Utility Systems Repairer Operator

National Institute of Standards and Technology•Gaithersburg, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

NIST is seeking Utility Systems Repairer Operators for the Gaithersburg Facilities Maintenance Division, part of the Office of Facilities and Property Management. The division manages and operates facilities at the NIST Gaithersburg site, supporting research programs through building systems operation and maintenance and related engineering and renovation work. The position operates, monitors, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs central utility plant systems on a rotating shift to provide reliable utility services to campus facilities and research laboratories. Systems include high-pressure steam boilers, large-capacity centrifugal chillers, industrial air compressors, and an 8 MW cogeneration plant. Duties and level of independence vary by grade. At WG-10, operators perform routine equipment checks, testing, adjustments, troubleshooting, chemical testing, and mechanical repairs, referring complex problems to a supervisor. At WG-11, operators independently maintain large-scale plant systems, perform complex troubleshooting and repairs, conduct water treatment, support cogeneration operations, and coordinate with factory technical representatives. At WG-12, senior shift operators monitor alarms, direct operational adjustments, perform advanced maintenance and repairs, guide junior operators, work with factory representatives, and assist the supervisor with repair reviews and unusual operational problems. The role requires an EPA Universal CFC Certification and involves demanding physical tasks and exposure to a range of industrial and outdoor conditions.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Must be suitable for Federal employment.
Merit applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade or time-in-band requirements.
Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination.
Possession of an EPA Universal CFC Certification.
Demonstrate the ability to perform the duties without more than normal supervision and meet the screen-out elements; applicants must achieve an overall assessment score of at least 50%.
Meet the physical requirements of the position, including heavy lifting and carrying of 45 pounds or more and substantial periods of pulling, pushing, walking, standing, bending, crawling, kneeling, and climbing.
Meet the position's vision, depth perception, color discrimination, hearing, and coordination requirements.

Responsibilities

Operate, regulate, monitor, and maintain centralized plant equipment, including steam boilers, chillers, compressors, and associated utility systems.
Perform routine checks, tests, adjustments, and operational troubleshooting on heating, air-conditioning, water-distribution, and other utility systems.
Conduct chemical testing and water treatment for boilers, chillers, and cooling towers.
Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and perform mechanical repairs, using blueprints, sketches, manuals, shop mathematics, trade tools, and standard operating procedures.
Independently plan and lay out assigned work, selecting appropriate tools, materials, equipment, and safety precautions.
Support operation and training activities for the 8 MW cogeneration plant, including its gas turbine, heat recovery steam generator, and high-pressure gas compressor.
Make operational decisions during complex system issues and work with factory technical representatives to diagnose and resolve problems.
As a senior shift operator, monitor and troubleshoot central plant alarms and direct operational adjustments to maintain continuous utility service.
Provide technical guidance to junior operators and assist the supervisor in reviewing completed repairs and unusual operational issues.
Perform refrigerant handling under Universal CFC standards.