Utility Systems Operator

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC is seeking a Utilities System Operator to maintain and operate the Boiler Plant, Engineering Control Center, and Chiller Plant under the supervision of the Utility Systems Supervisor.

Responsibilities include ensuring reliable utility systems, following safety protocols, and supporting maintenance staff. Applicants should demonstrate the ability to work with equipment and adhere to Federal Wage Standards.

Qualifications

• Experience or training evidence required and supported by detailed resume descriptions.
• Applicants evaluated under the Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the Boiler Plant, Engineering Control Center, and Chiller Plant.
• Perform tasks involved in upkeep, maintenance, and operation under supervision.
• Work in accordance with safety standards and established procedures.

Job description

This position serves as a Utilities System Operator within Engineering Service at WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, South Carolina under the supervision of the Utility Systems Supervisor, with second level direction provided by the Maintenance Control Manager. This position performs a full range of tasks that are involved in the upkeep, maintenance and operation of the Boiler Plant, Engineering Control Center, and the Chiller Plant.

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:

• Dexterity and Safety
• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Measuring Instruments
• Operation of Equipment/Machinery
• Technical Practices
• Without more than normal supervision

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: The work requires a considerable amount of standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and/or uncomfortable positions. The incumbent may work from ladders and scaffolding. When operating equipment, the worker may be under a great deal of strain from constant reaching, bending, turning, and moving of hands, arms, feet, legs, and by the vibration and jerking of the equipment. The incumbent carries, lifts, and handles parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and may occasionally exceed 50 pounds.

Working Conditions: The work is performed inside and outside with exposure to all kinds of weather. The work area may be dirty, wet, dusty, and greasy, with inadequate lighting, heat, or ventilation. Incumbent is subject to cuts, abrasions, bums, broken bones, electrical shock, infections, bites, exposure to inhalation or harmful chemical fumes, irritation of eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and the hazards of operating power tools and equipment. Discomfort is encountered when wearing protective clothing, gloves, or eye goggles.