Utility Systems Operator Job in Loma Linda, CA

Vacancy No. CBSX-12700179-25-JH Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $31.28 to $36.51 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/24/2025 Close Date 3/5/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Loma Linda, CA


Summary

The position is at the full performance level located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the Loma Linda, CA VA Medical Center (VAMC) in the Facility Management Service (FMS). The primary purpose of the Utility Systems Operator (USO) is to ensure the safe operation of the facility's centrally located boiler and chiller plant.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Controls, operates and maintains efficient and reliable operation of the electrical emergency power generation.
  • Manually runs emergency generator and perform manual operation of switchgears when necessary to maintain power supply to the hospital.
  • Visually inspects boiler settings and refractory linings for signs of deterioration and failure due to heat stress resulting in flue gases escaping into the plant and endangering on-duty personnel.
  • Controls, operates and maintains HVAC equipment inside the chiller plant and cooling tower yard.
  • Responds to hot and cold calls by analyzing the chiller plant and air handling units' (AHU) performance and make necessary adjustments to bring the HVAC system within parameters.
  • Analysis includes AHU set points, air filter condition, outside air supply temperature and humidity, damper/economizer positions, chilled water valve opening, humidifier percent opening, fan speed and its relationship to the static pressure.
  • Perform necessary temporary adjustments to keep hospital or space at an acceptable HVAC condition.
  • Write notes in the log book of all work performed and adjustments made to be reported to USO Supervisor and briefing HVAC technicians.
  • Controls and operates two-domestic hot water heaters.
  • Observes and documents information such as pressures, temperatures, water levels, and detectors to identify signs of trouble.
  • Monitors and performs Plant's chemical water treatment including testing of water hardness coming from the tap and water softener.
  • Monitors plant status with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer system.
  • Performs thorough housekeeping of boiler, electrical, chiller plants and cooling tower yard.
  • Keeps the Plant in an orderly manner, painting, sweeping and mopping and dusting off Plant equipment.
  • Operator makes independent decisions and judgments regarding troubleshooting techniques, and modification and repair procedures.
  • Controls or operates a Supervisory Control Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer to control and operate life support equipment.
  • Performs maintenance on plant equipment using blueprints, specifications, sketches, and from oral or written instructions.
  • Balances electrical load between generators.
  • Maintains circuit voltage and frequency constant when generators are added to or removed from the system.
  • Responsible for monitoring the fire alarm system, medical gas alarm panel and elevator emergency call system for the entire facility.
  • Adjusts equipment as necessary for efficient operation, including such equipment as alarm devices, proper size burner tips, automatic combustion controls, feed water deaerator, and heaters, chillers, internal chemical injection equipment, automatic stop valves, forced and induced draft fans, fuel and steam pressure control and relief valves, feedwater regulators and pumps.
  • Perform operational testing of equipment and systems to determine their efficiencies.
  • Works with engineering to determine performance parameters for reliable operation.
  • Tests, adjusts, maintains, and repairs boiler safety devices such as flame safeguard systems, pressure switches, pressure differential safety switches, timers, water column safety devices, electric/electronic probes and sensors, steam safety valves, steam pressure reducing valves and automatic and manual fuel valves for preventing major pressure vessel failures and/or furnace explosions.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00am - 2:30pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD10833A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: Not Authorized

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
  • 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

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
  • Follow Directions
  • Operation of Equipment/Machinery
  • Troubleshooting
  • 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: May be required to lift weight up to 100 pounds. Heavy weights are handled by hoists or cranes and worker may be assisted by other workers. Heavy exertion may be required for short periods of time. May be required to sit, stand, kneel, crouch, stoop or work in awkward positions for long periods of time. Work requires close attention of eyes and coordination of hands.

Working Conditions: Exposure to considerable noise due to operation of diesel engines, subject to call 24 hours a day. Works 8-10 hour shifts during 24-hour period. May be required to work from ground level to elevated positions of 50 feet on platforms or ladders. Exposed to high voltage electrical conductors, sharp end rough edges, etc. Subject to severe electrical shock, burns, cuts, bruises, and falls.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or 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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

Benefits

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.

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.

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.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

Documents Required:
  • Resume


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.

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 03/05/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12700179.

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.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Julia Herrera
Address
Jerry L Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital
11201 Benton Street
Loma Linda, CA 92357
US

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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