Utility Systems Repairing-Operating

Summary

Operates and performs operational/preventive maintenance on a semi‑automatic, gas/oil‑fired, high‑pressure steam plant and related auxiliary equipment. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until April 30, 2026 or until all positions are filled.

DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY. This position is being filled using the approved Direct Hire Authority (DHA) VA‑001 for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) based on their critical hiring needs.

To qualify for this position—applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement—04/30/2026.

EXPERIENCE:

A specific length of training and experience is not required—but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

SCREEN‑OUT ELEMENT:
Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen‑out element—which usually appears as question 1 in the online questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements.

Ability To Do the Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision. Tasks related to: operating and/or maintaining boilers and auxiliary equipment; JOB ELEMENTS.

Knowledge of Equipment Assembly – Installation – Repair – etc.;
Technical Practices;
Use of Measuring Instruments;
Ability To Interpret Instructions – Specification – etc. (incl. blueprint reading);
Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment;
Knowledge of Materials.

Must possess a current and unexpired State‑issued motor vehicle’s license. (

NOTE:

DO NOT submit a copy of your driver’s license at this time).

NOTE:

We cannot accept photographs—therefore, please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid State‑issued Driver’s License.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience—including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies—knowledge—skills—and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience—including volunteer experience.

Physical Requirements:

Must climb vertical fixed ladders to a height of 30 feet above floor level to catwalks to operate large valves—make visual inspection of boilers—etc. Otherwise, the physical effort is of a moderate type.

Working Conditions:

The work area is somewhat noisy. The usual hazards involved in the handling of highly combustible fuels exist. May be required to enter a boiler drum through a 12" x 16" elliptical manhole to clean the boiler internally.

NOTE:

Your answers will be verified against the information you provide on your resume—documents—and information supplied by your references. If you do not clearly describe your experience in your resume, you will be rated ineligible. We cannot make assumptions about your work experience and skills.

The duties of the Utility Systems Repairing‑Operating include but are not limited to:

• Monitors the overall operation of the boiler plant to maintain the required steam production for heat and process used throughout the VA campus
• Makes various operational adjustments to maintain plant efficiency and safety
• Maintains records and logs of plant operating conditions
• Performs daily boiler water tests to determine chemical treatment required to prevent scales and corrosion of the boilers
• Maintains proper chemistry control of boiler water—condensate—and chilled…