Utility Systems Operator-Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment/Relocation Incentives may be authorized

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Utility Systems Operator at the Central Iowa VA Health Care System in Des Moines, Iowa. The position involves operating and maintaining the central boiler and chiller plant, ensuring efficiency through preventive and corrective maintenance.

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to lift heavy equipment, perform routine inspections, and maintain safety standards while working in various environmental conditions. Excellent troubleshooting skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Ability to operate, inspect, and troubleshoot boilers and chillers.
• Physical ability to perform maintenance tasks, including lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Capacity to work in industrial environments with potential hazards.

Responsibilities

• Operate the central boiler and chiller plant safely.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on associated equipment.
• Maintain safety protocols and chemistry control of boiler water.

Skills

Boiler operation

Chiller maintenance

Preventive maintenance

Troubleshooting

Tools

Multimeters

Infrared thermometers

Manometers

Job description

Summary

The Utility System Operator works within the Facilities Management service line at the Central Iowa VA Health Care System in Des Moines, Iowa. The role involves the efficient operation and timely completion of maintenance repairs, preventive maintenance, inspections, station‑level projects, and the development and project management of contracted construction projects in a central boiler and chiller plant.

Qualifications

Opening Date: June 18, 2026
Closing Date: September 18, 2026
First Cut‑Off Date: July 1, 2026
NOTE: This is an Open Continuous Announcement. Qualified candidates will be referred as vacancies occur. Experience and Training – A specific length of training and experience is not required, but applicants must demonstrate sufficient training or experience to perform the duties of this position. Evidence of knowledge, skills, and ability must be supported by detailed descriptions on the resume.

• Operate, inspect, and troubleshoot boilers and chillers.
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and lubrication.
• Keep hourly operational and maintenance logs and record sheets.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on chillers, cooling towers, boilers, pumps, stem traps, and associated piping and equipment.
• Use standard hand tools and specialty tools such as manometers, multimeters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometers, and dead‑weight testers.

Physical Requirements – The work requires a considerable amount of standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, and climbing, and working in tiring and/or uncomfortable positions. Incumbent must be in good physical condition, have good eyesight with or without glasses, and must not be colorblind. Incumbent regularly carries, lifts, and handles parts weighing up to 50 pounds, occasionally up to 80 pounds. Pre‑employment examinations or evaluations may be required.

Work Environment – Frequently exposed to temperature extremes, drafts, dampness, water and noise. The majority of work takes place in an industrial environment that may be dirty, wet, dusty, and greasy. Incumbent is subject to cuts, abrasions, burns, broken bones, electrical shock, infections, bites, exposure to harmful chemical fumes, and eye irritation. Protective clothing will be worn as needed.

Duties

• Responsible for the safe operation of the central boiler and chiller plant.
• Maintain proper chemistry control of boiler water, condensate, chilled water, and cooling towers through daily testing and adjustment of chemical injection and blowdown rates.
• Perform operator‑level preventive and corrective maintenance on chillers, boilers, pumps, steam traps, and other associated equipment within the plant area.
• Test, inspect, adjust, and repair all boiler controls, safety devices, instrumentation, flow meters, and related equipment.
• Inspect repairs and adjustments made by contractors.
• Use standard hand tools and specialty tools such as manometers, multimeters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometers, and dead‑weight testers.
• Read various charts, gauges, and meters to determine the amount of steam produced, fuel consumed, and water used.
• Determine when to change settings on controls and valves to maintain proper changeover from one fuel to another with minimal steam pressure drop.
• Operate the air conditioning chillers and all related equipment listed above.
• Constantly observe meters, charts, gauges, water levels, and temperatures to ensure all systems function properly.
• Responsible for the operation, maintenance, and cleanliness of the plant and all related equipment within the plant.
• Work Schedule: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm or 8:00 pm – 8:00 am (variable days‑fixed shifts).

Position Information

Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be authorized for an eligible highly qualified individual.