Summary
The incumbent serves as a Utilities System Repairer-Operator within the Facilities Management Service located at the Joliet CBOC. The incumbent is supervised by the Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor who will be located primarily at Hines VA Hospital.
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Duties
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Air Conditioning Equipment Duties
- Independently operates, maintains, and repairs all HVAC and refrigeration systems throughout the facilities, ensuring strict temperature control for sensitive clinical areas.
- Performs inspections, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on chillers, air-handling units, pumps, controls, valves, compressors, and related components.
- Conducts quality-assurance checks, vibration analysis, rounds, and water testing to ensure system performance meets established tolerances.
- Installs and repairs ductwork, tubing, and fittings using welding, brazing, soldering, and mechanical assembly methods.
- Tests systems for leaks, evacuates and charges refrigerants properly, and ensures optimal operating conditions using a broad range of mechanical, electrical, and rigging tools.
Boiler Plant Duties
- Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs all boiler plant systems, including boilers, pumps, condensate/steam systems, pollution control equipment, and water-softening equipment.
- Uses manual, automatic, and microprocessor controls to adjust and monitor boiler operations for efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulations.
- Performs chemical water testing and treatment for both chilled and boiler systems.
- Maintains and repairs pneumatic control systems, industrial controls, and auxiliary equipment required for reliable plant operation.
- Uses mechanical, electrical, and rigging tools to perform rebuilds, installations, preventive maintenance, and system adjustments.
Industrial Equipment & Power Support Systems Duties
- Monitors, operates, troubleshoots, and repairs fire alarm systems, building automation controls (Andover), pneumatic controls, and all emergency power systems including generators, ATS units, and switchgear.
- Performs calibration, modification, maintenance, and installation of non-medical electrical and electronic systems. Conducts monthly generator and ATS testing per Joint Commission and NEC requirements.
- Interprets wiring diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and control drawings to diagnose and correct electrical, mechanical, and engine-generator issues.
- Maintains electrical distribution systems, ensuring proper voltage, phase, load, regulation, and synchronization.
- Ensures compliance with CEOSH, Life Safety, OSHA, and environmental standards through regular inspections and coordination with Safety and GEMS staff.
- Supports other Engineering Service functions as required.
Work Schedule: Multiple Fixed Tours.
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD13158A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Pre-employment physical 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.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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 or trial 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, 07/20/2026.
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:
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 requires frequent climbing, bending, crouching, stooping, standing, and walking-often for extended periods and sometimes in confined or hot/humid spaces. The incumbent must lift and carry parts and supplies up to 50 pounds and perform tasks involving pulling, crawling, overhead work, and use of arm, back, and leg muscles. Duties may require working from ladders or staging and handling equipment in tight or physically demanding environments.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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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.
Benefits
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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.
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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.
