Utility Systems Operator

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterans Health Administration, part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, is seeking a Utility Systems Operator at Richmond VA Medical Center. The role covers operation and maintenance of a high‑pressure boiler plant and allied systems, with responsibilities spanning boilers, chillers, pumps, and air systems.

The position requires troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and documentation of activities within the facility utility management plan.

Qualifications

• Maintenance and operations of high-pressure steam boilers, centrifugal electrical driven chillers, medical air vacuum systems, fire pumps, domestic water, booster pumps, systems and boilers with reheat systems.

Responsibilities

• Check equipment for mechanical failures and diagnose issues with test equipment.
• Perform corrective and preventive maintenance and document activities for medical lab and facility systems.
• Operate, overhaul, install, maintain and repair mechanical equipment in the utility plant.
• Work requires climbing, bending, stooping and lifting up to 40 pounds and operating across various shifts.

Skills

Boiler plant operations

Mechanical maintenance

Electrical troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 6), Richmond VA Medical Center, Engineering Service, Utility Plant, Richmond, Virginia.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for maintenance and operations of high-pressure steam boilers, centrifugal electrical driven chillers, medical air vacuum systems, fire pumps, domestic water, booster pumps, systems and boilers with reheat systems. Operate, overhaul, install, maintain and repair all types of mechanical equipment and complete operational systems using knowledge in a wide range of thermodynamic principles and practices.

Responsible for checking equipment throughout the boiler plant for any mechanical failures, diagnose equipment issues (mechanical, electrical or otherwise) with test equipment and provide repairs and calibrations for equipment. Monitoring alarms through a computer-based alarm system using the temperature monitoring system.

Perform corrective and preventive maintenance necessary for the boiler plant and ensure appropriate documentation of all medical lab and facilities equipment that is under the purview of the facility utility management plan including medical chillers, laboratory medical air systems, fire pumps domestic water booster systems etc. Performs other directly related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 8 hour shift that rotates each pay period (1st, 2nd or 3rd) Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD02787A Physical Requirements: This position requires strenuous physical effort to inspect, adjust, operate, and maintain utility plant equipment. The work requires frequent standing, walking, stooping, bending, kneeling, and climbing.

This position frequently climbs ladders and works in manholes, elevated locations, and other areas that require working at heights. This position frequently works in awkward, confined, or cramped spaces while performing inspections, maintenance, adjustments, and repairs. This position lifts and carries tools, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds. Assistance is generally available when handling heavier items. .

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 $30.23 – $35.28/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-19.

How many openings are available?

There are 2 openings for this position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.