Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Job in Cincinnati, OH

Vacancy No. CBSR-12718842-25-BS Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $31.63 to $37.04 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/1/2025 Close Date 4/9/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Cincinnati, OH


Summary

The incumbent performs work that primarily involves repairing and operating several utility systems in the Cincinnati Medical Center facility.

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

The Cincinnati VA Medical Center (CVAMC) is a two-division campus located in Cincinnati, OH and Fort Thomas, KY serving 15 counties in Southwest OH, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana with 6 Community Based Outpatient Clinics located in Bellevue, KY; Florence, KY; Lawrenceburg, IN; Hamilton, OH; Clermont County, OH, and Georgetown, OH. The CVAMC also supports two off main campus locations in the Cincinnati area via an Eye Center and Mental Health Outreach Community Division.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • The incumbent performs work that primarily involves repairing and operating several utility systems in the Cincinnati Medical Center facility.
  • Start, stop, and regulate the utilities and their system components for optimum efficiency and to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair them.
  • Preventive maintenance will be accomplished according to predetermined routine guidelines on various mechanical equipment and systems.
  • Provides continuous coverage and engineering support to facilities included in the Cincinnati Division.
  • Responsible for addressing, troubleshooting, and stabilizing, and/or resolve emergency situations requiring Engineering Service involvement.
  • Determines the appropriate action(s), then initiate and coordinate the necessary action(s) to stabilize or fully resolve or repair the situation in question.
  • Coordinates work with contracted vendors and/or notifying other Engineering Service employees of the need to report to the facility.
  • Resolves non-routine situations, such as locksmith problems and medical equipment malfunctions.
  • Maintains a detailed log/account of all shift activities including an explanation of his/her decision making involved in emergency situations.
Routinely, the incumbent operates, troubleshoots, maintains, and repairs utility systems including but not limited to the following:
  • Air Conditioning Systems - This includes (1) 460 ton, (2) 210 ton twin, (1) 25 ton, (2) 15 ton, and (2) 10 ton chillers in the medical center and a central chilled water A/C plant, numerous packaged units and associated controls, along with pumps, fans, and air handling units. The main control system includes computer terminals, printers, and numerous control and monitor points throughout the medical center.
  • Pneumatic Tube System - This includes the computer operated and monitors system; also includes the air operating system and all terminals throughout the medical center.
  • Medical Gas Systems - These systems include the liquid oxygen, medical air, and medical vacuum, nitrogen, and nitrous oxide systems with associated piping, controls, valves, and compressors.
  • Steam Distribution System - This system includes all piping, valves, regulators, converters, and economizers associated with steam distribution and condensate return for heating, cooking, cleaning, and sterilization purposes.
  • Water Distribution Systems - These systems include all components of the domestic cold and hot water systems, fire protection, deionizer water systems, and the sewage and wastewater disposal systems.
  • Electrical Distribution System - This system includes all components of the electrical distribution system including incoming 13, 200 volt feeders, transformers, circuit breakers, receptacles, and (5) Emergency generators with KW's ranging from 225KW to 440KW at the medical center used for emergency power.
  • Natural Gas Distribution System - This system includes all piping, valves, and booster pumps associated with natural gas used for heating and cooking.
  • Vertical Transportation Systems - This includes dumbwaiters, and elevators and their controls. Also includes passenger rescue.
  • Refrigeration Systems - This includes all refrigerator and freezer units and their components, such as compressors, condensers, and piping.
  • Miscellaneous Communication Systems - This includes the master antenna television (MATV) system, overhead paging, nurse call systems, and fire alarm system.
Work Schedule: Rotating Shift - Hours/Days discussed during Interview.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD05125A

Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be in a satisfactory physical and mental condition and fit for duty at all times, excluding body maintenance items. He/she will be required to bend, stoop, crawl, walk, climb, jump, and lift heavy objects for moderate time durations. His/her efforts will vary depending on the task to be performed.

Working Conditions: The incumbent is occasionally subject to very uncomfortable and possibly dangerous working conditions. His/her tours of duty are accomplished independently on a rotating shift plan. He/she is required to mix and handle chemicals for chilled water treatment. He/she will be required to work in varying degrees of temperature. He/she may be exposed to hazards such as electrical shock. He/she will be required to work on ladders, platforms, mechanical rooms, and carry heavy objects up and down stairs

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
  • Subject to background/security investigation
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • 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.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/09/2025.

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 eligible are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:
  • Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
  • Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Motor Vehicles
  • Operation of Equipment/Machinery


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.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

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 (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Universal Certification
  • Drivers License
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Documents Required:
  • Universal Certification
  • Drivers License
  • 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.

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 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 04/09/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12718842.

  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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Agency contact information

Bradley Schultz
Address
Cincinnati VA Medical Center
3200 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45220
US

Next steps

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.

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.