Utility Systems Operator

Veterans Health Administration • Columbia, SC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a Utilities System Operator within Engineering Service at WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, South Carolina under the supervision of the Utility Systems Supervisor, with second level direction provided by the Maintenance Control Manager. This position performs a full range of tasks that are involved in the upkeep, maintenance and operation of the Boiler Plant, Engineering Control Center, and the Chiller Plant. The Utilities System Operator performs a variety of tasks on a regular and reoccurring basis, involved in Steam and Chilled Water Generating Plant along with water, sewage distribution, medium pressure air, medical air, vacuum tube system, and electricity generation. The work requires the ability to start, stop and regulate the utility or utilities for optimum efficiency and troubleshoot, maintain, and repair them, and knowledge of the locations and functions of all equipment in the systems. Utilities System Operator when working night shift, weekends and holidays, on a rotating basis, incumbent is unsupervised and acts in a decision-making capacity. During this time, incumbent is responsible for ensuring that all operational techniques and maintenance procedures are carried out. All calls that are received must be coordinated to see what corrective action can be taken and the incumbent must call Facility Management personnel in on overtime to make repairs as necessary. Incumbent would perform work of operating and maintaining the Medical Center's centralized, multiple zone air conditioning plant that serves a complex of buildings on campus including laboratories, offices, support and other buildings. The incumbent utilizes the Honeywell Graphic Central and Landis Siemens Apogee Energy Management Computer Systems; controls and monitors the air conditioning plant that consists of multiple large capacity chillers. The system is complex as reflected by the large number of components and auxiliary equipment that are monitored and used as a basis for judgments and operating decisions. Some of the diverse areas served by the plant are computer and telecommunications areas, operating rooms, research laboratories, clinical laboratories and intensive care wards. These areas require precise control of temperature and humidity that cannot vary by more than plus or minus a few degrees. Various other utility and life support systems such as air handlers, exhaust fans, stand-alone air conditioning systems, dietetic refrigeration, steam distribution, solar heat, domestic hot and cold water, electrical switch gear, emergency generators, oxygen, nitrous oxide, vacuum, air, etc. are also monitored and controlled by the Energy Management Computer Systems. Incumbent will receive general supervision from the Supervisory Utility Systems as to work schedules, operating policies and procedures. Incumbent will work alone most of the time. The incumbent is responsible for preventive maintenance and repairs of all steam plant equipment and plant in a clean, safe working environment. He/she performs preventive maintenance and repair duties when operation of the boiler(s) does not demand immediate attention. Operators at this level need practical knowledge of electronic theory and design and ability to use theoretical concepts to devise solutions for operating or repair problems on one-of-a-kind systems in which novel engineering approaches have created unforeseen problems. They exercise skill in interpreting electronic, electrical, and mechanical drawings, specifications, and schematics of complete custom systems such as a new automated boiler and chiller controls. They require skill in troubleshooting complex electronic systems characterized by unusual circuit arrangements. To accomplish his/her mission, the incumbent must be proficient in the use of all tools and testing devices associated with the above described trades, such as hand tools, multimeter, and electrical power tools. His/her work will be subject to spot checks for adherence to policies, quantity and quality of work.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation.
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• A complete application package, including Resume and Transcripts, is required.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable forms of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period.
• Evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to demonstrate ability to do the work.
• Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position, supported by detailed descriptions on resume.
• Dexterity
• Safety
• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Measuring Instruments
• Operation of Equipment/Machinery
• Technical Practices Without More Than Normal Supervision

Nice To Haves

• Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

Responsibilities

• Perform a full range of tasks involved in the upkeep, maintenance, and operation of the Boiler Plant, Engineering Control Center, and the Chiller Plant.
• Start, stop, and regulate utility systems for optimum efficiency.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair utility systems.
• Operate and maintain the Medical Center's centralized, multiple zone air conditioning plant.
• Control and monitor the air conditioning plant consisting of multiple large capacity chillers.
• Monitor and control various other utility and life support systems including air handlers, exhaust fans, stand-alone air conditioning systems, dietetic refrigeration, steam distribution, solar heat, domestic hot and cold water, electrical switch gear, emergency generators, oxygen, nitrous oxide, vacuum, and air.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs of all steam plant equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repair duties when operation of the boiler(s) does not demand immediate attention.
• Interpret electronic, electrical, and mechanical drawings, specifications, and schematics.
• Troubleshoot complex electronic systems.
• Be proficient in the use of all tools and testing devices associated with the trades, such as hand tools, multimeter, and electrical power tools.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed