Utility Systems Operator

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, through the Veterans Health Administration at the VA San Diego Healthcare System, seeks a Utility Systems Operator for the Central Plant.

This role supports the Medical Center after hours, monitoring and controlling critical utility systems across boilers, chillers, HVAC, and electrical distribution. Responsibilities include assessing calls, coordinating with supervisors and contractors, and ensuring safety and energy conservation across the campus 24/7.

Qualifications

• Experience operating and monitoring engineering utility equipment.
• Ability to assess after-hours calls and evaluate situations.
• Ability to coordinate with supervisors and support staff when needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate, adjust, troubleshoot, and monitor central plant equipment.
• Control and optimize temperatures, flows, and alarm systems.
• Coordinate with contractors and safety staff for after-hours issues.
• Ensure uninterrupted power and utility services to the medical center.
• Oversee coordination with emergency services and maintenance teams.

Skills

Utility systems operation

Emergency response coordination

HVAC control

Safety compliance

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The position is at the full performance level located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the VA San Diego Healthcare System, VA Medical Center (VAMC) in the Engineering Service, Central Plant. The primary purpose of the position is to serve the Veteran under the supervision of the Supervisor, Central Plant.

Key Responsibilities

he Utility Systems Operator is responsible for all Engineering Utility equipment, monitoring and distribution systems throughout the Medical Center after normal working hours. The Operator shall assess the calls received and based on the information provided by the caller physically evaluate the situation.

If not resolved or adequately contained, the operator shall elevate the issue thru the designated supervisor channel, notify and Contactors, Research, Engineering, Safety, Housekeeping, IT and other support staff after normal working hours. This is an extremely critical position for the entire Medical Center.

The Operators will not, at any time, leave the Central plant unattended or be relieved by unqualified personnel not in the role as Central Plant Supervisor or Plant Operator. Major duties include but are not limited to:Operate, Adjust, troubleshoot, repair, replace, monitor and control, manual, backup and bypass systems.

including those listed below: Includes manual adjustment of controls for temperatures, valves, Variable frequency drives, water flow, coolant flow, refrigerant flow, damper openings, fire and heat control valves, variable flow equipment, systems and valves in order to meet utility requirements for the entire medical center campus and meet energy conservation goals.

Refrigeration - Chiller plant, cooling towers and associated equipment Graphic Control Operations - Computer Monitoring and Control of the entire central plant computer network for all Central Plant Equipment, and all medical Center HVAC control, fire alarm, Medical Gas distribution and alarm systems, emergency procedures and communications.

Troubleshoot all utility control and alarm systems including fire alarm notifications; adjust temperatures manually in order to obtain required space temperature and utility control, initiates work requests for modifications or repairs to utility systems, work with contractors for changes to the utility systems. Electronics Controls - Monitoring, adjustment, repair and troubleshooting of utility monitoring and control subsystems on the network, head-end and field equipment.

Normal Power High Voltage Electrical Power Generation and distribution- Cogeneration Plant High Voltage Electrical (12,000 volts) Power Generation High pressure Natural Gas, Steam production High Voltage distribution: Protective relays, make load shed decisions in order to maintain electrical power to critical functions of the medical center, open and close substations, Oil Switches, Vacuum Breakers and paralleling Switchgear.

Emergency Power Generation and distribution - switchboard control and synchronization, Transfer switches, prioritize load shedding, manual and bypass operation of all Control Systems, control and operate normal and backup fuel supply controls and pumping systems.

Boiler Plant Steam Generation and distribution: Natural Gas, Diesel Fuel and heat recovery boilers, production, distribution and operation ensures adherence to pollution control requirements by operating the air and flame ratios to maintain required NOx levels. Monitors and reports deficiencies in the elevator system and is required to call in the Elevator Repair Company when needed for Elevator repairs or Elevator Entrapment.

Notify and authorize overtime for Engineering employees and call in Emergency contract services. Notify Housekeeping, Safety, Hazmat, Radiation Safety, Research, City, County, State and Federal Agencies as necessary. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts, 24/7 coverage Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD09766A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

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 $30.22 – $35.19/hr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-30.

Who is eligible to apply?

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