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Utility Systems Operator

Department of Homeland Security
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers
#FLETC-Surge

Summary

"The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), through strategic partnerships, prepares the federal law enforcement community to safeguard America's people, property, and institutions." We are a unique inter-agency organization preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers to meet our Nation's most pressing security challenges." Click here to learn more.

This position will be open continuous. The first set of applications will be reviewed after the first two weeks.

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Location
few vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$31.39 - $38.48 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 10 - 11
Promotion potential
11
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
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
Moderate Risk (MR)
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
FLETC-MRSD-26-13041887
Control number
881982800

Duties

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Serving as a Utility Systems Operator WG-5406-10/11 makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) team and mission. This position is located in the Facilities Operations Branch within the Facilities Management Branch within Mission and Readiness Support Directorate located in Glynco, Georgia.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Utility Systems Operator responsible for operating and performing regular monitoring, general maintenance and "as-needed" repair to a wide range of boilers. These boilers are equipped with dual natural gas/oil burners, gas/oil handling equipment, flame and combustion control, flow meter, CO2 meters and draft gauges. Operators must be familiar with drawings and circuit diagrams of the boiler plants, air conditioning plants, and auxiliary equipment in order to quickly locate defects in the system. The position also operates an energy management control system (EMCS) which controls large complex air conditioning systems used for climatic controlling of various buildings around the Center.

Typical duties include:

  • Operating large complex heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and chillers/chill water systems comprised of centrifugal and reciprocating types of refrigeration machines, which include various components such as circulating pumps, heat exchanges, large air handling units, and cooling towers
  • Monitoring gauges and thermometers to ascertain that water is supplied to the condenser of the refrigeration machines, checks for proper flow of water to oil coolers, ensures that oil pressures and temperatures are within operational limits, makes entries into log sheet at specified intervals, etc.
  • Performing prescribed operation maintenance, inspections and preventive maintenance to equipment such as changing filters in air handlers, replacing of worn "V" belts, lubricating motor and shaft bearings, repacking and lubricating shaft and steam glands of pumps and valves on hot and chilled water circulating systems, tightening loose connections, etc.
  • Analyzing and taking corrective action when malfunctions are indicated by alarms, gauges, etc., while also performing preventive maintenance and operational tests on all building systems as required
  • Maintaining boiler water levels, temperatures and internal pressures within operating parameters; testing boiler safety features for proper operation on each shift, determining the amount of chemicals to be fed into boiler for control of corrosion and scale formation, and repairing minor repairs on the boiler plants to ensure continuity of services to the customer
View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation.
  • Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).
  • You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state issued driver's license to conduct official government business.
  • Travel of 25% or less may be required.
  • Overtime work may be required.
  • Shift work may be required.
  • Work on the weekends and federal holidays may be required.
  • This position is Emergency Essential and required to sustain FLETC’s operations under all conditions to ensure FLETC Continuity of Operations for Mission Essential Functions.
  • Must be able to meet job-related medical and/or fitness standards. You will be subject to a pre- appointment and annual physical examination.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Type 2 and Type 3 certification, or valid universal EPA refrigerant certification.

Qualifications

A resume must be no more than two pages. If an applicant's resume exceeds two pages, the USAJOBS database will not allow the application to be submitted. For additional assistance, please visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements

This position will be open continuous. The first set of applications will be reviewed on September 8, 2026 and every two weeks after. All requirements must be met by each review date.

Application reviews will take place on:

September 8, 2026
September 22, 2026
October 06, 2026
October 20, 2026
November 3, 2026
November 17, 2026
and Closing date

While there is no minimum amount of training or experience required, the applicant must have had experience, military or civilian, paid or unpaid, of sufficient scope and quality to perform the duties of a Utility Systems Operator.

WG-5406-10: The applicant must have experience with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in the operation and routine maintenance of boiler systems, including starting, stopping, and monitoring boiler performance. Operating the boiler system proficiently and safely without direct supervision during regular operations, following established procedures and posted instructions. Performing routine tasks such as monitoring gauges, adjusting controls, conducting blow-downs, and performing basic water chemistry tests. Recognizing abnormal operating conditions and takes appropriate initial corrective actions, but refers complex troubleshooting, repairs, and system adjustments to higher-level operators or supervisors. Receiving guidance or supervision for non-routine tasks, major repairs, or system adjustments.

WG-5406-11: The applicant must have experience in operating and performing regular monitoring, general maintenance and "as-needed" repair to a wide range of boilers. The applicant will need extensive experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting large, complex heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, chillers, and chilled water systems, including centrifugal and reciprocating refrigeration machines. Applicant's responsibilities must included monitoring gauges, thermometers, and flowmeters to ensure proper operation, maintaining oil pressures and temperatures within operational limits, and performing preventive maintenance tasks such as changing filters, replacing worn belts, lubricating bearings, and repacking valves on hot and chilled water circulating systems. Applicants have experience consistently documenting operational data and taking corrective actions when malfunctions are indicated by alarms or gauges.

Your resume must detail your experience.

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, 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.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, the FLETC requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Suitability/Fitness as a condition of placement in this Non-Sensitive, Moderate Risk position. This review may include financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Physical Demands: The position requires working in positions such as kneeling, stooping, bending, and crouching. Occasionally works in cramped or awkward positions. Frequent standing and walking is required while checking equipment. Lifting, carrying, and moving of heavy objects is required. Occasionally lifts objects weighing over 50 pounds.

Work Environment: Required to work in disagreeable conditions, both inside and outside, with a major portion of work being done indoors in high temperatures. The work is usually dirty, dusty and greasy. The position may be exposed to dangers such as electrical shock, explosions, carbon monoxide poison, scalds, burns, gas and oil or Sulphur fumes. Cuts, bruises and broken bones may result from accidents while working around machinery and equipment. Required to operate government vehicles to travel between work sites. This position is deemed Emergency Essential in accordance with FLETC Directive 70-90.F, Hurricane Response Plan dated August 19, 2019.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.

Education

Not Applicable

Additional information

A relocation incentive is generally a single payment intended to offset some of the relocation costs experienced by the selectee. A relocation incentive may be authorized.

A recruitment incentive may be authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is not authorized.

This position may be filled at the WG-10 or WG-11 level. If selection is made at the WG-10 level, promotion to the WG-11 level may occur without further competition.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and FLETC policy, FLETC is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at FLETC are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.Re-employed annuitants' annual salaries will be reduced by the amount of their retirement annuity and by further cost of living increases. FERS retirees receiving a FERS annuity supplement must also be aware that, like social security benefits, their FERS annuity supplement is subject to an earnings test and may be reduced if the salary earned is more than the social security exempt amount of earnings. Additional information is available on OPM's website or by contacting OPM.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration of Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies during the next 90 days. This could result in a few or many vacancies being filled from this announcement.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to fletc-jobinfo@fletc.dhs.gov.

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.

A resume must be no more than two pages. If an applicant's resume exceeds two pages, the USAJOBS database will not allow the application to be submitted.

To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process, including the application, SME Resume Review and SME Q&A.

Resume review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. SMEs will review ONLY two (2) pages of your resume, starting at your work experience. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., links embedded in your resume will not be opened). Applicants passing the resume review will move on to the next phase of the assessment process.

Subject matter expert (SME) Question and Answer Session: At this phase, qualified candidates will participate in an SME Q&A to further assess your technical qualifications relative to the required specialized experience. Applicants passing the SME Q&A will be rated and ranked as described below.

This announcement uses the cut-off score method under 5 CFR § 332.402. All qualified applicants who either exceeded the cut number/percentage or tie with other qualified applicants at the cut number/percentage will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.

We will provide the selecting official with a sufficient number of names, when available, to consider at least three candidates per vacancy. If fewer than three eligible and available candidates per vacancy result, we will expand the group in accordance with our pre-announced supplement strategy and OPM policy.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13041887

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be removed from consideration or your score may be lowered.

Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. (This position is notconsidered scientific/professional.). Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.

After FLETC completes its hiring, the resumes of the remaining candidates referred for selection consideration may be shared with other DHS Components and other federal agencies. During the application process, you may choose to opt-in if you would like your name, application material, and assessment results to be shared. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you continue to explore other job opportunity announcements.

Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.

Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. FLETC is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the FLETC Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Agency contact information

Stephany Arwood

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.fletc.gov/careers

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