Summary The incumbent serves as the Utility Systems Operator overseeing the operation of a centralized air conditioning and boiler plant that serves a complex of buildings located in a campus style environment. The position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans. Health Administration (VHA), at the West Los Angeles Medical Center. Responsibilities Applies knowledge of operations, operational maintenance and repair program of high-pressure steam-generating plant e.g. multi-fuel fired power boilers. Operates the boiler plant under normal and emergency conditions in a safe and reasonable manner with little or no immediate supervisory direction. Follows the procedures necessary to start, stop, operate, and maintain a power boiler facility, in either manual or automatic mode, to meet the steam demands of the facility. Performs repairs such as replacing valve plates, adjusting expansion valve, and making temporary repairs to pipes. Uses tools, equipment and material required to calibrate, adjust maintain and repair boiler and burner safety devices. Applies knowledge of operations, operational maintenance, and repair program for all boiler safety devices, associated with auxiliary equipment, piping systems, control systems, burner management systems with interlocks, water treatment and fuel systems. Applies knowledge in the operation of emergency diesel generators as well as the main electrical switch. Uses a variety of tools and equipment such as combustion analyzers, hydrostatic test pumps, pressure and temperature calibrators, tube-cleaning equipment, amp-probes, indexing potentiometers, infrared sensors, multi-meters, signal simulators and amplifiers, tachometers, torque wrenches, etc. Performs the calibration of gas pressures, adjusts, and maintains proper ranges for receiving and changing out calibration gas cylinders. Repairs insulation and refractory, the repair of gas and liquid fuel systems and all associated components. Applies knowledge of the principles and theories of fuel combustion, heat transfer, and steam generation, the structural characteristics of boilers, and mechanical, electromechanical, and pneumatic principles to properly operate, adjust, troubleshoot, and maintain the equipment and systems. Applies knowledge of plant piping systems to by-pass equipment or components to maintain steam service during unusual conditions. Utilizes basic computer skills using window and windows-based systems. Reads blueprints, schematics, drawings, and sketches. Reads and analyzes information from gages, meters, recorders, analogue displays, and computer-generated data to determine the operational status of plant facilities and make necessary adjustments. Determines actual concentrations or levels of alkalinity, chlorides, dissolved oxygen, hardness, PH, and phosphates of waters, determining and applying proper treatment methods and dosages based on test results and specific operating conditions. Fires high-pressure boilers with natural gas, fuel oil, or other steam plant operating experience that can be demonstrated to correlate with boiler plant operations. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tour of Duty: Rotating shifts 24/7/365 Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD10708A Physical Requirements: Prolonged physical effort is not routine. Operators occasionally lift objects weighing up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds). Lifting equipment, such as chain hoists, is available to move heavier objects. Some standing, stooping, bending, and work on ladders (occasionally over operating equipment) is required. Incumbent frequency work in confined areas in and around boilers, chillers, and support equipment. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision 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. Education Additional Information The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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