Utility Systems Operator

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Utilities System Operator at the Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC.

You will operate steam and chilled water plants, water distribution, and life-support utility systems under supervision, ensuring safe, efficient operation across campus facilities. The role requires interpreting complex control systems, performing preventive maintenance, and coordinating repairs during off-hours.

Qualifications

• No fixed years of experience required; must show training or experience of sufficient scope to perform the work.
• Qualifications evaluated against OPM standards; screen-out element may apply.
• Volunteer work and varied experiences may count toward qualifying experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor steam and chilled water plants and related utility systems.
• Start, stop, and regulate utility systems; troubleshoot, maintain, and repair equipment.
• Work rotating night shifts, weekends, and holidays; act with minimal supervision.
• Coordinate calls and arrange overtime for repairs with Facility Management.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on boiler and plant equipment.
• Read and interpret electronic, electrical, and mechanical drawings and schematics.
• Operate Energy Management Computer Systems for HVAC control and monitoring.

Job description

Summary

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.

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: 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.

Duties

• The Major Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: The Utilities System Operator performs a variety of tasks on a regular and reoccurring basis - involved in Steam and Chilled Water Generating Plant along with water - sewage distribution - medium pressure air - medical air - vacuum tube system - and electricity generation
• The work requires the ability to start - stop and regulate the utility or utilities for optimum efficiency and troubleshoot - maintain - and repair them - and knowledge of the locations and functions of all equipment in the systems
• Utilities System Operator when working night shift - weekends and holidays - on a rotating basis - incumbent is unsupervised and acts in a decision-making capacity
• During this time - incumbent is responsible for ensuring that all operational techniques and maintenance procedures are carried out
• All calls that are received must be coordinated to see what corrective action can be taken and the incumbent must call Facility Management personnel in on overtime to make repairs as necessary
• Plant Operations 75% Incumbent would perform work of operating and maintaining the Medical Center's centralized - multiple zone air conditioning plant that serves a complex of buildings on campus including laboratories - offices - support and other buildings
• The incumbent utilizes the Honeywell Graphic Central and Landis Siemens Apogee Energy Management Computer Systems
• controls and monitors the air conditioning plant that consists of multiple large capacity chillers
• The system is complex as reflected by the large number of components and auxiliary equipment that are monitored and used as a basis for judgments and operating decisions
• Some of the diverse areas served by the plant are computer and telecommunications areas - operating rooms - research laboratories - clinical laboratories and intensive care wards
• These areas require precise control of temperature and humidity that cannot vary by more than plus or minus a few degrees
• Various other utility and life support systems such as air handlers - exhaust fans - stand-alone air conditioning systems - dietetic refrigeration - steam distribution - solar heat - domestic hot and cold water - electrical switch gear - emergency generators - oxygen - nitrous oxide - vacuum - air - etc
• are also monitored and controlled by the Energy Management Computer Systems
• Incumbent will receive general supervision from the Supervisory Utility Systems as to work schedules - operating policies and procedures
• Incumbent will work alone most of the time
• The incumbent is responsible for preventive maintenance and repairs of all steam plant equipment and plant in a clean - safe working environment
• He/she performs preventive maintenance and repair duties when operation of the boiler(s) does not demand immediate attention
• Operators at this level need practical knowledge of electronic theory and design and ability to use theoretical concepts to devise solutions for operating or repair problems on one-of-a-kind systems in which novel engineering approaches have created unforeseen problems
• They exercise skill in interpreting electronic - electrical - and mechanical drawings - specifications - and schematics of complete custom systems such as a new automated boiler and chiller controls
• They require skill in troubleshooting complex electronic systems characterized by unusual circuit arrangements
• Plant Testing 25% To accomplish his/her mission - the incumbent must be proficient in the use of all tools and testing devices associated with the above described trades - such as hand tools - multimeter - and electrical power tools
• His/her work will be subject to spot checks for adherence to policies - quantity and quality of work
• Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts- Mid-8am - 8am-4:30pm - 4:30pm-Mid
• Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD11433-A