Utility Systems Operator

Veterans Health Administration • Lexington, KY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Utility Systems Operator provides 24/7 coverage for Engineering and the Medical Center, working at the Graphic Control station in the Boiler Plant at Copper Drive Division (CDD). The operator operates, maintains, and repairs boiler, chiller, HVAC, environmental, and auxiliary systems. Equipment includes three 500 HP Cleaver-Brooks low-pressure gas- and oil-fired tube boilers rated at 12 PSI, two 950-ton Carrier centrifugal chillers, and one McQuay 1,500-ton centrifugal chiller. A Johnson Controls Metasys Facility Management Computer System (FMS) controls and monitors CDD HVAC and environmental systems.

The position requires monitoring system conditions and alarms, interpreting technical materials and measurements, and independently deciding when equipment should be adjusted, started, or stopped to maintain energy efficiency. The operator also maintains water treatment systems and assists with elevator and sewage lift station shutdowns and resets. Work is performed on rotating 12-hour shifts, either 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m., on a compressed schedule.

The role involves frequent standing, walking, and climbing; occasionally lifting more than 50 pounds; working in awkward or cramped positions; and using ladders while handling tools or holding heavy objects overhead. Applicants must meet federal employment conditions, including U.S. citizenship, suitability requirements, and any applicable drug testing. A one-year probationary period applies.

Requirements

• Evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to demonstrate the ability to perform the position's work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
• Knowledge of boilers, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, controls, and auxiliary machinery and equipment.
• Ability to monitor and operate an FMS and ambient conditions and make independent equipment start/stop decisions.
• Familiarity with chiller plant equipment.
• Familiarity with hand and power tools, calibration equipment, and chemical titration equipment.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, diagrams, instructions, and specifications.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Successful completion of a background/suitability investigation and any required drug testing.
• Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Submission of a complete application package, including resume and transcripts as applicable.
• Ability to meet the position's physical demands, including occasional lifting over 50 pounds, working in cramped or awkward positions, climbing ladders, and frequent standing, walking, and climbing.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with building management and chilled water systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair low- and high-pressure steam boilers, condensing boilers, chillers, and associated auxiliary equipment.
• Operate, maintain, and repair HVAC and environmental systems monitored by the Johnson Controls Metasys FMS.
• Make independent decisions about adjusting, starting, or stopping equipment to maintain energy efficiency and operating conditions.
• Monitor gauges, thermometers, graphs, indicators, alarms, and other technical measuring devices.
• Understand and respond to critical alarms involving HVAC units, medical vacuum, medical air, oxygen, fire systems, fire dampers, and life-support equipment in areas such as surgery, recovery, and coronary care.
• Review electronic technical manuals and drawings, and interpret blueprints, diagrams, instructions, and specifications.
• Ensure inspections and adjustments follow established operating guidelines.
• Maintain water treatment in cooling towers, distribution systems, and boilers according to instructions and chemical vendor recommendations.
• Recommend changes to schedules, priorities, and work sequences, and make minor procedural deviations or redirect controlled resources to address problems.
• Follow departmental policies and procedures.
• Monitor and assist with shutting down and resetting elevator operations and the sewage lift station.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Potential credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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