Air Cond Equip Operator Leader

Full Job Description

The incumbent serves as an A/C Equipment Operator responsible for operating, monitoring, and adjusting central plant systems, including high-pressure steam boilers, large-capacity centrifugal chillers, and building automation systems.

Work involves continuous monitoring of critical infrastructure supporting a major medical center with 24/7 patient care operations.

The position requires rotating shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure uninterrupted plant operations.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/11/2026.

EXPERIENCE Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in power plant operations, central plant operations, HVAC systems, or large facility utility operations.

Experience must demonstrate knowledge of boiler and chiller operations, building automation systems, and preventive maintenance practices.

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 online questionnaire.

Those applicants who appear to meet the minimum acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and eliminated.

The potential eligibilities are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Ability to Lead or Supervise Ability to Provide Production Support Services Accessibility Conflict Management Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Mechanical Plumbing and Pipefitting Troubleshooting Use of Test Equipment: Electronics 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.

FACTOR 1: KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION Knowledge of high-pressure steam boiler operations, safety procedures, and monitoring techniques including feedwater systems, combustion controls, and steam distribution.

Knowledge of large-capacity centrifugal chiller operations, refrigeration cycles, and cooling system fundamentals.

Understanding of chilled water and steam system fundamentals, thermodynamic principles, heat transfer concepts, and fluid dynamics.

Knowledge of building automation systems (BAS) and digital control systems used in modern utility plant operations.

Knowledge of water chemistry, water analysis procedures, and chemical treatment protocols for boiler and cooling water systems.

Knowledge of basic troubleshooting techniques for steam and chilled water systems, pumps, motors, and auxiliary equipment.

Knowledge of safety procedures and emergency protocols for pressurized systems and mechanical equipment.

FACTOR 2: SUPERVISORY CONTROLS Work is performed under the general supervision of the Plant Operations Supervisor.

The incumbent receives initial instruction on new procedures and equipment but is expected to work independently once trained.

Work is reviewed through inspection of completed tasks, review of logs and records, and evaluation of system performance.

FACTOR 3: GUIDELINES Guidelines include manufacturer's operating manuals, standard operating procedures, VA directives, OSHA regulations, EPA requirements, and emergency response protocols.

The incumbent must interpret and apply guidelines to varying operational conditions and make adjustments based on system requirements.

FACTOR 4: COMPLEXITY Work involves operating complex central plant equipment with multiple interrelated systems.

The incumbent must coordinate boiler and chiller operations, respond to varying load demands, and make operational decisions that impact facility-wide systems and patient care operations.

FACTOR 5: SCOPE AND EFFECT Work directly affects the operation of critical infrastructure supporting a major medical center.

Equipment failures or operational errors can impact patient care, safety, and facility operations. Proper operation ensures reliable heating, cooling, and steam service for medical center operations.

FACTOR 6: PERSONAL CONTACTS Contacts include Plant Operations Supervisor, maintenance personnel, HVAC mechanics, electronic control technicians, facility management staff, and occasionally medical center personnel when performing duties in patient care areas.

FACTOR 7: PURPOSE OF CONTACTS Contacts are made to coordinate work activities, report system status, request maintenance support, communicate operational issues, and ensure continuity of plant operations across shifts.

FACTOR 8: PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work requires frequent walking throughout the facility, climbing ladders to access elevated equipment, working in confined spaces, and performing maintenance tasks in various positions.

Visual acuity is required for reading gauges, meters, and computer displays. Manual dexterity is necessary for operating controls and performing maintenance tasks.

FACTOR 9: WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in central plant mechanical spaces with high ambient temperatures up to 120°F, elevated noise levels requiring hearing protection, high humidity conditions, and exposure to water treatment chemicals.

Work involves potential contact with pressurized systems, hot surfaces, and moving machinery. Major Duties:

A. PLANT EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS AND MONITORING (50%) Operates and monitors four

high-pressure Cleaver-Brooks firetube boilers (Model 4WI 200-300-200ST, 10,000 lbs/hr each) for steam generation supporting heating, sterilization, kitchen operations, and critical medical center functions Operates and monitors four

centrifugal chillers: two Trane CVHF models (CVHF1070, CVHF870) and two York YK chillers (Model YKKSKSH9-CYG) each rated at 1,000 tons cooling capacity for air conditioning and process cooling Performs routine system inspections and monitoring of critical parameters, including steam pressure, boiler water levels, flue gas temperatures, chiller suction/discharge pressures, condenser and evaporator temperatures, motor current draws, and system efficiency indicators Makes operational adjustments using digital control panels, automated system interfaces, and building automation system (BAS) controls to maintain optimal equipment performance and energy efficiency Starts, stops, and transitions equipment based on seasonal loads, daily demand cycles, energy conservation protocols, and plant operational requirements Monitors and responds to alarms and alerts from the building automation system (BAS), implementing corrective actions within defined operator authority and escalating issues beyond operator capability to appropriate supervisory or maintenance personnel B.

SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND WATER TREATMENT (25%) Conducts water analysis and applies appropriate chemical treatment for boiler feedwater, boiler water, and chilled water systems to meet operational standards, manufacturer specifications, and regulatory requirements Performs routine maintenance tasks including lubrication of equipment, filter changes, minor adjustments, and preventive maintenance activities as directed Maintains detailed logs of system performance, shift activities, critical readings, equipment status, and maintenance activities using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and manual logbooks Conducts systematic walk-throughs of mechanical rooms and equipment spaces to identify potential issues, ensure safety compliance, verify proper equipment operation, and report concerns to appropriate personnel Performs basic troubleshooting of system malfunctions and implements corrective actions within operator authority while coordinating with maintenance personnel for complex repairs C.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND COMMUNICATION (15%) Responds to emergencies, including equipment failures, utility interruptions, abnormal system conditions, fire alarms, and medical center events requiring immediate plant support Executes emergency shutdown protocols and initiates backup systems in accordance with established procedures or supervisory direction Communicates shift updates, system status, operational concerns, and equipment issues to supervisory staff and oncoming shift personnel to ensure continuity of operations Collaborates with the Plant Operations Supervisor and coordinates with HVAC mechanics, electronic control technicians, and other trades for troubleshooting, maintenance support, and emergency response D.

SAFETY AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE (10%) Ensures compliance with EPA, OSHA, Joint Commission, and VA directives in all operational activities Participates in safety programs, safety training, and emergency drills as required Maintains required certifications for boiler and pressure vessel operations Adheres to personal protective equipment protocols and participates in the respiratory protection program Reports safety hazards, near-miss incidents, and regulatory compliance issues to supervisory personnel Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 12:00 am - 12:00 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Air Cond Equip Operator Leader/PD103870 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized