This position is located within the Facilities Management Department of the VA Central Iowa Heath Care System. Incumbent maintains proper chemistry control of boiler water, condensate, chilled water, and cooling towers through daily testing and adjustment of chemical injection and blowdown rates as required.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/19/2025. 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: Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading) Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc. Operation of Job Family Specify Equipment, Machinery, etc. Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments 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: The work requires a considerable amount of standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and/or uncomfortable positions. Incumbent must be in good physical condition, have good eyesight with or without glasses and cannot be colorblind. The incumbent regularly carries, lifts, and handles parts weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally lifts items weighing 80 pounds.
Major duties listed but not limited to: Operation of the plant operations, a central boiler and chiller plant. Records steam production and other operating data at hourly intervals as required on the boiler log sheet, changes flow charts, and computes daily use of makeup water, steam production, and average outside temperature. Performs hourly inspections of operating equipment, records diesel fuel tank levels and diesel fuel usage daily. Responsible for the operation of the chiller units in the absence of the Maintenance Mechanic; may be required to perform hourly checks of all operating equipment in the chiller plant, monitoring gages, chiller and pump operation, cooling tower level indicators. Perform operator-level preventive and corrective maintenance on chillers, boilers, pumps, steam traps, and other associated equipment within the plant area. Maintains proper chemistry control of boiler water, condensate, chilled water, and cooling towers through daily testing and adjustment of chemical injection and blowdown rates as required. He/she monitors the Johnson Controls, Metasys control system, a PC-based building management system, checking the alarm screen at least hourly. Uses standard hand tools and specialty tools such as manometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometers, and dead-weight testers. Performs major and minor repairs to equipment and operates in accordance with VA regulations and directives, ASME boiler and pressure vessel codes, ASHRAE standards, facility policies, and good engineering practices. Required to do the majority of steam fitting, plumbing, painting, and housekeeping duties inside the boiler plant/chiller plant. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 8:00pm, Rotating Schedule Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD06889A Telework: This position is not telework eligible. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Bargaining Unit Status: Yes, AFGE The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.