Duties
The incumbent is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the central heating plant, minor repairs, lubrication and adjustment of the Boiler Plant equipment which consists of three D-type pressurized water-tube boilers each developing 32,000 pounds of steam per hour for a maximum of 128,000 pounds per hour operating 110-125 psig and are automatically controlled by combustion equipment, which consists of air fuel ratio controls, inlet and outlet controls, pressure and fuel oil temperature controls. The normal fuel supply is natural gas with #2 diesel fuel as a backup. The incumbent follows safety procedures in the lighting off sequences and all boiler testing procedures. Also operates all support equipment; i.e., Deaerator Tank, condensate storage tanks, associated pumps, chemical injection systems, and air-control systems. Records steam production and other operating data at hurly intervals as required on the steam log sheet, changes flow charts, and computes daily use of makeup water, steam production, and average outside temperature. Performs hourly inspections of operating equipment and records fuel tank levels and fuel usage daily. While operating the boiler side, the incumbent may not leave the boiler plant unattended and has responsibility for operation of the chiller plant which consists of 1-1000 ton absorber, 1-800 ton centrifugal and 2-screw chiller units in conjunction with a 3.25 million gallon chilled water thermal storage system. Performs hourly checks of all operating equipment in the chiller plant, making shiftly inspections. Maintains a comfortable environment throughout the campus, controlling air handlers, hot water reheat systems and chilled water pumps via the Johnson Metasys Control system, a PC-based building management system, checking the alarm screen at least hourly.
In addition to the above responsibilities, the incumbent will also be required to:
1. Monitor and operate the air conditioning plant. This will require hourly readings to be taken during the cooling season and interpreting these readings to make key decisions on the operation of this equipment.
2. Operate the Boiler Plant in a safe and economical manner to provide a continuous supply of steam to the station; and makes adjustments to combustion controls, feedwater controls and other controls when necessary.
3. Maintain log sheets by gathering operating data such as feedwater temperature boiler pressure, stack temperatures and number of pounds of steam generated hourly. Make regular water tests and treats boiler feedwater with chemicals as required.
4. Perform preventive maintenance such as lubrication, adjustment, minor parts replacement and necessary minor repairs designed to keep plant and equipment in good operating condition.
5. Perform general maintenance such as lubrication, adjustment, minor parts replacement and necessary minor repairs designed to keep plant and equipment in good operating condition.
6. Perform other duties as assigned: miscellaneous painting of equipment and utility lines, general cleaning of the boilers, equipment, utility lines, general areas, etc.
7. Monitors and place request, to the Utility Systems Supervisor, for fuel oil as needed during the heating season.
8. Incumbent has direct contact with vendors for all materials, supplies and fuels required to maintain the Boiler Plant; and as required, will initiate requests to the Utilities Systems Supervisor.
9. On occasion, shift coverage is such that two boiler plant operators are on the day shift. When required, one Boiler Plant operator will be detailed to the HVAC Shop or Mechanical Maintenance Shop for maintenance and repair work throughout the facility.
10. Maintains and updates preventive maintenance procedure and inspections on a recurring basis for all equipment related to the Boiler Plant per VHA Directive 2003-050.
11. When required on other than normal working hours of Facilities Management Service (FMS) staff, the incumbent will receive emergency calls and will dispatch them to appropriate individuals as instructed by the Chief of FMS and outlined in FMS emergency call back procedures.
Work Schedule: Various Shifts. This will be discussed during the interview.???????
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD00601A
Physical Requirements: Incumbent must be physically able to do a considerable amount of walking, standing, climbing ladders and stairs, crawling inside of tight spaces such as boilers, and heavy lifting. Must be able to work in bent, prone or crouched positions; must have good or corrected eye sight for observing water columns and gauges; must have good hearing for detecting noises that would indicate trouble with boilers, A/C chiller and auxiliary equipment.
Required Documents
Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- 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
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.
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 07/28/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12764321.
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. 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.
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.
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.