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Utility Systems Repairer Operator

Department of Health and Human Services
Indian Health Service
Northern Navajo Medical Center | Facilities Management Branch

Summary

This position is located at Northern Navajo Medical Center, Shiprock Service Unit. This position maintains, operates, and repairs major hospital utility systems and equipment, including hot water generators, low-pressure boilers, water treatment systems, emergency generators, air compressors, vacuum pumps, and related equipment that support utility services and environmental controls for the hospital.

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 07/28/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 28, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$33.44 - $38.97 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 10
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Other
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
IHS-26-NN-13005870-ESEP/MP
Control number
876540700

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Duties

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  • Performs major equipment repairs by installing, connecting, and adjusting electrical and mechanical components.
  • Performs hydrostatic tests and if all tests are satisfactory, places boiler in service. Tests and treats boiler water to maintain proper chemical levels, prevent corrosion, and ensure system efficiency.
  • Maintains, operates, and performs minor repairs for 750 kilowatt emergency electrical generator. Test generator under loaded conditions once a month, reads and records data including line loads amperes, operating voltage, and frequency to comply with The Joint Commission requirements
  • Performs preventive maintenance and repairs on all equipment and records all work performed in accordance with the Indian Health Service Preventive Maintenance Programs.
  • Work involved in these emergency situations may be in the trades of electrical, plumbing, heating, and air condition, carpentry work, and painting.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

The incumbent may be required to work on rotating shifts, both on weekdays and weekends, to provide necessary coverage.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation Requirement:
This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

Financial Suitability Requirement:
This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying.

Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.


BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
SCREEN-OUT:
Do you have the knowledge, skill and ability to perform the work of a Utility Systems Repairer Operator, as described in the vacancy announcement, without more than normal supervision?

Although no specific amount of experience, education, or training is required, applicants must meet a minimum level of ability in relation to the position. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Handbook X-118C for the WG-4742 series is used as a basis for qualifications. Applicants must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the elements listed in the Section 25 of the Online Occupational Questionnaire to perform the duties of the position. The job elements of a Utility Systems Repairer Operator, are listed below. Your rating will be based on your proficiency in these competencies.

Physical Requirements: Make repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms where the pars of system/equipment worked on are frequently in hard-to-reach places, therefore, stooping, stretching, bending, and kneeling are frequently for longer periods of time. Works in cramped and confined areas such as interior of Air Handling Units and ground mechanical equipment located in the crawl space. Incumbent may frequently lift and carry tools and equipment weighing up to 23 kilogram (50 pounds) and occasionally items weighing more.

Working Conditions: The work is usually performed indoors, where there is exposure to dust, dirt, escaping gases, chemicals, heat, steam, noise, and unpleasant odors. Occasionally, may work outdoors under adverse weather conditions. Incumbent is continually exposed to the potential for burns, electrical shocks, cuts, strains, bruises, and chemical irritations.

Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

There are no education requirements.

Additional information

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. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

The incumbent is required as an incidental duty to operate government owned or leased vehicles in the performance of assigned duties. Therefore, the incumbent is required to maintain a valid state driver's license.

This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement.

  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element)
  • Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (includes blueprint reading)
  • Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)


The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13005870.

All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 07/28/2026, to be considered.

Indian Health Service

Become a part of an innovative, dynamic, nationwide organization of dedicated health care providers working to meet the individual health care needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Indian Health Service (IHS) employees are considerate in our care, creative in our approach, enthusiastic about our work and compassionate with our patients. Our lifestyle is adventurous, community oriented and focused on service and problem solving as part of a professional interdisciplinary team. Join us in improving the health outcomes of over 2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Agency contact information

Dori Sombrero
Phone
928-697-4391
Email
dori.sombrero@ihs.gov
Address
Shiprock Service Unit
Hwy 491 N
PO Box 160
Shiprock, NM 87420
US

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