Utility Systems Operator (DHS Career Expo-JAX)

Clarification from the agency

Open to Veterans with a disability rating of 30% or more only. You may be eligible as a 30% or more disabled veteran if you are: Retired from active military service with a disability rating of 30% or more; or Received a rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) dated 1991 or later to include disability determinations from a branch of the Armed Forces at any time, as having a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more.

Serving as a Utility Systems Operator (DHS Career Expo-JAX) WG-5406-11 makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) team and mission. This position is located in the Facilities Operations Branch within the Facilities Management Branch within Mission and Readiness Support Directorate located in Glynco, Georgia.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Utility Systems Operator responsible the operating and performing regular monitoring, general maintenance and "as-needed" repair to a wide range of boilers. These boilers are equipped with dual natural gas/oil burners, gas/oil handling equipment, flame and combustion control, flow meter, CO2 meters and draft gauges. Operators must be familiar with drawings and circuit diagrams of the boiler plants, air conditioning plants, and auxiliary equipment in order to quickly locate defects in the system. The position also operates an energy management control system (EMCS) which controls large complex air conditioning systems used for climatic controlling of various buildings around the Center.

Typical duties include:

• Operating large complex heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and chillers/chill water systems comprised of centrifugal and reciprocating types of refrigeration machines, which include various components such as circulating pumps, heat exchanges, large air handling units, and cooling towers
• Monitoring gauges and thermometers to ascertain that water is supplied to the condenser of the refrigeration machines, checks for proper flow of water to oil coolers, ensures that oil pressures and temperatures are within operational limits, makes entries into log sheet at specified intervals, etc.
• Performing prescribed operation maintenance, inspections and preventive maintenance to equipment such as changing filters in air handlers, replacing of worn "V" belts, lubricating motor and shaft bearings, repacking and lubricating shaft and steam glands of pumps and valves on hot and chilled water circulating systems, tightening loose connections, etc.
• Analyzing and taking corrective action when malfunctions are indicated by alarms, gauges, etc., while also performing preventive maintenance and operational tests on all building systems as required
• Maintaining boiler water levels, temperatures and internal pressures within operating parameters; testing boiler safety features for proper operation on each shift, determining the amount of chemicals to be fed into boiler for control of corrosion and scale formation, and repairing minor repairs on the boiler plants to ensure continuity of services to the customer

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).
• You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state issued driver's license to conduct official government business.
• Travel is 25% or less.
• Overtime may be required.
• Shift work may be required.
• Work on the weekends and federal holidays may be required.
• This position is Emergency Essential and required to sustain FLETC’s operations under all conditions to ensure FLETC Continuity of Operations for Mission Essential Functions.
• Must be able to meet job-related medical and/or fitness standards. You will be subject to a pre- appointment and annual physical examination.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Type 2 and Type 3 certification, or valid universal EPA refrigerant certification.

Qualifications

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If interested in this position, please email your resume to fletc-jobinfo@fletc.dhs.gov. Please ensure in the subject line you put Utility Systems Operator, WG-5406-11, FLETC-MRSD-26-129767672.

You will be required to complete an in-person interview at the DHS Career Expo in Jacksonville, Florida on June 16 & 17, 2026 in order to be considered for this position. You must register for the event at DHS Career Expo. More information about the event may be found at Expo | Homeland Security.

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A resume must be no more than two pages. No more than 2 pages will be accepted and reviewed. (DO NOT put any social media links to include LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. and DO NOT include any pictures of any kind on your resume). For additional assistance, please visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements

While there is no minimum amount of training or experience required, the applicant must have had experience, military or civilian, paid or unpaid, of sufficient scope and quality to perform the duties of a Utility Systems Operator, WG-5406-11.

To qualify the applicant must have experience in:
1) operating and performing regular monitoring, general maintenance and "as-needed" repair to a wide range of boilers AND;
2) extensive experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting large, complex heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, chillers, and chilled water systems, including centrifugal and reciprocating refrigeration machines AND;
3) monitoring gauges, thermometers, and flowmeters to ensure proper operation, maintaining oil pressures and temperatures within operational limits AND;
4) performing preventive maintenance tasks such as changing filters, replacing worn belts, lubricating bearings, and repacking valves on hot and chilled water circulating systems AND;
5) documenting operational data and taking corrective actions when malfunctions are indicated by alarms or gauges.

Your resume must reflect all listed experience.

All requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, the FLETC requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Suitability/Fitness as a condition of placement in this Non-Sensitive, Moderate Risk position. This review may include financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Physical Demands: The position requires working in positions such as kneeling, stooping, bending, and crouching. Occasionally works in cramped or awkward positions. Frequent standing and walking is required while checking equipment. Lifting, carrying, and moving of heavy objects is required. Occasionally lifts objects weighing over 50 pounds.

Work Environment: Required to work in disagreeable conditions, both inside and outside, with a major portion of work being done indoors in high temperatures. The work is usually dirty, dusty and greasy. The position may be exposed to dangers such as electrical shock, explosions, carbon monoxide poison, scalds, burns, gas and oil or Sulphur fumes. Cuts, bruises and broken bones may result from accidents while working around machinery and equipment. Required to operate government vehicles to travel between work sites. This position is deemed Emergency Essential in accordance with FLETC Directive 70-90.F, Hurricane Response Plan dated August 19, 2019.

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, religious, 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.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be removed from consideration or your score may be lowered.

You may be eligible as a 30% or more disabled veteran if you are:

• Retired from active military service with a disability rating of 30% or more; or
• Received a rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) dated 1991 or later to include disability determinations from a branch of the Armed Forces at any time, as having a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. A VA disability letter is required as part of the application.

1. Your resume (click the link for information on what to include). If you are a current or former Federal employee, your resume must indicate the GS or pay band level for each position held. Limit your resume to no more than two pages.
2. Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. The member 4 copy of your DD214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10 point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.
3. Copy of your disability letter.
4. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit the following:
   • A copy of your agency notice,
   • A copy of your most recent performance rating, and
   • A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location

Next steps