Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

Veterans Health Administration; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterans Health Administration seeks a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator to maintain and operate HVAC, boiler, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems supporting uninterrupted healthcare operations. The role responds to service calls and emergencies, ensuring safety and reliability for the medical center and affiliated clinics.

Applicants must demonstrate training or experience sufficient to perform the duties; the job emphasizes independent work, adherence to safety protocols, and ability

Qualifications

• Demonstrated training or experience to perform utilities work at healthcare facilities.
• Evidence of ability to troubleshoot and repair HVAC, boiler, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret instructions, and follow safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and operate HVAC, boiler, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems supporting healthcare operations.
• Respond to service calls and equipment failures independently, including emergencies.
• Ensure continuous, safe, and uninterrupted utility and facility services for the medical center and clinics.

Skills

HVAC Systems

Boiler Systems

Electrical Troubleshooting

Mechanical Systems

Tools

Power Tools

Job description

Serves as a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and operating HVAC, boiler, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems that support continuous healthcare operations. Independently responds to service calls, equipment failures, and emergencies while ensuring reliable, safe, and uninterrupted utility and facility services for the medical center and affiliated clinics.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/21/2026. 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 eligible are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment 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 regular physical exertion, including lifting and carrying items up to 50 pounds and maneuvering loads without assistance. Tasks involve standing, bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, and working in tight, confined, or elevated spaces. The role demands frequent walking, climbing, and stooping throughout mechanical rooms, rooftops, basements, and restricted areas. Workers must safely sustain prolonged physical effort, awkward positions, and repetitive motions while maintaining situational awareness and following all safety protocols. Working Conditions: Work is performed indoors and outdoors in environments with extreme heat, cold, humidity, weather, and noise. The incumbent is exposed to moving machinery, steam, hot surfaces, refrigerants, chemicals, electrical hazards, dust, and risks such as falls, burns, electrical shock, steam leaks, and pressurized systems. Duties occur in confined spaces, poorly ventilated areas, rooftops, basements, and crawl spaces. Proper PPE-including eye, hand, hearing, respiratory, and protective footwear-is required. Strict adherence to safety procedures is essential to protect the worker and others nearby.