Utility Systems Operator - Authorized

Summary

The Utility System Operator works within Facilities Management service line at the Central Iowa VA Health Care System - located in Des Moines - Iowa. Work performed involves the efficient operation and timely completion of maintenance repairs - preventive maintenance - inspections - station level projects and development and project management of contracted construction projects in a central boiler and chiller plant.

The open period for this announcement has been extended to 2/17/2026.

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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.

Related experience includes: operate - inspect and troubleshoot boilers and chillers; keep equipment clean and lubricated; maintain hourly operational and maintenance logs and record sheets; and perform preventive and corrective maintenance on chillers - cooling towers - boilers - pumps - stem traps and associated piping and equipment.

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:
Ability to Interpret Instructions - Specifications - etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading) Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Equipment Assembly - Installation - and Repair - etc. Operation of Job Family Specify Equipment - Machinery - etc. Technical Practices (Theoretical - Precise - Artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience - including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g.

- Peace Corps - Ameri Corps) 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.

Certificate Requirement: A Universal Technician as required by 40 CFR Part 82 - Subpart F of "Clean Air Act" - Section 608 (Universal Refrigeration License).

Physical Requirement:
The work requires a considerable amount of standing - stooping - bending - kneeling - climbing - and working in tiring and/or uncomfortable positions. Incumbent must be in good physical condition - have good eyesight with or without glasses and cannot be colorblind. The incumbent regularly carries - lifts - and handles parts weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally lifts items weighing 80 pounds.

You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Work Environment:
Frequently exposed to temperature extremes - drafts - dampness - water and noise for work conditions. The majority of work takes place in an industrial environment the work area may be dirty - wet - dusty - and greasy. Incumbent is subject to cuts - abrasions - burns - broken bones - electrical shock - infections - bites - exposure to inhalation of harmful chemical fumes - irritation of eyes - etc.

The incumbent will wear protective clothing as needed.

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.

• Major duties include:
  Responsible for the safe operation of the central boiler and chiller plant
• Maintains proper chemistry control of boiler water - condensate - chilled water - andcooling towers through daily testing and adjustment of chemical injection and blowdown rates
• Perform operator-level preventive and corrective maintenance on chillers - boilers
  -pumps - steam traps - and other associated equipment within the plant area
• Test - inspect - adjust - and repair all boiler controls safety devices - instrumentation - flowmeters - etc
• and be able to inspect repairs and adjustments…