Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare system is seeking a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator in Palo Alto. This role involves operating and performing repairs on high-pressure steam boilers and other utility systems. The ideal candidate must demonstrate relevant experience and technical ability to ensure optimal utility operations for patient care facilities.

Qualifications

• Evidence of training or experience relevant to Utility Systems Repairer-Operator.
• Ability to perform maintenance and operational repairs.
• Knowledge of equipment and systems functions.

Responsibilities

• Perform operational repairs on fuel power boilers and auxiliary equipment.
• Operate and maintain high-pressure steam boilers.
• Regulate utilities for optimum efficiency.

Skills

Maintenance

Troubleshooting

Operational repair

Job description

This position serves as a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO) in Engineering Service at VA Palo Alto Healthcare System (VAPAHCS). The primary purpose of the position is to performs a full range of tasks including operational repairs on single or multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary boiler plant equipment.

Duties

The VA Palo Alto Healthcare System (VAPAHCS) is part of VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21), which includes facilities in California, Nevada and Hawaii. VAPAHCS is a teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research, Comprehensive health care is provided through primary, tertiary and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and extended care. The Research and Development Service excels as a leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The non-profit corporation, the Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR), has contributed to making VAPAHCS a leader in research. To learn more visit: http://www.paloalto.va.gov/about/

Utility Systems Repair/Operators also operate high-pressure steam boilers in VAPAHCS inventory and serve as alternate operators for the Livermore Division Wastewater Treatment Plant. VAPAHCS operates high-pressure boiler plants at Palo Alto Division, Menlo Park Division and Livermore Division. The incumbent performs a variety of maintenance tasks and operations on a regular and reoccurring basis, involving high-pressure steam generating plants along with water, sewage distribution, medical air, vacuum systems, and electricity generation. The work requires the ability to start, stop and regulate the utility or utilities for optimum efficiency and troubleshoot, maintain, and repair them, and knowledge of the locations and functions of system and component equipment.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to:

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

Qualifications
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. 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:

• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Materials
• Measuring Instruments
• Technical Practices
• 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.