Utility Systems Repairer Operator Job in Detroit, MI

Vacancy No. CBSR-12789127-25-CB Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $36.87 to $42.99 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/27/2025 Close Date 9/3/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Detroit, MI


Summary

The Utility Systems Repairer-Operator performs work that primarily involves repairing and operating several utility systems in the Detroit Medical Center facility. Such work requires the incumbent to 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.

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 Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO) is responsible for the air conditioning and boiler plant operation and maintenance. Must be able to make major and minor repairs, preventative maintenance, and emergency repairs.

Operations responsibility includes:

  • Operating and maintaining all the aforementioned items at maximum obtainable efficiency.
  • When on duty alone the USOR is the "operator in charge" and is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Energy Center.
  • Maintain a constant observation over the controls, gauges, and charts to make the necessary adjustments for proper fuel and air flow to maintain system pressure and proper emission levels.
  • Maintains Fuel oil pumps.
  • Monitor the Siemens Energy Management System, report alarms, and take action as required.
  • Maintains, test, repairs, and operates the Boiler Plant with maximum capacity.
  • Completes steam fitting, plumbing, electrical, painting work, and housekeeping for upkeep of the plant.
  • Inspects and replaces packing on all valves and rebuilds valves as necessary.
  • Make inspections and adjustments to all boiler controls, combustion equipment, water level regulators, steam regulators, oxygen recorder, automatic oxygen trim system, safety devices, instrument, flow meters, feed pumps, gas regulator, and air regulators, etc. to insure safe working conditions and efficiency of plant operation.
  • Test and treat boiler water and condensate return water in order to control corrosion in piping and equipment in accordance with VA regulations, ASCE regulations and ASME Standard.
  • Operates five 850 ton air conditioning chillers, monitoring them to ensure proper and safe operation during the cooling season; making minor repairs to the chillers as well as performing yearly tear down and maintenance.
  • Oversees that all necessary preventive maintenance of the Boiler and Air Conditioning Plant is carried out and tested on schedule.
  • Prepares all boilers for contracted internal and external boiler inspection. S/he tears down, inspects, repairs, and replaces, as necessary, all air conditioning plant equipment and auxiliaries during off season.
This shop covers 24 hours, 7 days per week; afternoon, midnight and weekend tours may be necessary to cover the Energy Center Operations.

EPA CERTIFICATION: In accordance with 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, EPA, people working in this type of position must have and maintain proper EPA Certifications for working with refrigerants. You must have these EPA Certification Types I, II and III (or universal certification) in order to meet the requirements of this position.

Note: The position is under Consistency Review and the grade may change once the person is hired into the role.

Work Schedule: Tour of duty varies to cover shifts to provide 24/7 coverage of the Energy Center; will start out on days for the first 3 to 6 months before being eligible/required to work other shifts
Compressed Work Schedule: May be available per approval from supervisor
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer Operator/PD09806A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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, etc.
  • Technical Practices
  • Measuring Equipment
  • Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (including blueprint reading)
  • Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Knowledge of Materials

EPA CERTIFICATION: In accordance with 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, EPA, people working in this type of position must have and maintain proper EPA Certifications for working with refrigerants. You must have these EPA Certification Types I, II and III (or universal certification) in order to meet the requirements of this position.

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.

Note: The position is under Consistency Review and the grade may change once the person is hired into the role.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45+lbs); Heavy carrying (45+lbs); Straight pulling (2+hours); Pulling hand over hand (2+hours); Pushing (2+hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (6+hours); Standing (6+hours); Crawling (1+hours); Kneeling (2+hours); Repeated bending (4+hours); Climbing, legs only (1+hours); Climbing use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaegar 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted) Work may be performed outside and inside; In excessive heat; In excessive cold; Excessive humidity; Excessive dampness or chilling; Dry atmospheric conditions; Excessive noise (intermittent); Constant noise; Dust; Silica, asbestos; etc; Fumes, smoke or gases; Solvents (degreasing agents); Grease and oils; Radiant energy; Electrical energy; Slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Working around machinery with moving parts; Working around moving objects or vehicles; Working on ladders or scaffolding; Working below ground; Working with hands in water; Vibration; working closely with others; Working alone; Protracted or irregular hours of work

WORKING CONDITIONS: The work requires exposure to temperature extremes, drafts and to standing, kneeling, or bending while working in dampness and water. The work also requires the incumbent to be exposed to noise, vibration, gases, fumes, dust, grease, and soiling of clothing and skin surfaces. The incumbent will be subject to 24-hour calls and may be required to rotate shifts. Incumbent shall be called upon to perform other miscellaneous functions as needed so as to attain a safe and efficient plant operation as directed by patient care and primary goal of the Medical Center. The employee may be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85dBA for up to eight hours per day. This exposure may adversely affect hearing. The wearing ear protective devices while in the Boiler Plant and Air Condition Plant is mandatory as is participation in the Hearing Conservation Program. The employee must be able to hear while wearing protection at a level to safely perform assigned duties.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.

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.

VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

You must ensure all duties are detailed in your resume and it clearly shows you can do the work of the position. We cannot make any assumption on duties performed or level of experience based on a job title. All duties must be described under each job entry with the beginning and ending dates of employment (month and year and hours worked per week). If we are unable to determine your qualifications based on the application materials submitted we are unable to refer you for consideration.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package which includes:

1. Resume (must include the following information):

  • Job Title
  • Duties (be as detailed as possible)
  • Month and year start/end dates (e.g. June 2024 to April 2025)
  • Full-time or part-time (include hours worked per week)
NOTE: Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. Including any of this information may result in an ineligibility rating.

2. Transcript (must include the following information):
  • Your Name
  • Name of the college or university
  • Full address of the college or university
  • Degree Received
  • Date Conferred
REMINDER: A transcript, either official or unofficial, must be submitted with your application for ALL degrees. A copy of your certificate/degree or screenshot of your current classes are not a replacement of your transcript and they will not be used in the qualifying process.

3. License (must include the following information):
  • Name on License
  • Issuing state or territory
  • Complete license number
  • Expiration date

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Other (3)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • 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.

You must ensure all duties are detailed in your resume and it clearly shows you can do the work of the position. We cannot make any assumption on duties performed or level of experience based on a job title. All duties must be described under each job entry with the beginning and ending dates of employment (month and year and hours worked per week). If we are unable to determine your qualifications based on the application materials submitted we are unable to refer you for consideration.

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 09/03/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12789127.

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.

Agency contact information

Cassandra Barlow
Address
John D Dingell Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
4646 John R Street
Detroit, MI 48201
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: 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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