Utility System Operator

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Operations Section within Engineering Service.

The Utility Systems Operator (USO) is responsible for the safe operation of the central boiler and chiller plant and for the day to day installations, repairs, troubleshooting, service and maintenance, and operations of a wide range of highly complex and critical utilities systems, and associated building automation systems (BAS) throughout the Alexandria VAHCS.

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: Dexterity and Safety Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) 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.

Major Duties:

Duties include, but are not limited to: Responsible for the safe operation of the central heating plant which consists of two

fire tube and one

water tube boilers, each developing varying pounds of steam per hour for an operational output of 55,000 pounds per hour operating 70-80 psig.

Operates all support equipment-Deaerator Tank, Condensate Storage Tanks, associated pumps, chemical injection systems, and air-control systems.

Records steam production and other operating data at hourly intervals as required on the steam log sheet, changes flow charts, and computes daily use of makeup water, steam production, and average outside temperature.

Maintains proper chemistry control of boiler water, condensate, etc. through daily testing. Responsible for the operation of four

1500-ton centrifugal chiller units, total capacity of 6,000 tons. Fields hot and cold calls, as well as other engineering service calls.

Perform operator-level preventive and corrective maintenance on chillers, cooling towers, boilers, pumps, steam traps, and other associated equipment. Monitors the five

emergency life safety generators for startup and transfer.

Inspect, adjust, and repair all boiler controls safety devices, instrumentation, flow meters, etc., and inspect repairs and adjustments made by contractors.

Use tools such as psychrometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometers, and dead-weight testers.

Perform major and minor repairs to equipment and operate in accordance with VA regulations and directives, ASME boiler and pressure vessel codes, ASHRAE standards, facility policies, and good engineering practice.

Work Schedule: 12 hour rotating shift, subject to change based on the needs of the facility.

Position Description Title/PD#: Utility System Operator/PD06113A Physical Requirements: Work assignments require moderate physical effort.

Works requires frequently lifting, carrying or otherwise handling items weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds). Occasionally required to handle items greater than 18 kilograms.

Assistance is usually available with heavy items. Works in a sitting position for extended periods. Frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching,reaching, and stooping are required.

Occasionally, climbing and work in high places as well as crawling may be required. Subject to working on hot systems as well as those subject to confined spaces.

Working Conditions: Generally, performs assigned tasks in well lighted and ventilated locations, but is often exposed to extreme heat when working in enclosed equipment rooms or near steam or hot water piping or extreme cold when working outside or in air plenums.

Often works in noisy, damp, dirty or cramped areas. Often works from ladders or scaffolds. Is subject to cuts, abrasions, and burnswhile using trade tools and equipment.

While performing work which requires the installation and/or removal of insulating materials which frequently create airborne dust particles, and will be required to wear respiratory safety devices or other protective apparel which are restrictive and uncomfortable.