Utility Systems Repairer-Operator
Department: Department of Veterans Affairs
Location(s): Wichita, Kansas
Salary Range: $32.83 - $38.33 Per Hour
Job Summary: This position serves as a Utility System Repairer Operator located at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center (RJDVAMC) under the supervision of the Boiler Plant Operations Supervisor and assigned to Facility Management Services (FMS). DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation. Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply.
Major Duties:
- Major duties include but are not limited to: Operating, monitoring, adjusting, calibrating, and repairing various electronic elements of the building environmental monitoring control system, automated electronic combustion systems on power boilers, chillers, and other electronic programmable controllers related to steam, refrigeration, medical air/gas systems, pneumatic air systems, air conditioning systems, etc., to troubleshoot malfunctions of the complex systems under automated controls. Responsible for Boiler Plant automation and BAS that integrates and uses special computers to store operating parameters and initiates adjustments when systems become out of range or in alarm conditions. Responsible for repairing, operating, and maintaining three 500 hp gas fired boilers using No. 2 oil as a standby energy source and all associated equipment such as burners with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for combustion air, electronic combustion control systems, centrifugal feed water pumps with VFDs, drum level controls, steam transmitters, de-aerating tank, and condensate storage tanks. Performs duties required for Boiler Plant operations such as periodic checks of the power boilers, plant auxiliary equipment, and the system automation control to ensure proper operation and to make adjustments as needed. Starts, stops, and operates power boilers and all auxiliary equipment. Records and documents boiler and condensate water tests, temperatures, pressures, water levels, and all other Boiler Plant operational readings as required. Checks and makes necessary adjustments to the power boiler and auxiliary plant equipment for hazards that could endanger personnel and equipment, and complies with safety requirements, general and special rules, instructions, and the Energy Center's SOPs. Diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing, replacing, maintaining, and operating 17 Chillers with 1665 tons of cooling capacity, with a mixture of centrifugal chillers, rotary liquid chillers, screw type chillers with variable frequency/variable speed drives (VFSD), 34 VFSD chilled water pumps and piping, chilled water piping systems, multiple roof top package units, building pressure controls, kitchen refrigeration, pharmaceutical refrigeration, process cooling for the MRI, process heating for Sterile Process Department, mini-split HVAC systems, split HVAC systems, air handlers, whole building exhaust systems. Responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of Building Automation Systems (BAS) and all types and brands of temperature, humidity, and all volumetric controls, both individually and in any combination. Diagnoses, troubleshoots, modifies, repairs, replaces, and installs critical and special purpose HVAC/R equipment and systems that provide specific and critical climatic conditions throughout the entire Medical Center. Performs preventative and scheduled maintenance on chillers, chilled water distribution pumps, and the chilled water loops, air handlers, HVAC split systems, HVAC mini-split systems, roof top package units, VAVs, building exhaust systems, chilled water VFD pumps and motors, kitchen refrigeration, pharmaceutical refrigeration, mortuary, ice machines, water coolers, pumps, motors, and all auxiliary chiller and HVAC/R equipment according to manufacturer's specifications, VHA regulations and direction of the Boiler Plant supervisor. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts, night, day, and second shift, compressed tours, weekends and holidays. Subject to on call for emergencies. Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD09635A Physical Requirements: Subjected to sustained physical effort in the operation of power boilers, chillers, HVAC/R equipment, steam distribution systems, chilled water distribution systems; physical requirements may include working from ladders, scaffolds, and platforms where parts of the system are in hard-to-reach places. Work is carried out in tiring positions such as standing, crouching, stooping, kneeling, and prone for long periods of time. Occasionally, the incumbent will be required to lift items in the excess of 50 pounds and 100 pounds with assistance. The incumbent frequently lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weighs up to 50 pounds.
Qualifications: 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. 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, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Materials Measuring Instruments Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment 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.
How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/07/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12828102. 1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Application Deadline: 2025-11-07