The incumbent serves as the work lead for the Energy Plant regularly identifies, organizes, assigns, and reviews work assigned by departmental staff on any shift. The lead will ensure that the Energy Plant is in compliance and maintained in accordance with applicable policies and regulations. This position performs Operations, Maintenance, Repairs and testing of Boilers, Chillers and all ancillary equipment within the Energy Plant.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/16/2025. 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: Related experience includes operating, tuning, maintaining, and repairing of boilers, boiler control systems, steam piping and related equipment; working knowledge of standard practices and codes associated with boiler and chiller plant operations; Knowledge of the principles of combustion and heat transfer, and the ability to recognize and determine the best method for correcting malfunctions and the skill to install and repair a variety of heat and power producing systems and support equipment; Ability to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams for pneumatic or electronic controls, schematic drawings, piping plans and specifications regarding servicing and operation of equipment; Ability to use testing equipment, i.e., combustion analyzers, pressure and temperature gauge calibration kits, vacuum pumps, volt-ohm-meter, amp-meter, pH meter, conductivity meter, manometers, dial indicators, and other equipment common to and used in the trade. 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 (includes blueprint reading) Lead or Supervise Materials Measuring Instruments Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Preferred Experience: Current qualified USRO through the VA 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: Frequently work in confined areas in and around equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Frequently lift and carries parts, materials, and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, carries items weighing over 40 pounds. Works inside and outside at heights up to 50 feet. Subject to extreme temperature changes from a +105 to a -40 degrees. Subject to high noise level which requires wearing of hearing protection. Work inside boiler drums (when doing major overhaul) is tight and hot. Work is dirty, greasy, hot, cold and wet. Employee is subject to cuts, bruises, traffic hazards and is exposed to danger from boiler explosion, high temperature water and steam lines, electrical shock, falls, burns, scalds, chemicals, broken bones, explosive chemical or conventional munitions, carbon monoxide poisoning, and gas and oil fumes. Other Significant Facts: Incumbent must report for work during periods of hazardous road and weather conditions. Work is performed on a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 3 shift rotating tour of duty. Incumbent will be subject to rotate work hours through all three shifts schedules. Incumbent could be subjected to hazards normally encountered in the trade. This position requires working rotating shifts and overtime.
Duties include but are not limited to the following: Serves as a Utility Systems Repairer/Operator (USRO) Work Leader and is responsible for the Boiler Plant Equipment Mechanic/Safety Champion for the VA Western Colorado Health Care System. Responsible for both boiler and chiller repairs, operations and safety testing. Incumbent starts, operates, adjusts, stops, maintains, and performs various operational repairs on one or more, single or multiple fuels, HVAC systems, power boilers, and associated auxiliary equipment (including water softeners). Responsible for demonstrating proper work methods and ensuring needed plans, blueprints, materials, and tools are available, and needed stock is obtained from supply locations. He/She answer questions/teaching coworkers on procedures, policies, written instructions, and other directives; i.e., technical orders. Providing feedback to supervisors on overall work operations and problems (e.g. concerning additional on-the-job training requirements for individual employees). Manage and train employees on proper steps in completing work orders and associated tasks. Providing assistance to the Utilities System Supervisor in the plans, layout, assigning, and coordination of work for the team on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Participate in designated planning and review sessions which address organizational priorities, staffing, budgets, and operational programs. Operates all support equipment such as Multiple DDC controllers, PC based monitoring and trending computers, feed water, condensate return systems, spray type deaerator, reverse osmosis system, boiler water, steam distribution, condensate return, chemical injection systems, Boiler Plant emergency diesel generator, (3) 700 ton Chillers and all associated auxiliary equipment. Perform hourly inspections of operating equipment and records diesel fuel tank levels and diesel fuel usage daily. Incumbent maintains proper chemistry control of boiler water by daily testing and manual chemical adjustment; condensate, chilled water, and cooling towers through daily testing and adjust chemical injection and blowdown rates as required. The incumbent may not leave the boiler plant unattended. During normal business hours, the incumbent fields hot and cold calls, as well as other Engineering service calls. After normal business hours, the operator will receive all trouble calls, and make a determination to either wait till the next business day or elevate the call for repair. Performs preventive and corrective maintenance as well as repairs on chillers, cooling towers, boilers, pumps, steam traps, and other associated equipment as well as installing, performing major maintenance, repairing, extensive troubleshooting, and modifying multiple fuel heating and power boilers and associated auxiliary and sophisticated pollution control equipment. Incumbent must inspect, adjust, and repair all boiler controls safety devices, instrumentation, flow meters, in situ probes, solid state transmitters etc. and be able to inspect repairs and adjustments made by contractors. Work Schedule: 12 Hour Shifts Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Work Leader/PD 121070