, the incumbent is responsible for operating the high pressure boiler plant, chiller plant, HVAC graphic control system, and water treatment plant.

Key Responsibilities

Major duties include: Incumbent works in both the Boiler and the Chiller Plants performing operation, maintenance, and repair of four high pressure boilers, three centrifugal chillers, three cooling towers, and an ice plant, including associated equipment. Boiler Plant operations, repair and maintenance duties include checking the control panels for the Boiler systems.

Checks operating equipment in Boiler plant, hourly; monitors the fire alarm system; medical gas alarm panel; elevator emergency call systems; and checkpoint monitors for temperature and humidity. Repacks and replaces pumps, valves, greasing oil pumps, valves and control linkages. Maintains proper chemistry control of boiler feed water, and condensate return.

Maintains the air conditioning plan and all peripheral equipment including air handling units, fan coil units, pumps, piping, etc.; heating and ventilation units, exhaust fans, and all other similar equipment involved in the air conditioning control room. Maintenance duties include making adjustments and repairs or replacing components of the central air conditioning system, all heating and ventilation units; exhaust fans and associated duct work.

Responsible for maintenance and repair of closed systems for chilled water and air conditioning for units such as the Operating Room, Intensive care, etc. Checks the operation of EMCS and checkpoint systems. Responsible for maintaining an accurate and complete log of conditions and events, and the turnover of items requiring further attention to the appropriate shop.

Work Schedule: 12:00am-8:00am, Five consecutive days on with 2 consecutive days off, occasional weekends and holidays. Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD00774A Physical Requirements: Incumbent must be able to climb stairways and ladders, lift heavy objects, and crawl and stoop in close spaces. Working Conditions: Incumbent will be subject to abnormal heat, noise, cold, toxic gas, and handling of poisonous chemicals.

Mental application is a necessity due to the complexity of plant equipment and systems being monitored. Being alert for emergencies and equipment malfunction is a necessity.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $27.28 – $31.83/hr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-13.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.