Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (HVAC Technician)
Smithsonian Institution
Posted: February 4, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Veterans Health Administration
Department of Veterans Affairs
Location
Richmond, Virginia
Salary
$33.29 - $38.83
per hour
Type
Full Time
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This job involves leading a team of operators who maintain and repair utility systems like boilers and building equipment in a VA hospital in Richmond, Virginia.
The role requires hands-on work with machinery, ensuring safety and efficiency, while training others and reporting progress to supervisors.
It's a good fit for someone with practical experience in mechanical repairs and leadership skills who thrives in physically demanding environments.
This position serves as a Utility Systems Operator Leader in the Engineering Service at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System (CVHCS) in Richmond, Virginia under the supervision of the Utility Plant Supervisor, with second level direction provided by the Supervisory Facility Operations Specialist (General Foreman).
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/16/2026.
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 Interpret Instructions, Specifications (mobile equipment operations) Measuring Instruments Operation of Equipment/Machinery Technical Practices Without more than normal supervision 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/Working Conditions: Work assignments involve standing, stooping, bending, crawling, and frequently working in cramped and awkward posttions, working from ladders, with hightemperatures, and on high pressure systems, cleaning an repairing boiler water and firesides, and lifting from 5 to 50 pound bag drums.
Major Duties:
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