This position serves as a Utilities System Operator within Engineering Service at WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, South Carolina under the supervision of the Utility Systems Supervisor, with second level direction provided by the Maintenance Control Manager. This position performs a full range of tasks that are involved in the upkeep, maintenance and operation of the Boiler Plant, Engineering Control Center, and the Chiller Plant.
The Major Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: The Utilities System Operator performs a variety of tasks on a regular and reoccurring basis, involved in Steam and Chilled Water Generating Plant along with water, sewage distribution, medium pressure air, medical air, vacuum tube system, and electricity generation.
The work requires the ability to start, stop and regulate the utility or utilities for optimum efficiency and troubleshoot, maintain, and repair them, and knowledge of the locations and functions of all equipment in the systems. Utilities System Operator when working night shift, weekends and holidays, on a rotating basis, incumbent is unsupervised and acts in a decision-making capacity.
During this time, incumbent is responsible for ensuring that all operational techniques and maintenance procedures are carried out. All calls that are received must be coordinated to see what corrective action can be taken and the incumbent must call Facility Management personnel in on overtime to make repairs as necessary.
Plant Operations 75% Incumbent would perform work of operating and maintaining the Medical Center's centralized, multiple zone air conditioning plant that serves a complex of buildings on campus including laboratories, offices, support and other buildings. The incumbent utilizes the Honeywell Graphic Central and Landis Siemens Apogee Energy Management Computer Systems; controls and monitors the air conditioning plant that consists of multiple large capacity chillers.
The system is complex as reflected by the large number of components and auxiliary equipment that are monitored and used as a basis for judgments and operating decisions. Some of the diverse areas served by the plant are computer and telecommunications areas, operating rooms, research laboratories, clinical laboratories and intensive care wards. These areas require precise control of temperature and humidity that cannot vary by more than plus or minus a few degrees.
Various other utility and life support systems such as air handlers, exhaust fans, stand-alone air conditioning systems, dietetic refrigeration, steam distribution, solar heat, domestic hot and cold water, electrical switch gear, emergency generators, oxygen, nitrous oxide, vacuum, air, etc. are also monitored and controlled by the Energy Management Computer Systems.
Incumbent will receive general supervision from the Supervisory Utility Systems as to work schedules, operating policies and procedures. Incumbent will work alone most of the time. The incumbent is responsible for preventive maintenance and repairs of all steam plant equipment and plant in a clean, safe working environment. He/she performs preventive maintenance and repair duties when operation of the boiler(s) does not demand immediate attention.
Operators at this level need practical knowledge of electronic theory and design and ability to use theoretical concepts to devise solutions for operating or repair problems on one-of-a-kind systems in which novel engineering approaches have created unforeseen problems. They exercise skill in interpreting electronic, electrical, and mechanical drawings, specifications, and schematics of complete custom systems such as a new automated boiler and chiller controls.
They require skill in troubleshooting complex electronic systems characterized by unusual circuit arrangements. Plant Testing 25% To accomplish his/her mission, the incumbent must be proficient in the use of all tools and testing devices associated with the above described trades, such as hand tools, multimeter, and electrical power tools. His/her work will be subject to spot checks for adherence to policies, quantity and quality of work.
Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts- Mid-8am, 8am-4:30pm, 4:30pm-Mid. Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD11433-A Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $29.63 – $34.56/hr.
Applications close on 2026-10-15.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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