The incumbent serves as a Utility Systems Repairer / Operator (Operator-In-Charge) performing tasks involved in the operation, maintenance, and repair of the Washington, D.C. VAMC Utility Plants.
The Operator-In-Charge is assigned full shift responsibility during shifts assigned. Incumbent will work under the supervision of the Utility Systems Supervisor, with second level direction provided by the Maintenance and Operations General Foreman.
This position performs a full range of tasks that are involved in the upkeep, maintenance and operation of the Boiler Plant, Building Automation System (BAS) and the Chiller Plant onsite and at various Community Based Outpatient Clinics in the local commuting area. Incumbent is required to perform the following: 1. Perform hourly rounds on equipment and records readings in accordance with policies and procedures. 2.
Maintain Plant logbooks and records and provide proper shift turnover to oncoming Operator. 3. Perform troubleshooting and diagnostics on all equipment as assigned and make repairs as necessary and required. 4. Perform routine scheduled preventive maintenance. Maintain logs of scheduled and daily operations. Write, complete, and close work orders as required. 5. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and diagrams. 6.
Ability to select and use hand tools, power tools, and test equipment in the course of assignments and repairs. 7. Perform repairs, i.e. rebuilding pumps, replacing items such as mechanical seals, bearings, valves, pipefitting's, and motors. Repairing insulation, re-packing valves and re-piping systems is also required along with various other repairs as determined by the Plant Supervisor. 8.
Occasionally install new equipment and systems that fall within the scope of journeyman level work as determined by Operations General Foreman and Plant Supervisors. 9. Monitor and communicate with appropriate persons per medical center policy concerning station fire alarms, disaster notification and various other alarms systems. 10. Perform all operations in a safe and efficient manner. Equipment must be started and stopped to match load and to maintain maximum efficiency.
11. Perform various housekeeping functions within the assigned Plant and other duties, as assigned, as they relate to the overall mission of FMS and the Washington, DC VAMC. 12. Incumbent ensures that all steam heat exchangers, coils and associated equipment are operated IAW manufacturer recommendations and VA Heating Plant Operations policies. 13.
Operate and / or monitor graphic control systems and various metering systems for the chiller plant, and Medical Center HVAC systems. 14. Routinely collect samples in the Chiller Plants, condensate, and makeup water systems. Perform and analyze chemical tests on collected samples and chemically treats water systems to maintain proper chemical levels. 15.
Operate, maintain, and repair a Chilled Water Plant that consists of two (2) 1200 ton, one (1) 1500 ton, two (2) 400 ton and two (2) 600 ton hermetic centrifugal chillers, four (4) cooling towers, and associated equipment. 16. Operate and / or monitor graphic control systems and various metering systems for the Chiller Plant, and Medical Center HVAC systems. 17.
Routinely collect treated water, chilled water loops, cooling tower, and heating loops samples from the Chiller Plant. Perform and analyze chemical tests on collected samples and chemically treat water systems to maintain proper chemical levels. 18. Perform repairs to large air handling units, rebuild pumps, replace items such as mechanical seals, bearings, valves, pipefitting's, and motors.
Repairing insulation, re- packing valves and re-piping systems is also required along with various other repairs as determined by the Operations Foreman. 19. Perform diagnostics and repairs to both DDC and pneumatic controls and control systems. 20. Incumbent shall wear a half face or full-face respirator when required to operations and repairs. 21.
The operator-in-charge performs duties which are more responsible and require a slightly higher - level of skill and knowledge than the full performance level operators who are on duty where a supervisor is available. This includes a thorough knowledge of the entire utility systems and the user requirements to locate problems and initiate immediate corrective action. 22.
The operator follows written instructions supplied by a supervisor or by the operator-in-charge on the previous shift Work Schedule: Full Time, rotating days and hours Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer- Operator/PD20037A Physical Requirements: Regular walking tours of the plant, main hospital, and outer buildings to conduct inspections of equipment which include some lifting, kneeling, standing, climbing and stooping.
Maintenance and repairs frequently require working in awkward and cramped positions and lifting up to fifty(50) pounds. Frequent standing, walking, and climbing are required while checking equipment.
Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care.
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Lacreasha.Blanding@va.gov · 410-605-7000
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $36.49 – $42.63/hr.
Applications close on 2026-09-23.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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