Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

Veterans Health Administration; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterans Health Administration at the VA St. Louis Health Care System is seeking a Utility System Repairer-Operator to maintain and operate HVAC/R and power boiler systems within the Energy Plant. The role requires adherence to procedures, safety, and the ability to work in an industrial environment.

The position includes a 1-year probationary period and evaluation of performance to determine continued employment. Applicants should demonstrate relevant training and experience on their resumes.

Qualifications

• No specific length of training required; show evidence of training or experience.
• Applicants will be rated under the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.
• Screen-out element appears as question 1 in the online questionnaire.
• Probationary period of 1 year will apply upon employment, with performance reviewed.

Responsibilities

• Operate power boilers, chillers, HVAC/R equipment, steam distribution systems and related controls.
• Work in industrial environments; climb ladders, scaffolds, and work from platforms.
• Lifting may exceed 50–100 pounds with assistance; hazards include refrigerants, steam, electrical hazards.
• Follow safety protocols and maintain equipment as part of Energy Plant operations.

Tools

Blueprint reading

Materials Shop Practices

Technical Practices

Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment

Use of Measuring Instruments

Interpret Instructions, Specifications

Job description

This position serves as a Utility System Repairer-Operator located at the VA St. Louis Health Care System (VASTLHCS) under the supervision of the Energy Plant Operations Supervisor and assigned to the Energy Plant of the Facilities Engineering Services (FES). The Energy Center consists of 6 chillers, water pumps, and piping systems, roof top package units, building pressure controls, refrigeration, mini-split HVAC systems, split HVAC systems, air handlers, and whole building exhaust systems.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Materials Shop Practices Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Use of Measuring Instruments 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/Working Conditions: Subjected to sustained physical effort in the operation of power boilers, chillers, HVAC/R equipment, steam distribution systems, chilled water distribution systems; physical requirements may include working from ladders, scaffolds, and platforms where parts of the system are in hard-to-reach places. Work is carried out in tiring positions such as standing, crouching, stooping, kneeling, and prone for long periods of time. Occasionally, the incumbent will be required to lift items in the excess of 50 pounds and 100 pounds with assistance. The incumbent frequently lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weighs up to 50 pounds. Subject to hazards of refrigerants, fumes, boiler bursts, steam blow back, flame blow backs, scalding water, burns and electrical shock. Exposed frequently to temperature extremes, high noise levels, drafts, dampness, water, and noise for work conditions. Most of the work takes place in an industrial environment but does require work outdoors, exposed to the elements. Incumbent will frequently encounter ladders, catwalks, confined spaces, etc., and is subjected to hazards normally encountered in the trade and may be exposed to asbestos.