Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (Technical Career Field (TCF) Trainee)

Summary This position is located in the Engineering Service in the Boiler and Chiller Plants at the James H Quillen VA Medical Center, in Mountain Home, TN. The incumbent serves as a participant in the Technical Career Fields Program under the direction of a qualified preceptor. The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. Duties The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. As part of the VA's succession planning, the Technical Career Field (TCF) training program was created to ensure individuals are trained in critical areas that have current or predicted shortages. The program is nationally funded to include salary, benefits and training/travel dollars. At the time of acceptance into the TCF program, trainees will be asked to sign mobility, training, and service agreements. Relocation expenses for acceptance into the training program or for placement are not funded by the TCF program. Please keep in consideration, the training program is meant for those individuals who plan on staying with the VA a minimum of 3 years after completion of their training program. Selectees will be required to complete and sign the following paperwork; Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. Although not guaranteed, with more than 150 freestanding facilities and hundreds of clinic locations, we will strive to place trainees in positions that will work for their needs and the needs of the VA. This is a developmental position leading to a GS-9, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. You will ultimately acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-9. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds. TCF is a national workforce development program within VHA designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. The TCF career fields represent those technical areas where VA-specific knowledge and experience are essential for success. Selectees will follow a structured two-year individual development plan and will receive training and mentorship from a subject matter expert (preceptor). Trainees must remain at the hiring grade for a minimum of one year. Selectees will also be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. Major duties and responsibilities include: Learns the basics of boiler plant operations and team systems, under close supervision. Lights off, operates, secures and maintains power boilers and auxiliary support equipment. Assists with preventive maintenance inspections (PMI) on boilers and associated boiler/steam production equipment. Cleans equipment and performs general housekeeping duties as assigned. Assists with boiler and associated steam production equipment repairs discovered during performance inspections, normal operation or as a result of equipment failure. Performs water treatment and chemical testing of pool and boiler feed condensate. Learns to operate and perform maintenance on emergency electrical generators to meet plant electrical requirements when the main electrical source is unable to provide the necessary power. Works as mechanic responsible for maintenance of the air conditioning plant and all peripheral equipment, including Air Handling Units (AHU's), Fan Coil Units (FCU's), pumps, piping, etc., all Heating and Ventilating Units (HVU's), exhaust fans and all other equipment involved in the air conditioning control room, including starting and stopping all equipment measuring key temperatures, pressures, etc., controlling chemical composition of water in systems, etc. Assists Journeyman Utility System Repairer-Operator (USRO) in maintenance duties including performing maintenance, making adjustments and repairs or replacing any component of the central air conditioning system, all HVU's and exhaust fans and associated duct work. Assists Journeyman USRO in the maintenance and repair of all package chilled water or air conditioning systems, such as units serving OR, Intensive Care Units, etc. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Qualifications SCREEN OUT: Must possess the ability to do the work of a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (TCF Trainee) without more than normal supervision, that includes the ability to work under the direct guidance of a supervisor or journeyman level personnel, learn theory and the advanced basics of operation of the Boiler Plant and Water Treatment Plant including natural gas and fuel oil boilers, learn and fully understand the various systems within the plants, assist with the day to day operation of the Boiler Plant and Water Treatment Plant, and successfully complete an in-house training program.

Physical Effort and Work

CONDITIONS: Works from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and elevated catwalks. Work may be at or above ground level. Frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, reaching, stooping and crouching, as the work site dictates. Frequently lifts and carries boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 lbs. unassisted. Occasionally carries items weighing over 50 lbs. with assistance. Mainly works indoors but occasionally works outside for short periods of time. Subject to elevated temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil and fumes. Subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment, and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam and contact with boilers. Work on catwalks and ladders. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading) Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc. Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at