Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Job in Cape Coral, FL

Vacancy No. CARZ-12658924-25-EAE Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $27.83 to $32.52 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/8/2025 Close Date 1/15/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Cape Coral, FL


Summary

The position is located and serves as a Utility Systems Repairer - Operator within Engineering Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Cape Coral, FL. This facility is a highly active, modern medical center that involves specialized activities requiring diverse A/C, medical gasses & Utility services for areas such as, Ambulatory operating rooms, laboratory, Urgent Care, Specialty Clinics, Dental, and computer and telecommunications areas.

Duties

  • Evaluates and performs corrective action on all problem calls that arise throughout the medical center such as, elevator calls (malfunctions/entrapments), HVAC system malfunctions, Plumbing/piping leaks/stoppages, etc.
  • Performs any corrective actions on problems calls, if possible, or otherwise calls in appropriate Contractor personnel on a straight time or overtime basis to resolve the problem.
  • Starts, monitors, adjusts, and repairs the chiller plant and natural gas-powered boiler plant and associated equipment; installs, maintains, and repair equipment and systems involving power boilers with complex machineries, requirements, and restraints; and performs maintenance and repairs to the chiller plant and hot water system, boilers and all associated auxiliary systems and equipment in the Energy Center.
  • Troubleshoots, and maintain multiple fuel power boilers and related adjuvants, such as water treatment systems, and chemical dispensers.
  • Adjusts air conditioning controls to ensure systems operate at peak efficiency ensuring that cooling, heating, and humidity requirements are maintained within established limits.
  • Repairs all equipment related to the air conditioning plant; this includes, but is not limited to, 4000 tons of cooling towers, pumps and motors up to 100 hp. (condenser water, chilled water, condensate, house water, radiant panel, medical vacuum, dental vacuum, sump, remote located fuel oil transfer pumps), 5 control air compressors ranging in size from 10 to 25 hp, variable speed drives (air handler fans, heat wheels, chilled water pumps, tower fans) and 6 closed loop filtration systems.
  • Assists in maintaining a 2 25,000-gallon therapeutic swimming pool.
  • Tests and maintains minimum chemical levels in the pool water, maintaining a cartridge filter system and a 15 hp.-circulating pump.
  • Monitors the deionized water system and alerts the appropriate personnel when it is not within proper specifications.
  • Maintains efficient combustion levels and repairs a multi-fueled, high-pressure steam plant consisting of approximately three LAARS Rheos +, Modulating Boilers with a MC4 Controller with a capacity of 2,400,000 BTU/Hr input with high efficiency, three vertical, multiple stage feed water pumps of 175 G.P.M., three AO Smith, Cyclone xi domestic hot water heaters and their recirculating pump system, four Kinetico water softening systems, one Reverse Osmosis/demineralizing water system with the capacity of treating 500 gallons of water per cycle, 3 chemical injection pump and tank sets for the introduction of chemicals into the chiller and boiler water supply systems and two 25,000 gallon#2 fuel oil storage tanks for back-up fuel for emergency generators.
  • Other duties include daily chemical tests of the operating boiler's (tests of standby boilers), feed water, condensate, makeup water and all operating cooling towers.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of applicable mechanical, plumbing, boilers, and safety codes/regulations and can apply them on the job daily. Familiar with National Electrical Code (NEC), National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), United Mechanical Codes (UMC), Environmental Protection Agency Section 608 (EPA 608 Universal card is required for technicians).
  • Diagnoses, troubleshoots, repairs, replaces, maintaining: chillers, variable frequency drives (VFD), pumps, piping, roof top package units, motors, belts, kitchen refrigeration equipment, pharmaceutical refrigeration, laboratory walk in refrigeration, air handling units, package units, and duct work.
  • Operates, monitors, adjusts, calibrates, troubleshoots, and repairs various electronic elements of the buildings automated systems.
  • Understands electronic programmable controllers related to steam, refrigeration, boilers, chillers, pumps, medical air/ gas systems, and air conditioning systems.
  • Troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains water treatment systems such as RO, closed boiler loop treatment, chilled water loop treatment, cooling tower water treatment, water softeners, supply lines, hot water heaters and all associated controls and piping; and
  • Performs all other duties.


Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm
Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Pre-employment physical required
  • Subject to background/security investigation
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
  • A valid drivers license

Qualifications

This position includes a Selective Placement Factor (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration.

The Selective Placement Factor for this position is: I possess Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 608 Certification. (Applicants may be asked to submit a copy of the certification during the interview process.)

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK CONDITIONS: Incumbent frequently confined spaces around equipment and systems associated with the utility plant that requires long and uncomfortable periods of standing, stooping, kneeling, bending, climbing and working in tiring position. Makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the systems and equipment are in hard-to-reach places. He/she must lift equipment, parts, supplies and chemicals weighing up to 50 Lbs. Incumbent is also required to enter boiler furnaces, condensate tank, de-aerating tank, etc., to perform internal inspections and cleaning as required by VA Regulations.

WORK CONDITIONS: Incumbent must work in areas that are hot, humid, high temperature, cold temperature, constant moist, chemical fumes, dirt, soot, rotating equipment, oil, grease and hot steam piping. He/she generally works indoors but works outside occasionally for short periods of time and is exposed to outside weather conditions. He/she is required to work on ladders and cat walks and is subject to cuts, bruises, burns, etc., from tools, chemicals, steam and utilities related equipment. Fumes from refrigerants and combustible gases constitute a disagreeable and unavoidable element.

Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications. For this position, the job element method is used to match what you, the applicant, can do against what the work calls for. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be compared to the knowledge, skills and abilities (called job elements) needed for success. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element (WG-2 and higher only; screen-outs are not applicable to WG-1). Applicants who appear to meet the screen out element are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligibles are rated against the remainder of the job elements. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume.

You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:
  • Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
  • Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Technical Practices
  • Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment


IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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.

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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities (i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities), and/or disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. For more information on how to apply using this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator within the office, contact the facility Human Resources Department at (727) 398-6661.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more before any Veterans preference points) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

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.

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. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).

Your responses to the assessment questionnaire will be reviewed along with the information provided in your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you are qualified for the position. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered and/or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

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.

Candidates who apply under All U.S. Citizens announcements will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The categories are defined as follows:

  • Best qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position;
  • Well qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the job; and
  • Qualified - applicants possessing experience and/or education that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors.
Application of Veterans' Preference: Category rating and selection procedures place those with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligible applicants that meet the eligibility and qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category.

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

IMPORTANT: Please ensure your resume include up-to-date contact information (phone number(s), email address(s), etc.)

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all 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 or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


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, i.e., Letter of Intent, 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 refer to the SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" and submit required documents as applicable and stated on the form. Documentation is mandatory to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/15/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12658924.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS 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 Application 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 USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities (i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities), and/or disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. For more information on how to apply using this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator within the office, contact the facility Human Resources Department at (727) 398-6661.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more before any Veterans preference points) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Agency contact information

VHA National Recruitment Center
Address
CW Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
10000 Bay Pines Boulevard
Bay Pines, FL 33744
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications per Category Rating procedures 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.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


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


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