Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Pre-employment physical required
- 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.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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 or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/11/2026.
EXPERIENCE
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in power plant operations, central plant operations, HVAC systems, or large facility utility operations. Experience must demonstrate knowledge of boiler and chiller operations, building automation systems, and preventive maintenance practices.
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 online questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to meet the minimum acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and eliminated. The potential eligibilities are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:
- Ability to Lead or Supervise
- Ability to Provide Production Support Services
- Accessibility
- Conflict Management
- Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
- Mechanical
- Plumbing and Pipefitting
- Troubleshooting
- Use of Test Equipment: Electronics
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.
FACTOR 1: KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of high-pressure steam boiler operations, safety procedures, and monitoring techniques including feedwater systems, combustion controls, and steam distribution. Knowledge of large-capacity centrifugal chiller operations, refrigeration cycles, and cooling system fundamentals. Understanding of chilled water and steam system fundamentals, thermodynamic principles, heat transfer concepts, and fluid dynamics. Knowledge of building automation systems (BAS) and digital control systems used in modern utility plant operations. Knowledge of water chemistry, water analysis procedures, and chemical treatment protocols for boiler and cooling water systems. Knowledge of basic troubleshooting techniques for steam and chilled water systems, pumps, motors, and auxiliary equipment. Knowledge of safety procedures and emergency protocols for pressurized systems and mechanical equipment.
FACTOR 2: SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Plant Operations Supervisor. The incumbent receives initial instruction on new procedures and equipment but is expected to work independently once trained. Work is reviewed through inspection of completed tasks, review of logs and records, and evaluation of system performance.
FACTOR 3: GUIDELINES
Guidelines include manufacturer's operating manuals, standard operating procedures, VA directives, OSHA regulations, EPA requirements, and emergency response protocols. The incumbent must interpret and apply guidelines to varying operational conditions and make adjustments based on system requirements.
FACTOR 4: COMPLEXITY
Work involves operating complex central plant equipment with multiple interrelated systems. The incumbent must coordinate boiler and chiller operations, respond to varying load demands, and make operational decisions that impact facility-wide systems and patient care operations.
FACTOR 5: SCOPE AND EFFECT
Work directly affects the operation of critical infrastructure supporting a major medical center. Equipment failures or operational errors can impact patient care, safety, and facility operations. Proper operation ensures reliable heating, cooling, and steam service for medical center operations.
FACTOR 6: PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts include Plant Operations Supervisor, maintenance personnel, HVAC mechanics, electronic control technicians, facility management staff, and occasionally medical center personnel when performing duties in patient care areas.
FACTOR 7: PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are made to coordinate work activities, report system status, request maintenance support, communicate operational issues, and ensure continuity of plant operations across shifts.
FACTOR 8: PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work requires frequent walking throughout the facility, climbing ladders to access elevated equipment, working in confined spaces, and performing maintenance tasks in various positions. Visual acuity is required for reading gauges, meters, and computer displays. Manual dexterity is necessary for operating controls and performing maintenance tasks.
FACTOR 9: WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in central plant mechanical spaces with high ambient temperatures up to 120°F, elevated noise levels requiring hearing protection, high humidity conditions, and exposure to water treatment chemicals. Work involves potential contact with pressurized systems, hot surfaces, and moving machinery.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent required. Formal technical training or certification in HVAC systems, boiler operations, refrigeration, or related mechanical systems is highly desirable.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Valid driver's license required for emergency response capabilities
- Ability to obtain and maintain required VA security clearance
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Capability to respond to facility emergencies outside normal work hours
- Physical ability to meet the demands of the position
- Successful completion of facility-specific training programs and competency evaluations
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):
- Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
- An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
- Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
- Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
- Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
- Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
- SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit
Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.