The Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO) works within the Maintenance Division of Facilities Engineering at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS). The primary purpose of the USRO position is to provide supplemental and 24-hour coverage for maintenance operations on all systems maintained by the Facilities Engineering Service.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/17/2025. 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. Examples of qualifying related experience include but are not limited to: performing minor repairs to windows or doors, roofs, expansion joints, or tuck pointing; checking/repairing operation of pumps, water, medical gases, building air, vacuum and sanitary sewage systems; performing electrical safety inspections on patient beds or miscellaneous appliances; collecting/testing water samples to ensure proper chemical balance; inspecting, troubleshooting, and repairing electric motors, chilled water pumps, and shut-off or isolation valves; repairing leaks to piping; and cleaning equipment, replacing air filters, and other hospital maintenance activities. 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: 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 demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Prolonged physical effort is not routine. Occasionally lifts objects over 50 pounds. Lifting equipment is provided for heavier objects. Some standing, stooping, bending, crawling, and working on ladders (occasionally over operating equipment) is required. Working Conditions: Most work is performed indoors with adequate light and ventilation. Occasionally, work is performed in areas of confined space. While working in the central boiler and chiller plant, exposure to temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit is common. Workers are also exposed to extreme temperature changes while working in outdoor cooling towers, roof exhausts and ventilating fans. The employee is subject to rotating machinery, grease, dirt, chemicals, oils, and fumes. Noise level is often high and hearing protection is often required to prevent hearing loss. Other protective gear such as goggles, gloves, and rubber aprons are required when working with chemicals, or performing various other tasks. Employee works a regular, rotating shift, to include nights, weekends, and holidays to provide twenty-four hour, continuous shift coverage.
Major duties include but are not limited to: Ensure proper chemical balance for cooling towers, hydronic heating systems, chilled water loops, and low pressure boilers. Determine the malfunction of chemical injection systems and repair so it is fully operational. Conduct boiler maintenance repairs in compliance with yearly inspection requirements. Monitor building automation system control points to check operation, troubleshooting when necessary. Adjust, clean, repair, or replace thermostats and sensors of building engineering systems. Check fire alarm panel during alarm events and perform minor troubleshooting and repair to correct system faults. Check and reset tube system faults and perform minor repairs. Perform carpentry duties to make necessary repairs to various building aspects. Unplug toilets, sinks, drinking fountains, and bedpan hoppers. Monitor operation of emergency generators during power outages. Provide backup service for the Fire Department on emergency calls. Provide crucial building and system information for rapid and safe response from outside agencies during emergencies. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts - Includes nights, weekends, and holidays to provide twenty-four hour, continuous shift coverage. Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD60717A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.