Utility Systems Operator-Recruitment/Relocation Authorized

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Utility System Operator role is based in the Central Iowa VA Health Care System, Des Moines, IA, within Facilities Management. It involves operating and maintaining boilers and chillers, performing preventive and corrective maintenance, and managing equipment logs and records in an industrial setting.

The position requires meeting qualification standards, extensive safety precautions, and the ability to work with limited supervision across multiple systems and components.

Qualifications

• Operate, inspect and troubleshoot boilers and chillers; keep equipment clean and lubricated.
• Maintain hourly operational and maintenance logs and record sheets.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on chillers, cooling towers, boilers, pumps, steam traps and piping.
• Applicants will be rated under the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

Responsibilities

• Carry out maintenance tasks within Facilities Management for Central Iowa VA Health Care System.
• Work in an industrial environment with exposure to temperature extremes, noise and damp conditions.
• Adhere to safety standards and participate in pre-employment and evaluation processes.

Skills

Boiler operation

Chiller operation

Preventive maintenance

Maintenance logging

Technical troubleshooting

Job description

The Utility System Operator works within Facilities Management service line at the Central Iowa VA Health Care System, located in Des Moines, Iowa. Work performed involves the efficient operation and timely completion of maintenance repairs, preventive maintenance, inspections, station level projects and development and project management of contracted construction projects in a central boiler and 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. Related experience includes: operate, inspect and troubleshoot boilers and chillers; keep equipment clean and lubricated; maintain hourly operational and maintenance logs and record sheets; and perform preventive and corrective maintenance on chillers, cooling towers, boilers, pumps, stem traps and associated piping and equipment. 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
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
• 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 Requirement: The work requires a considerable amount of standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and/or uncomfortable positions. Incumbent must be in good physical condition, have good eyesight with or without glasses and cannot be colorblind. The incumbent regularly carries, lifts, and handles parts weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally lifts items weighing 80 pounds. You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Work Environment: Frequently exposed to temperature extremes, drafts, dampness, water and noise for work conditions. The majority of work takes place in an industrial environment the work area may be dirty, wet, dusty, and greasy. Incumbent is subject to cuts, abrasions, burns, broken bones, electrical shock, infections, bites, exposure to inhalation of harmful chemical fumes, irritation of eyes, etc. The incumbent will wear protective clothing as needed.