Utility Systems Repr-Op

Duties

Duties of an Utility Systems Repairer-Operator include but are not limited to:

The position is utilized in a shift rotation that provides continuous coverage and engineering support to facilities included at the Loch Raven campus. Thus, the incumbent is assigned shift responsibility on a recurring basis to address, troubleshoot, stabilize and/or resolve emergency situations requiring Facilities and Engineering Service (FES) involvement. It is expected that he/she will determine the appropriate action(s), then initiate and coordinate the necessary actions(s) to stabilize or fully resolve or repair the situation in question. This may involve coordinating work with contracted vendors and/or notifying other Facilities and Engineering Service employees of the need to report to the facility. Further, he/she may be required to resolve non-routine situations, such as locksmith problems and medical equipment malfunctions. He/she will maintain a detailed log/account of all shift activities including an explanation of his/her decision-making involved in emergency situations.

Routinely, the incumbent operates, troubleshoots, maintains and repairs the following utility systems:

Air Conditioning Systems - chillers at the Loch Raven VAMC, numerous packaged units and associated controls, along with pumps, fans, and air handling units. The main control system Includes computer terminals, printers. and numerous control and monitor points throughout the medical center and nursing home facilities.

Pneumatic Tube System - This includes the computer operated and monitor system, the air operating system and all terminal throughout the medical center.

Garage Carbon Monoxide Monitor - This includes sensors, alarms and mechanical automatic exhaust fan system.

Medical Gas Systems - These systems include the liquid oxygen, medical air, medical vacuum, nitrogen and nitrous oxide systems with associated piping, controls, valves and compressors.

Steam Distribution System - This system includes all piping, valves, regulators, converters, economizers and low-pressure boilers associated with steam distribution and condensate return for heating, cooking, cleaning and sterilization purposes.

Water Distribution Systems - These systems include all components of the domestic cold and hot water systems, fire protection, deionized water systems and the sewage and wastewater disposal systems.

Electrical Distribution System - This system includes all components of the electrical distribution system including incoming 13,200 volt feeders, transformers, circuit breakers, receptacles and KW generators at the medical and KW generator at the nursing home used for emergency power.

Natural Gas Distribution System - This system includes all piping, valves and booster pumps associated with natural gas used for heating and cooking.

Vertical Transportation Systems - This includes cart lifts, dumbwaiters, escalators and elevators and their controls.

Refrigeration Systems - This includes all refrigerator and freezer units and their components, such as compressors, condensers and piping.

Miscellaneous Communication Systems - This includes the master antenna television (MATV) system, overhead paging, nurse call systems and fire alarm system

Working Conditions: The incumbent is occasionally subject to very uncomfortable and possibly dangerous working conditions. His/her tour of duty are accomplished independently on a rotating shift plan. He/she Is required to mix and handle chemicals for chilled water treatment. He/she will be required to work in varying degrees of temperature. He/she may be exposed to hazards such as electrical shock. He/she will be required to work on ladders, platforms, mechanical rooms, and carry heavy objects up and down stairs

Work Schedule: Rotational Shift
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/15140-A (Baltimore) & 15139-A (Loch Raven)

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Designated and/or random drug testing may be required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to a background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/08/2024.

SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE

The USRO is required to have journeyman skills and knowledge of a variety of building trades. He/she must have a background in air conditioning, refrigeration, electrical systems, plumbing, steam fitting and electronics, as they relate to building utility systems. He must have knowledge of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants and their proper use and handling. Universal certification for CFC use and handling is required.

The incumbent must have the skill and knowledge to respond and resolve emergency heating, ventilation and air conditioning calls, such as chilled water leaks, HVAC failure, extreme temperatures, etc. He/she shall make any necessary repairs and/or adjustments and determine the need for assistance/repair by a more specialized mechanic. He/she shall be skilled at performing routine preventive maintenance and repair of all types of mechanical equipment.

The incumbent shall have a working knowledge of computer-based Energy Management Systems and their capabilities to monitor and control HVAC conditions. He/she must be able to make decisions based on data trends to determine the need for adjustment and/or repair. Experience and/or knowledge in Johnson Controls Metasys systems are preferred.

The incumbent must have the skill and knowledge to respond and resolve emergency heating, ventilation and air conditioning calls, such as chilled water leaks, HVAC failure, extreme temperatures, etc. He/she shall make any necessary repairs and/or adjustments and determine the need for assistance/repair by a more specialized mechanic. He/she shall be skilled at performing routine preventive maintenance and repair of all types of mechanical equipment. The incumbent shall have adequate skill and knowledge to accomplish basic maintenance and repair of various mechanical systems. This shall include, but not be limited to, repacking and repairing pumps, installing valves, replacing motors and repairing plumbing leaks. He/she shall have adequate skill and knowledge to accomplish basic maintenance and repair of electrical and electronic systems. This shall include, but not be limited to, restoring electrical power and resetting electronic based systems. He/she shall maintain records, logbooks, data sheets, stock materials and supplies and perform housekeeping duties in control and mechanical areas.

He/she must have knowledge and be able to utilize various tools and equipment of the building trades specified above, including measuring, monitoring and test equipment to monitor, repair and operate the utility systems described in the Principal Duties section.

The incumbent must satisfactorily be able to read, write and understand the English language. He/she must be skilled in following instructions and operating procedures and conveying ideas both orally and in writing.

The incumbent shall have adequate knowledge and skill to maintain proper operation of all building and utility systems on his/her shift, while exercising good judgment in emergency situations.

Concentration and close attention is required for extended periods of time and good judgment is necessary for the diagnosis of any equipment or system malfunctions.

RESPONSIBILITY

The USRO works unsupervised a majority of the time. The incumbent is responsible to complete al duties associated with his/her appropriate shift, including housekeeping and the exercise of good judgment in emergency situations. He/she has the responsibility to stabilize and, if possible, resolve all utility system and emergency or alarm situations that arise during the shift. The complexity of such situations may vary from minor water leaks to loss of electrical power to the facility. Such situations my require the incumbent to use professional judgment and self-initiative. He/she may be require to deviate from standard operating procedure or precedents in order to bring about resolution or restore proper utility system operation. In such situations, the decision made by the USRO may directly affect the timeliness and thoroughness of the repair. As a result, the USRO works with considerable independence. He/she is therefore, responsible for detailing his/her actions in writing in the form of a log to effectively communicate with the supervisor and other FES employees.

The incumbent is responsible for monitoring, repairing and operating one or more of the A/C chillers and energy management control systems according to standard operating procedures to ensure that equipment is operating properly at desired conditions. Safe operating procedures will always be observed to prevent damage to equipment, materials, or harm to himself or others.

The incumbent is responsible to ensure that steam pressure is always maintained to the medical center.

The incumbent is responsible for changing charts, receiving fuel oil shipments, monitoring the central liquid oxygen level and preparing orders for materials and/or services required to carry out duties and is subject to callback during off-duty hours for irregular or emergency situations.

The incumbent performs all preventive maintenance of various mechanical equipment and systems. All documentation is kept accurate and current.

The incumbent is responsible for performing all other necessary duties as assigned.

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 of such 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 on-line 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:Equipment Assembly, Installation, RepairInterpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)Use and Maintain Tools and EquipmentWithout more than normal supervision

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and 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.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: The Incumbent must be In a satisfactory physical and mental condition and fit for duty at all times, excluding body maintenance items. He/she will be required to bend, stoop, crawl, walk, climb, jump, and lift heavy objects for moderate time durations. His/her efforts will vary depending on the task to be performed.

Additional information

Recruitment and Relocation Incentive are authorized

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at .

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Financial disclosure not required.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .

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