Summary The Utilities Systems Repairer Operator (USRO), WG-4742 is assigned to the Engineering Service, Maintenance and Operations Section and reports directly to the Operations Supervisor. The primary purpose of this position is to provide continuous (24/7) repair, maintenance, and operation of building equipment and infrastructure systems. The incumbent possesses journeyman skills in several trades, including HVAC mechanic and general maintenance mechanic. Responsibilities Duties include but not limited to: Responsible for the ongoing installation, adjustment, maintenance and repair of chiller plants and associated equipment, including chillers, water treatment systems, supply, return and exhaust fans, negative pressure units, pumps, motors, glycol management systems, and ice making/storage equipment. Responsible for specialty chillers for the support of critical medical equipment, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography {CT) machines. Cleaning of towers, water sumps, fill replacement, water level control maintenance and belt and motor replacement. Preventive maintenance is performed according to manufacturer's recommendations and widely accepted practices. Responsible for starting, stopping and continuous operation of multi­ zone, multi-building, centralized systems. Responsible for maintenance and repair of various mechanical, electronic, and electrical equipment, including traction and hydraulic elevators, dumbwaiters, pharmaceutical and laboratory ventilation hoods, pneumatic tube transport systems, and televisions. Schedules and coordinates any contracted service or maintenance activities and obtains all reports and service/repair orders. Responsible for maintaining and stocking proper amounts of materials and parts for repair and replacement, including, pumps, belts, and motors, research and order hard-to-get parts that are not available in open market for general use. Keep records of purchased parts and materials for the work order job completion. Responsibilities include a wide variety of systems such steam distribution, water supply, fire suppression, sprinklers, drains, sewage, plumbing fixtures, oxygen, medical air, vacuum and nitrous oxide distribution and storage. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts of Day Shift: Tuesday - Sunday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Swing Shift Wednesday - Tuesday 4:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.; Mid Shift Friday-Thursday 12:00 p.m.- 8:00 a.m. Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer Operator/PD02079A Physical Requirements: Physical efforts include continually standing, bending, walking, crawling, stooping, frequently pushing, and pulling carts loaded with heavy items and occasionally lifting (above the waist and overhead), and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds. The incumbent must possess the ability to work on ladders with one hand and in high places atop air handlers. The incumbent must work under excessive noise, heat, and cold in cramped positions and under nervous tension. The incumbent must possess the physical and visual characteristics to perform work in dark places on top of equipment and buildings. The incumbent must possess the physical and visual abilities to make unassisted rounds of the medical center during nights and check emergencies and make routine and emergency repairs on equipment in mechanical rooms and building roofs. The incumbent must possess the physical and visual abilities to work unassisted in adverse environment conditions during rain and lightning storms, during hot and cold weather, and during dusty conditions. The incumbent must possess good balance and equilibrium, muscular coordination, good manual dexterity, and excellent color vision. The incumbent must possess the ability to work in a respirator and is subject to an annual employee health physical. Working Conditions: The incumbent is assigned to carry a portable radio during the tour of duty. The incumbent must work in isolation units and on contaminated equipment, may work on live wires, switches, and in dangerous surroundings such as transformer rooms around high voltages. Expected exposures include electrical shock hazard, breathing dust, fiberglass insulation, stale air, etc., in crawl spaces and attics. The incumbent must possess the knowledge and ability to properly select, don and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when situations to do so arise. The incumbent performs duties under all types of working conditions, such as climbing stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and working at heights. This is often done in extremes of temperature, such as heat atop boilers or in cold refrigerated walk-in boxes. The incumbent must work around rotating machinery in areas that are dimly lit, under adverse weather conditions when required in the performance of equipment repairs and equipment room checks during shift work. Noise levels are often high, sometimes to the point of requiring ear plugs. Other protective devices such as goggles, masks, and gloves, may be needed periodically. They are exposed to the possibility of burns when working on steam and hot water lines. 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: Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Materials Measuring Instruments Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment 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. 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. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.