Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

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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: Rotating 8 Hour Shifts
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD30043A
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: 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.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; including Resume, Transcripts, etc. is required
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.

Preferred Experience: Experience with building management systems and chilled water.

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.

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. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.