Utility Systems Operator

Summary

This position serves as a Utilities System Operator within Engineering Service at WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, South Carolina under the supervision of the Utility Systems Supervisor, with second level direction provided by the Maintenance Control Manager.

This position performs a full range of tasks that are involved in the upkeep, maintenance and operation of the Boiler Plant, Engineering Control Center, and the Chiller Plant.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

All US Citizens

DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY : This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority- VA -001 in-accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3) and 5 CFR 337.205(b)(1)-(4).

This is an open continuous announcement and applicants will be referred every two weeks. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be February 15, 2024 with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month.

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Duties

The Utilities System Operator performs a variety of tasks on a regular and reoccurring basis, involved in Steam and Chilled Water Generating Plant along with water, sewage distribution, medium pressure air, Medical air, vacuum tube system, 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 all equipment in the systems.

Utilities System Operator when working night shift, weekends and holidays, on a rotating basis, incumbent is unsupervised and acts in a decision-making capacity.

During this time, incumbent is responsible for insuring that all operational techniques and maintenance procedures are carried out.

Also after regular working hours, weekends, and holidays, incumbent receives emergency trouble calls on all medical center equipment.

All calls that are received must be coordinated to see what corrective action can be taken and them incumbent must call Facility Management personnel in on overtime to make repairs as necessary.

Performs work of operating and maintaining the Medical Center's centralized, multiple zone air conditioning plant that serves a complex of buildings on campus including laboratories, offices, support and other buildings.

The incumbent utilizes the Honeywell Graphic Central and Landis Siemens Apogee Energy Management Computer Systems; controls and monitors the air conditioning plant that consists of multiple large capacity chillers.

The system is complex as reflected by the large number of components and auxiliary equipment that are monitored and used as a basis for judgments and operating decisions.

Incumbent will work alone most of the time. Incumbent will also be required to operate all 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, duplex sump pumps, microprocessor controls, and electronic recorders.

The incumbent is responsible for preventive maintenance and repairs of all steam plant equipment and plant in a clean, safe working environment.

Work Schedule : 8 : 00am - 4 : 00pm, 4 : 00 pm - 12;00am, 12 : 00am - 8 : 00am, Sunday - Saturday tours.

Position Description Title / PD# : Utility Systems Operator / PD01907A

Relocation / Recruitment Incentives : May Be Authorized

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.

Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12 / 31 / 1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to background / security investigation
• Pre-employment physical required
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement,09 / 30 / 2024 .

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 :

• Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
• 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, 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 / Working Conditions : The work is performed inside and outside with exposure to all kinds of weather.

The work area maybe loud, dirty, wet, dusty, and greasy, with inadequate lighting, heat, or ventilation. Incumbent is subject to cuts, abrasions, bums, broken bones, electrical shock, infections, bites, exposure to inhalation or harmful chemical fumes, irritation of eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and the hazards of operating power tools and equipment.

Discomfort is encountered when wearing protective clothing, gloves, or eye goggles. The work requires a considerable amount of standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and / or uncomfortable positions.

The incumbent may work from ladders and scaffolding. When operating equipment, the worker may be under a great deal of strain from constant reaching, bending, turning, and moving of hands, arms, feet, legs, and by the vibration and jerking of the equipment.

The incumbent carries, lifts, and handles parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and may occasionally exceed 50 pounds.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave : Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.

Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

Special Employment Consideration : VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.

3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities , and / or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more.

Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal / VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy.

Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http : / / www.opm.gov / policy-data-oversight / workforce-restructuring / employee-guide-to-career-transition / .

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members : Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

https : / / help.usastaffing.gov / Apply / index.php?title Alternate Application Information

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to;

responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and / or contact for an interview. Your resume and / or supporting documentation will be verified.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.

g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy : The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion.

The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Financial disclosure not required.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members : Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.

You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes :

Resume

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and / or qualifications for this position.

Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current / former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP / CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).

You will not be contacted for additional information.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214 / Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference : When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP / CPS / XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.

You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.

and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.

Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (ET) on09 / 30 / 2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click .

https : / / apply.usastaffing.gov / ViewQuestionnaire / 12296260

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and / or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• 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.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https : / / my.usajobs.gov / Account / Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position.

The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.

Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.

You must re-select your resume and / or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Lois Auge

Phone

706-002-0094 X20094

Email

[email protected]

Address

Columbia VA Health Care System

6439 Garners Ferry Road

Columbia, SC 29209

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

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.

NOTE : Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.

Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.

VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Criminal history inquiries
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes :

Resume

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and / or qualifications for this position.

Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current / former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP / CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).

You will not be contacted for additional information.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214 / Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference : When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP / CPS / XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.

You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.

and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.

Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (ET) on09 / 30 / 2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click .

https : / / apply.usastaffing.gov / ViewQuestionnaire / 12296260

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and / or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• 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.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https : / / my.usajobs.gov / Account / Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position.

The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.

Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.

You must re-select your resume and / or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Lois Auge

Phone

706-002-0094 X20094

Email

[email protected]

Address

Columbia VA Health Care System

6439 Garners Ferry Road

Columbia, SC 29209

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

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.

NOTE : Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.

Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.

VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Criminal history inquiries
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request
22 days ago