Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

Veterans Health Administration • Hines, IL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is organizationally aligned under the Engineering Service Line at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois. The unit’s mission is to ensure installation, repair, troubleshooting, servicing, maintenance, and other operations at the Joliet CBOC and Hines Boiler Plant.

The Utility Systems Repairer-Operator independently operates, maintains, and repairs HVAC and refrigeration systems; boiler plant systems; industrial equipment; building controls; and emergency power systems. The role performs inspections, preventive maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, repairs, installations, and system adjustments while ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with applicable standards.

Training is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open positions after training are scheduled 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Multiple fixed tours across all shifts are available, and shifts will be discussed at interview. Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Subject to a background/security investigation.
• Pre-employment physical required.
• Must complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for employment verification.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel employee.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• No specific length of training or experience is required; applicants must provide evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to demonstrate ability to perform the work.
• Qualifications must be supported by detailed descriptions in the resume.
• Applicants are evaluated against the screen-out element and job elements including Mechanics, Planning and Evaluating, Systems Testing and Evaluation, and Technical Practices.
• Ability to perform the physical duties, including infrequent lifting or moving of items up to 50 pounds, prolonged computer work, and interior and exterior site review across campus.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, inspect, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC and refrigeration systems throughout the facilities, including systems serving sensitive clinical areas.
• Perform preventive maintenance, quality-assurance checks, vibration analysis, system rounds, and water testing on chillers, air-handling units, pumps, controls, valves, compressors, and related components.
• Install and repair ductwork, tubing, and fittings using welding, brazing, soldering, and mechanical assembly methods.
• Test HVAC and refrigeration systems for leaks, evacuate and charge refrigerants, and use mechanical, electrical, and rigging tools to maintain operating conditions.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair boilers, pumps, condensate and steam systems, pollution control equipment, and water-softening equipment.
• Use manual, automatic, and microprocessor controls to adjust and monitor boiler operations for efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Perform chemical water testing and treatment for chilled and boiler systems.
• Maintain and repair pneumatic control systems, industrial controls, and auxiliary equipment used for plant operation.
• Perform equipment rebuilds, installations, preventive maintenance, and system adjustments using mechanical, electrical, and rigging tools.
• Monitor, operate, troubleshoot, and repair fire alarm systems, Andover building automation controls, pneumatic controls, and emergency power systems, including generators, ATS units, and switchgear.
• Calibrate, modify, maintain, and install non-medical electrical and electronic systems.
• Conduct monthly generator and ATS testing in accordance with Joint Commission and NEC requirements.
• Interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and control drawings to diagnose and correct electrical, mechanical, and engine-generator issues.
• Maintain electrical distribution systems and ensure proper voltage, phase, load, regulation, and synchronization.
• Conduct regular inspections and coordinate with Safety and GEMS staff to support compliance with CEOSH, Life Safety, OSHA, and environmental standards.
• Support other Engineering Service functions as required.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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