Created at: January 08, 2026 00:16
Company: Veterans Health Administration
Location: Lexington, KY, 40501
Job Description:
The Utility System Operator is assigned coverage of LVAHCS Sousley Campus for Facilities Management Service and the Medical Center.
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: Communications Mechanics Operation of Equipment/Machinery Troubleshooting Use Prints and Drawings 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.
The Utility Systems Operator operates, maintains and repairs three 500 HP Cleaver-Brooks low pressure gas and oil fired tube boilers rated at 12 PSI with a total capacity of 52,500 pounds of steam per hour, two 950-ton Carrier centrifugal chillers, one Mcquay 1500 ton centrifugal chiller, and all auxiliary components of each system. A Johnson Controls Metasys Facility Management Computer System (FMS) controls and monitors the entire Cooper Drive Division (CDD) heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and environmental systems. As the Utility Systems Operator, the incumbent's duties include, but are not limited to: Familiarity with the operation of chiller plant equipment. Make independent decisions on the need to adjust, start or stop equipment to maintain energy efficiency. Operate, maintain, and repair high/low pressure steam boilers and condensing boilers. Recommends changes to schedules, priorities, and work sequences as necessary and make minor deviations in procedures or redirect resources under their control to overcome problems. Follows all departmental policies and procedures. Reviews electronic information including technical manuals and electronic drawings. Monitors pertinent information from gauges and thermometers, graphs, indicators, and other technical measuring devices. Interprets blueprints, diagrams, instructions and specifications. Understands critical alarms related to HVAC units, medical vacuum, medical air, oxygen, fire, fire dampers, life support equipment in surgery, recovery, coronary care, etc. Ensures inspections and adjustments are in accordance with set guidelines for operations. Familiarity with hand and power tools, calibration equipment, and chemical titration equipment. Maintain water treatment in the cooling towers, distribution systems and boilers, per instructions and chemical vendors recommendations. Utilize working knowledge of boilers, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, controls and auxiliary machinery and equipment. Monitors and provides assistance with shutting down and resetting elevator operations and sewage lift station. Work Schedule: Monday thru Sunday 24 hours a day, 8 hr shifts that rotate Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD30043A Physical Requirements: The Utility Systems Operator must sometimes lift weight in excess of 50 pounds. At times works awkward and cramped positions. Must work from ladders while using hand-tools or holding a heavy object overhead. frequent standing, walking and climbing is also required. Utility Systems Operator will monitor and operate the FMS and ambient conditions, making independent decisions on the need to start and stop equipment.