Utility Systems Operator

Veterans Health Administration • San Diego, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Utility Systems Operator serves in the Engineering Service, Central Plant, at the VA San Diego Healthcare System. Under the supervision of the Supervisor, Central Plant, the operator monitors and manages Engineering utility equipment and distribution systems throughout the Medical Center, particularly after normal working hours. The operator evaluates reported problems, responds to them in person, and escalates issues through designated supervisory channels when they cannot be resolved or adequately contained. The role includes coordinating with contractors and support staff, and the Central Plant must not be left unattended or covered by unqualified personnel.

The position operates, adjusts, troubleshoots, repairs, replaces, monitors, and controls utility equipment and systems, including refrigeration and chiller systems, computer-based graphic controls, HVAC and fire-alarm controls, electronics controls, normal and emergency electrical power systems, and boiler and steam systems. Duties include making manual and backup adjustments, maintaining utility services and energy-conservation goals, making load-shedding decisions to protect critical medical-center functions, and responding to elevator and other facility emergencies. The operator may notify and authorize overtime for Engineering employees and contact emergency contractors or relevant internal and external agencies.

This is a rotating-shift position providing 24/7 coverage. Work takes place in a plant environment with substantial noise, high temperatures, electrical hazards, possible gas and fuel leaks, chemicals, dust, grease, outdoor work, and potential asbestos exposure. Personal protective equipment, respirators, and protective clothing may be required.

Requirements

• Must demonstrate training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
• Must provide detailed resume descriptions supporting knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties.
• Must meet the position's screen-out requirement and demonstrate the ability to do the work without more than normal supervision.
• Must demonstrate competencies in equipment assembly, installation, and repair; interpreting instructions and specifications; using measuring instruments; and operating equipment and machinery.
• Must be able to work all shifts on a rotating 24/7/365 schedule, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Frequently lift and carry loads exceeding 50 pounds and perform extensive walking, equipment inspection, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Must be able to use electrical and mechanical systems and forklifts to lift motors, pumps, and other machinery overhead for replacement or repair.
• Must be able to work on ladders and platforms and carry equipment, parts, and tools.
• Must wear task-appropriate personal protective equipment, including footwear, and respirators and protective clothing where required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must meet applicable background/security-investigation and pre-employment physical requirements.
• Must comply with the seasonal influenza vaccination program for VA health care personnel.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Education is not a qualification requirement.

Responsibilities

• Operate, adjust, troubleshoot, repair, replace, monitor, and control utility equipment and systems, including manual, backup, and bypass systems.
• Manually adjust temperatures, valves, variable-frequency drives, water, coolant and refrigerant flows, dampers, fire and heat control valves, and variable-flow equipment to meet campus utility requirements and energy-conservation goals.
• Operate refrigeration systems, including the chiller plant, cooling towers, and associated equipment.
• Monitor and control Central Plant equipment and Medical Center HVAC, fire-alarm, and medical-gas distribution and alarm systems through computer networks.
• Troubleshoot utility control and alarm systems, including fire-alarm notifications, and manually adjust temperatures to maintain required space conditions and utility control.
• Initiate work requests for utility-system modifications or repairs and coordinate with contractors on system changes.
• Monitor, adjust, repair, and troubleshoot utility monitoring and control subsystems, including network, head-end, and field equipment.
• Operate normal high-voltage electrical generation and distribution systems, including cogeneration and 12,000-volt equipment.
• Operate high-voltage distribution equipment, make load-shedding decisions to maintain power to critical medical-center functions, and operate substations, oil switches, vacuum breakers, and paralleling switchgear.
• Operate emergency power generation and distribution equipment, including switchboards, synchronization, transfer switches, load shedding, control-system manual and bypass operation, and normal and backup fuel controls and pumping systems.
• Operate boiler-plant steam generation and distribution systems using natural gas, diesel fuel, and heat-recovery boilers; manage air and flame ratios to meet required NOx levels and pollution-control requirements.
• Monitor and report elevator-system deficiencies and contact elevator repair services when repairs or entrapment response is needed.
• Assess calls received after normal working hours, physically evaluate reported conditions, resolve or contain issues when possible, and escalate unresolved issues through designated supervisory channels.
• Notify or coordinate with Engineering, contractors, Research, Safety, Housekeeping, IT, Hazmat, Radiation Safety, and City, County, State, or Federal agencies as necessary.
• Notify and authorize overtime for Engineering employees and call emergency contract services when needed.
• Keep the Central Plant attended and ensure it is not relieved by personnel who are not qualified Central Plant Supervisors or Plant Operators.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain plant equipment, take hourly readings, and work on ladders and platforms while carrying equipment, parts, and tools.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package is available to eligible employees; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Selected applicants may qualify to receive credit for prior work or military service when determining the rate of annual leave accrual; approval is required and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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