Utility Systems Repairer-Operator

Summary

The primary purpose of the Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO) combines the duties of a Boiler Plant Operator and a Boiler Plant Equipment Mechanic and is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the facility's boiler plant and auxiliary utility systems. This position is also regularly given shift-level responsibility as the "operator in charge" for the SLC VAMC Engineering Department while operating the plant on nights, weekends, and holidays.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Journeyman-level acquired training and/or experience in the repair and operation of boilers and auxiliary equipment in plants of this size. Broad knowledge of all phases of boiler plant operation and be able to use that knowledge to grasp the interrelations between the various processes found in the boiler plant and associated systems. A proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and diagrams. An analytical ability when it comes to taking logs, viewing trends, and interpreting what the data means and how it can help predict situations that may be occurring so that they operator can anticipate changes before they possibly become catastrophic. The ability to select and use proper hand tools, power tools, and test equipment used for maintenance and repairs. Computer skills to be able to navigate the Siemens and Johnson Controls panels, the VistA Work Order System, as well as the ability to proficiently use the Microsoft Office suite of programs. The ability to complete their required duties in a timely manner, without mistakes, with little to no supervision. Excellent customer service and communication skills when working with both hospital staff and other engineering trade personnel. Operating all controls of the boiler plant in both automatic and manual modes of operation, as the situation requires. Perform hourly rounds on equipment and recording readings in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures. Maintain the Boiler Plant Logbooks and records and providing proper shift turnover to oncoming Operator. Operate and monitor graphic control systems and various metering systems for the boiler plant. Analyze the chemistry of the boiler water, feed water, water softening, and condensate systems using standard chemical tests. If any of these tests are found to be out of specification, take required actions to correct the discrepancy, which can include adjusting the pumps or modifying the electronic control system. Communicate with appropriate personnel per medical center policy concerning station fire alarms, disaster notification and various other alarm systems. Performing various housekeeping functions within the boiler plant. Operation, as needed, of the three 30,000-gallon below-ground propane storage tanks, the associated air mixing equipment, and all metering and monitoring equipment. Monitoring the Sensodyne Gas Detection system for any potential buildup of combustible gasses or carbon monoxide in the boiler plant, propane yard, or co-gen plant spaces. Ensure that all boilers and associated equipment are operated IAW manufacturer recommendations and VA Boiler Plant Operations policies. Work Schedule: Varies nights and weekends Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD13765A Relocation/Recruitment Incentive : Authorized Physical Requirements: The job can require moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. When performing repairs, they may occasionally work from scaffolds and platforms and may perform strenuous work while standing, sitting, or lying down. Workers frequently lift and carry parts, tools, chemical supplies, or other equipment weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted, and may sometimes be required to move items weighing over that amount with the assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. They will also be required to work a rotating shift schedule, which can be arduous

Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job Subject to a background/suitability investigation Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 A complete application package; including Resume, Transcripts, etc. is required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed. Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement. Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/13/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13107451. 1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Required documents

Documents Accepted: Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Documents Required: Resume Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted. Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position. Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information. VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.