This position serves as a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO) in Engineering Service at VA Palo Alto Healthcare System (VAPAHCS). The primary purpose of the position is to performs a full range of tasks including operational repairs on single or multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary boiler plant equipment.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/25/2025. 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 Without 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: USRO frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers. USRO requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. USRO frequently lifts and carries boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, he carries items weighing over 50 pounds. Working Conditions: Working Conditions Required by the Position Grade Level 08 USRO mainly works indoors, but occasionally works outside for short periods of time. USRO is subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes. Additionally, they can be subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam, and contact with boilers. USRO works on elevated catwalks and ladders. The USRO will be required to a rotating shift schedule. Under normal circumstances he can work alone, since one qualified USRO per shift is sufficient to attend gas-fired or oil-fired high- pressure boilers. At times, he will be expected to work extended hours to meet boiler plant shift coverage requirements.
Utility Systems Repair/Operators also operate high-pressure steam boilers in VAPAHCS inventory and serve as alternate operators for the Livermore Division Wastewater Treatment Plant. VAPAHCS operates high-pressure boiler plants at Palo Alto Division, Menlo Park Division and Livermore Division. The incumbent performs a variety of maintenance tasks and operations on a regular and reoccurring basis, involving high-pressure steam generating plants along with water, sewage distribution, medical air, vacuum systems, 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 system and component equipment. Major duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to: Plant Operations and Maintenance - Operates auxiliary equipment includes, but is not limited to, electrical/electronic driven feed-water pumps, condensate transfer pumps, desecrating feed-water heater, condensate holding tank, duplex condensate pumps, duplex water softener, fuel oil pumps, blow-down tank, air compressors, air dryer, reverse osmosis system, emergency generator, combustion controls, burner management controls, flow meters, gauges, thermometers, oxygen meters, steam, and oil pressure regulators, sump pumps, microprocessor controls, and electronic recorders. Responsible for preventive maintenance and repairs of stream plant equipment and plant in a clean, safe working environment. Repairs, troubleshoots, and maintains single-and-multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary and pollution control equipment such as water treatment systems, chemical dispensers, and electrostatic precipitators. Plant Testing Responsible for maintaining and operating equipment at the highest cost effectiveness and efficiency. Tests electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic controls, and zone charts in conjunction with meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements. Tests feed water, boiler water, and condensate using standard chemical tests and determines the treatment and chemicals to be used to control chemical concentrations, remove impurities and entrapped gases, or stabilize fluctuating water conditions in the boiler. Performs operational maintenance and repairs of limited to moderate complexity on mechanical parts and systems and may be required to perform limited or basic electrical repairs. Work Schedule: Varies, to be determined by Supervisor Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD03133A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized