Utility Systems Operator

Department of Veterans Affairs•West Haven, CT

61d

About The Position

This position of Utilities Systems Operator is located in the Maintenance and Operations (Boiler Plant) of the Facilities Management Service at VA Connecticut Healthcare System and is under the direct supervision of the Maintenance and Operations (Boiler Plant) Supervisor. The incumbent is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the central heating plant, minor repairs, lubrication and adjustment of the Boiler Plant equipment which consists of three D-type pressurized water-tube boilers each developing 32,000 pounds of steam per hour for a maximum of 128,000 pounds per hour operating 110-125 psi and are automatically controlled by combustion equipment, which consists of air fuel ratio controls, inlet and outlet controls, pressure and fuel oil temperature controls. The normal fuel supply is natural gas with #2 diesel fuel as a backup. The incumbent follows safety procedures in the lighting off sequences and all boiler testing procedures. Also operates all support equipment; i.e., Deaerator Tank, condensate storage tanks, associated pumps, chemical injection systems, and air-control systems. Records steam production and other operating data at hurly intervals as required on the steam log sheet, changes flow charts, and computes daily use of makeup water, steam production, and average outside temperature. The incumbent performs hourly inspections of operating equipment and records fuel tank levels and fuel usage daily. While operating the boiler side, the incumbent may not leave the boiler plant unattended and has responsibility for operation of the chiller plant which consists of 1-1000 ton absorber, 1-800 ton centrifugal and 2-screw chiller units in conjunction with a 3.25 million gallon chilled water thermal storage system. Performs hourly checks of all operating equipment in the chiller plant, making shift inspections. Maintains a comfortable environment throughout the campus, controlling air handlers, hot water reheat systems and chilled water pumps via the Johnson Metasys Control system, a PC-based building management system, checking the alarm screen at least hourly. In addition to the above responsibilities, the incumbent will also be required to: 1. Monitor and operate the air conditioning plant. This will require hourly readings to be taken during the cooling season and interpreting these readings to make key decisions on the operation of this equipment. 2.Operate the Boiler Plant in a safe and economical manner to provide a continuous supply of steam to the station; and makes adjustments to combustion controls, feedwater controls and other controls when necessary. 3.Maintain log sheets by gathering operating data such as feedwater temperature boiler pressure, stack temperatures and number of pounds of steam generated hourly. Make regular water tests and treats boiler feedwater with chemicals as required. 4.Perform preventive maintenance such as lubrication, adjustment, minor parts replacement and necessary minor repairs designed to keep plant and equipment in good operating condition. 5. Perform general maintenance such as lubrication, adjustment, minor parts replacement and necessary minor repairs designed to keep plant and equipment in good operating condition. 6. Perform other duties as assigned: miscellaneous painting of equipment and utility lines, general cleaning of the boilers, equipment, utility lines, general areas, etc. 7. Monitors and place request, to the Utility Systems Supervisor, for fuel oil as needed during the heating season. 8. Incumbent has direct contact with vendors for all materials, supplies and fuels required to maintain the Boiler Plant; and as required, will initiate requests to the Utilities Systems Supervisor. 9. On occasion, shift coverage is such that two boiler plant operators are on the day shift. When required, one Boiler Plant operator will be detailed to the HVAC Shop or Mechanical Maintenance Shop for maintenance and repair work throughout the facility. 10. Maintains and updates preventive maintenance procedure and inspections on a recurring basis for all equipment related to the Boiler Plant per VHA Directive 2003-050. 11. When required on other than normal working hours of Facilities Management Service (FMS) staff, the incumbent will receive emergency calls and will dispatch them to appropriate individuals as instructed by the Chief of FMS and outlined in FMS emergency call back procedures.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the central heating plant.
Minor repairs, lubrication and adjustment of the Boiler Plant equipment.
Operates all support equipment; i.e., Deaerator Tank, condensate storage tanks, associated pumps, chemical injection systems, and air-control systems.
Records steam production and other operating data at hurly intervals as required on the steam log sheet, changes flow charts, and computes daily use of makeup water, steam production, and average outside temperature.
Performs hourly inspections of operating equipment and records fuel tank levels and fuel usage daily.
Responsibility for operation of the chiller plant which consists of 1-1000 ton absorber, 1-800 ton centrifugal and 2-screw chiller units in conjunction with a 3.25 million gallon chilled water thermal storage system.
Performs hourly checks of all operating equipment in the chiller plant, making shift inspections.
Maintains a comfortable environment throughout the campus, controlling air handlers, hot water reheat systems and chilled water pumps via the Johnson Metasys Control system, a PC-based building management system, checking the alarm screen at least hourly.
Monitor and operate the air conditioning plant.
Operate the Boiler Plant in a safe and economical manner to provide a continuous supply of steam to the station; and makes adjustments to combustion controls, feedwater controls and other controls when necessary.
Maintain log sheets by gathering operating data such as feedwater temperature boiler pressure, stack temperatures and number of pounds of steam generated hourly. Make regular water tests and treats boiler feedwater with chemicals as required.
Perform preventive maintenance such as lubrication, adjustment, minor parts replacement and necessary minor repairs designed to keep plant and equipment in good operating condition.
Perform general maintenance such as lubrication, adjustment, minor parts replacement and necessary minor repairs designed to keep plant and equipment in good operating condition.
Perform other duties as assigned: miscellaneous painting of equipment and utility lines, general cleaning of the boilers, equipment, utility lines, general areas, etc.
Monitors and place request, to the Utility Systems Supervisor, for fuel oil as needed during the heating season.
Incumbent has direct contact with vendors for all materials, supplies and fuels required to maintain the Boiler Plant; and as required, will initiate requests to the Utilities Systems Supervisor.
Maintains and updates preventive maintenance procedure and inspections on a recurring basis for all equipment related to the Boiler Plant per VHA Directive 2003-050.
When required on other than normal working hours of Facilities Management Service (FMS) staff, the incumbent will receive emergency calls and will dispatch them to appropriate individuals as instructed by the Chief of FMS and outlined in FMS emergency call back procedures.