Utility Systems Repairing-Operating Job in Fort Wayne, IN

Vacancy No. CBSR-12814593-26-HYC Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $31.41 to $36.79 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/10/2025 Close Date 10/27/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort Wayne, IN


Summary

Operates and performs operational/preventive maintenance on a semi-automatic, gas/oil-fired, high pressure steam plant consisting of three 13,500 pound fire tubed type power boilers and related auxiliary equipment.

DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY. This position is being filled using the approved Direct Hire Authority (DHA) VA-001 for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) based on their critical hiring need in support of the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017.

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. FIRST Area of Consideration - The VA Staff office or Department. SECOND Area of Consideration - From among properly ranked and certified candidates from any other appropriate source.

Duties

The duties of the Utility Systems Repairing-Operating includes but is not limited to:

  • Monitors the overall operation of the boiler plant to maintain the required steam production for heat and process used throughout the VA campus.
  • Makes various operational adjustments to maintain plant efficiency and safety.
  • Maintains records and logs of plant operating conditions.
  • Performs daily boiler water tests to determine chemical treatment required to prevent scales and corrosion of the boilers.
  • Maintains proper chemistry control of boiler water, condensate, and chilled water through dally testing and adjusts chemical injection and blowdown rates as required.
  • Perform dally and preventative maintenance determined by scheduled activities (i.e. steam trap maintenance, valve maintenance, greasing of equipment and other predetermined tasks).
  • Performs maintenance work on boiler plant equipment (i.e. cleaning and repairing boilers; dismantling, repairing and installing control linkages; replacing valve seats, disc, and packing; adjusting and repairing feed water regulators, pressure reducing valves, boiler feed water pumps, deaerating feed water heater, booster pumps, and heat exchangers).
  • Adjusts boiler combustion controls, boiler safety devices, and Individual screw compressors for each boiler for steam atomizing.
  • Tests the emergency diesel generator for the boiler plant.
  • Examines blueprints and electrical schematics, sketches, written or oral instructions.
  • Checks the operation of safety equipment (i.e. flame controls, low water cutouts, low and high water alarms, high pressure cutouts switches and safety valves).
  • Maintains the correct level of water that is pumped into the campus water tower.
  • Sounds the correct alarm signal on the station steam whistle as specified by station policy.
  • Monitors the line status annunciator for all power to the campus and reports any changes to appropriate personnel.
  • Operates various hand and power tools and technical test equipment, including ammeters, voltmeters, and ohmmeters.
  • Responds to many of the building alarm systems, i.e. fire alarms, medical gas alarms, elevators, generators, and the Environmental Control System.
  • Initiates emergency call-ins for maintenance when notified by the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD).
  • Acts as first responder for off-tour emergency calls.
  • May be required to make emergency decisions during off hours, natural disasters, bad weather, etc.

WORK SCHEDULES: Week 1: Friday - Wednesday 12:00am to 12:00pm, Thursday 12:00am to 8:00am; Week 2: off
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairing-Operating/PD92544A
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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
  • Pre-employment physical required
  • 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.
  • Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

UPON COMPLETION OF YOUR PROBATIONARY PERIOD, YOUR EMPLOYMENT WILL BE TERMINATED UNLESS YOU RECEIVE CERTIFICATION, IN WRITING, THAT YOUR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT ADVANCES THE PUBLIC INTEREST.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/27/2025.

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 eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements.
Applicants must receive a minimum of two points on the below screen-out element to be deemed eligible for consideration.
  • Ability To Do the Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision. Tasks related to: operating and/or maintaining boilers and auxiliary equipment;

JOB ELEMENTS. The below job elements (skills, knowledge, abilities, and personal characteristics considered necessary for success on the job) are approved by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for individual occupations as well as for jobs having common requirements.
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments
  • Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading)
  • Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Knowledge of Materials

Must possess a current and unexpired State issued motor vehicle's license. (NOTE: DO NOT submit a copy of your driver's license at this time) NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore, please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid stated issued Driver's License.

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.

Physical Requirements. Must climb vertical fixed ladders to a height of 30 feet above floor level to catwalks to operate large valves, make visual Inspection of boilers, etc. Otherwise, the physical effort is of a moderate type.

Working Conditions. The work area is somewhat noisy. The usual hazards involved in the handling of highly combustible fuels exist. May be required to enter a boiler drum through a 12" x 16" elliptical manhole to clean the boiler internally.

NOTE: Your answers will be verified against the information you provide on your resume, documents, and information supplied by your references. If you do not clearly describe your experience in your resume, you will be rated ineligible. We cannot make assumptions about your work experience and skills.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY. This position is being filled using the approved Direct Hire Authority (DHA) VA-001 for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) based on their critical hiring need in support of the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017.

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.

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.

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.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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.

Required Documents

Documents Required:

  • Resume

NOTE: Effective 9/29/2025 all submitted applications must contain resumes limited to two-pages in length and anything longer is prohibited. Only the first two-pages will be considered for qualification purposes for this announcement.

Documents Accepted:
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

MOST RECENT SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee;

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.

Resume Requirement: Your resume MUST include the following information: Job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment; and average hours worked per week.

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 10/27/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12814593.

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.

Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed. Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement. Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started. Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:

  • Prioritize most relevant and recent experience
  • Use concise, results focused language
  • Align language from the job announcement
  • Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies
  • Remove outdated or unrelated experience
  • Use the USAJOBS resume builder

Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at:
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

Henry Chen
Address
Northern Indiana HCS
1700 East 38th Street
Marion, IN 46953
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: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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