Utility System Operator​/Authorized

Summary

The Utility System Operator works within the Facilities Management service line at the Central Iowa VA Health Care System – located in Des Moines, Iowa. Work performed involves the efficient operation and timely completion of maintenance repairs, preventive maintenance, inspections, station level projects and development and project management of contracted construction projects in a central boiler and chiller plant.

Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Experience and training must demonstrate sufficient scope and quality of ability to do the work of this position. Evidence must be supported by detailed descriptions in your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. Related experience includes operating, inspecting and troubleshooting boilers and chillers;

keeping equipment clean and lubricated; maintaining hourly operational and maintenance logs; and performing preventive and corrective maintenance on chillers, cooling towers, boilers, pumps, stem traps and associated piping and equipment.

Applicants will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen‑out element. Those who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and eliminated. Potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:
Ability to Interpret Instructions – Specifications – etc.;
Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Equipment Assembly – Installation – and Repair – etc.;
Operation of Job Family –Specify Equipment – Machinery – etc.;
Technical Practices (Theoretical – Precise – Artistic);
Use of Measuring Instruments. Experience includes paid and unpaid experience such as volunteer work, which may be credited if it demonstrates relevant skills.

Certificate Requirement: A Universal Technician license as required by 40 CFR Part 82 – Subpart F of the Clean Air Act – Section 608 (Universal Refrigeration License).

Physical Requirement:
The work requires a considerable amount of standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and/or uncomfortable positions. Incumbent must be in good physical condition, have good eyesight with or without glasses, and cannot be color‑blind. The incumbent regularly lifts and handles parts weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 80 pounds. A pre‑employment examination or evaluation will be requested.

Work Environment:
Frequently exposed to temperature extremes, drafts, dampness, water, and noise. The majority of work takes place in an industrial environment that may be dirty, wet, dusty, and greasy. The incumbent is subject to cuts, abrasions, burns, broken bones, electrical shock, infections, bites, and exposure to harmful chemical fumes. Protective clothing will be worn as needed.

• Responsible for the safe operation of the central boiler and chiller plant.
• Maintains proper chemistry control of boiler water, condensate, chilled water, and cooling towers through daily testing and adjustment of chemical injection and blowdown rates.
• Perform operator‑level preventive and corrective maintenance on chillers, boilers, pumps, steam traps and other associated equipment within the plant area.
• Test, inspect, adjust, and repair all boiler controls, safety devices, instrumentation, flowmeters and related elements.
• Inspect repairs and adjustments made by contractors.
• Use standard hand tools and specialty tools such as manometers, multimeters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometers, and dead‑weight testers.
• Read the various charts, gauges, and meters to determine the amount of steam produced, fuel consumed, and water used.
• Determine when it is necessary to change settings on the controls and valves to maintain proper changes from one fuel to another with a minimal steam pressure drop.
• Operate the air conditioning chillers and all related equipment listed above.
• Maintain constant observation of meters, charts, gauges, water levels, and temperatures to ensure proper system functioning.
• Responsible for the operation, maintenance,…