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Posted: February 4, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Lead Utility Systems Operator

Veterans Health Administration

Department of Veterans Affairs

Fresh

Salary

$33.29 - $38.83

per hour

Type

Closes

February 16, 2026

Job Description

Summary

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.

Key Requirements

  • Demonstrated experience in operating, maintaining, and repairing utility systems and building equipment
  • Ability to lead and coordinate a team of repairmen and operators, including passing on instructions and verifying work progress
  • Knowledge of technical practices for analyzing, modifying, overhauling, calibrating, and evaluating utility equipment
  • Proficiency in using measuring instruments and tools for equipment assembly, installation, and repair
  • Skill in interpreting instructions, specifications, and engineering policies without more than normal supervision
  • Physical ability to perform demanding tasks such as standing, bending, crawling, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in high temperatures or cramped spaces
  • Experience in managing parts ordering, safety practices, and training employees on procedures

Full Job Description

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:

  • Duties include but not limited to: Coordinate the operation, maintenance and repair of building service equipment Perform, in addition to Leader duties, those of the Utility Systems Operator/Repairman Passes on instructions from the Utility System Supervisor regarding work assignments and their priority Sees to it that the repairmen/operators have the appropriate tools and test equipment to perform the required task Responsible for parts, ordering and follow-up on delivery, along with training other employees to follow these procedures Verifies progress of work, safety of work environment and practices, causes of work delays, and finally reports completion of task to the Utility Unit Supervisor Verifies the work distribution to be sure that all employees are adequately utilized Keep abreast of current up-to-date Engineering policies and procedures Ensures that the policies and procedures are made known to all employees assigned Performs duties necessary to analyze, modify, overhaul, maintain, repair, calibrate, operate equipment and evaluate a variety of utility system operating equipment Be cross-trained in all areas of operation within the utility system plant in order to be able to assist all operators in a particular area, such as the Energy Control Center Perform as a plant operator on shift rotating basis as needed for scheduled annual and sick leave, emergency annual and unscheduled sick leave Performs scheduled preventive maintenance as directed by the Utility Unit Foreman Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:00pm (Monday-Friday) Position Description Title/PD#: Lead Utility Systems Operator/PD015590 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/4/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/5/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: CBTA-12879477-26-KB