The incumbent serves as an A/C Equipment Operator responsible for the operation, monitoring, and adjustment of central plant systems including high-pressure steam boilers, large-capacity centrifugal chillers, and building automation systems. Work involves continuous monitoring of critical infrastructure supporting a major medical center with 24/7 patient care operations.
The position requires rotating shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays to ensure uninterrupted plant operations.
The employee operates, monitors, and adjusts major central utility plant systems including high-pressure steam boilers, centrifugal chillers, pumping systems, and digital building automation systems (BAS). Duties include: 1. Central Plant Equipment Operation Operates four high-pressure Cleaver-Brooks steam boilers and four centrifugal chillers (Trane CVHF and York YK models).
Monitors steam pressure, temperatures, water levels, chiller suction/discharge pressures, condenser/evaporator temperatures, and electrical load measurements. Starts, stops, and transitions boilers and chillers based on facility load and energy efficiency requirements. 2. System Monitoring & Adjustments Uses BAS interfaces and control panels to maintain optimal operation of steam and chilled water systems.
Responds to alarms and abnormal conditions, performing corrective actions within operator authority. Performs routine mechanical room walkthroughs to verify equipment status and identify potential issues. 3. Water Treatment & Basic Maintenance Conducts boiler and chilled water chemical testing; applies appropriate chemical treatment to maintain safe operating conditions. Performs routine maintenance including lubrication, filter changes, minor adjustments, and PM tasks.
Maintains operator logs, system readings, and CMMS entries for shift activities. 4. Emergency Operations & Communication Responds to boiler or chiller failures, utility outages, BAS alarms, fire events, and urgent medical center utility demands. Executes emergency shutdowns or transitions in accordance with established protocols. Provides verbal and written turnover reports to ensure continuity across 24/7 operations. 5.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance Follows VA, EPA, OSHA, and Joint Commission safety standards. Participates in safety drills and maintains required training/certifications applicable to assigned duties. Uses required PPE and follows lockout/tagout and confined space procedures. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts 11:00 am to 11:00 pm and 11:00 pm to 11:00 am. Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need.
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioner Equipment Operator/PD114490 and PD114490 Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified applicants. Physical Requirements: Work requires frequent walking throughout the facility, climbing ladders to access elevated equipment, working in confined spaces, and performing maintenance tasks in various positions. Visual acuity is required for reading gauges, meters, and computer displays.
Manual dexterity is necessary for operating controls and performing maintenance tasks.
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $34.34 – $40/hr.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-11-10.
There are 3 openings for this position.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-27 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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