Utility Systems Operator

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 6), Richmond VA Medical Center, Engineering Service, Utility Plant, Richmond, Virginia.

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: Dexterity and Safety Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Measuring Instruments Operation of Equipment/Machinery Technical Practices 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: Strenuous physical effort is required to observe, adjust and maintain equipment. Work requires frequent standing, stooping, walking and climbing.

Frequently climbing ladders and working in manholes and higher places is required. Frequently works in awkward or cramped positions while performing maintenance work.

Lifts and carry tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds. Assistance is usually available for heavier items.

The majority of work is performed indoors; however, the employee will be exposed to extreme temperatures, smoke, dirt, noise, unpleasant odors, toxic fumes, soot, water, fuel, chemicals and all types of weather conditions.

Employee is subject to injuries such as cuts, bruises and burns resulting from contact with various elements and equipment throughout the physical plant.

Position is required to work irregular shifts of eight (8) hours. (The plant is to be manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.) The environment in the physical plant is noisy and at times very hot.

The position will encounter abnormal levels of heat, constant noise, rotating equipment, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oils, and fumes in this area. He will be subject to cuts, abrasions, and burns.

Major Duties:

Operate, overhaul, install, maintain and repair all types of mechanical equipment and complete operational systems using knowledge in a wide range of thermodynamic principles and practices.

Responsible for checking equipment throughout the boiler plant for any mechanical failures, diagnose equipment issues (mechanical, electrical or otherwise) with test equipment and provide repairs and calibrations for equipment.

Monitoring alarms through a computer-based alarm system using the temperature monitoring system.

Perform corrective and preventive maintenance necessary for the boiler plant and ensure appropriate documentation of all medical lab and facilities equipment that is under the purview of the facility utility management plan including medical chillers, laboratory medical air systems, fire pumps domestic water booster systems etc.

Responsible for maintaining lab chillers, medical air vacuum systems, fire pumps, domestic water, booster systems and boilers with reheat systems. Performs other directly related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 8 hour shift that rotates each pay period (1st, 2nd or 3rd) Telework: Not Authorized Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD02787A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized