Duties
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be June 20, 2025, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.
Major Duties
- Operates and does minor repairs on three gas/oil fired steam boilers, three boiler feedwater pumps, two condensate transfer pumps and associated equipment. Operates and does minor repairs on centrifugal water chillers, induced draft cooling towers, chilled water pumps, condenser water pumps, and associated equipment. Starts, stops and regulates the chillers, boilers, and associated equipment as load demands.
- Operates and performs minor repairs and adjustments on the medical center's centralized energy management system computer and field components. The computer system controls all functions of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and smoke control systems.
- Hourly records readings from instruments located on and/or adjacent to boilers and chillers. Some readings are used in the computation of make-up water, tonnage and steam flow; others used to recognize potential or current equipment problems.
- When he/she is assigned to the cooling plant, with two operators on duty, incumbent will respond to station trouble calls. Evaluates the problem and repair if ability and allotted time permits. If unable to repair, places telephone calls to appropriate trade mechanic and/or management officials.
- Daily analyzes and records results of tests on water samples and chemically treats boiler, chilled, and condenser water systems to maintain proper treatment levels.
- Performs routine scheduled preventative maintenance and maintains records of scheduled operations. The incumbent assists mechanics in the major repair of equipment or in the off-season overhaul or maintenance of equipment.
- Performs minor repairs, such as replacing mechanical seals, bearings, valves, pipe fittings, and motors. Repairing insulation, repacking valves and piping is also required.
- Monitors and communicates with appropriate persons per medical center policy concerning station fire alarms, disaster notification and medical gas alarm systems.
- Performs monthly and annual boiler safety device testing as required by VHA Directive 2003-050. Testing procedures are in accordance with VHA Boiler Plant Safety Devices Testing Manual. These procedures require knowledge above are beyond normal plant operating practices.
- Performs other duties as assigned as they relate to the overall mission of the service and the work of the station.
NOTE: Required to provide a copy of a current EPA Universal Certification if referred for interview.
Work Schedule: Rotating and/or permanent 12 or 8 hour shift work is required.
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Operator/PD09969A
Physical Requirements: Regular walking tours of the plant to conduct inspections of equipment which include some lifting, kneeling, standing, climbing and stooping. Repairs occasionally require working in awkward and cramped positions and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Working Conditions: Most work is done inside with occasional exposure to surrounding temperature in access of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, chemicals used in water treatment, steam in excess of 300 degrees Fahrenheit and loud noise. The use of protective clothing or gear, such as rubber aprons, hard-toed boots, hearing protection, safety goggles, gloves or face shields, are required.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.
Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.
Required Documents
Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Documents Required:
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/30/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12743922.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
Next steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.