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Position Title
Utility Systems Repairer-Operator
Agency
Veterans Health Administration
Announcement Number
CBTE-12644289-25-AB Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, December 16, 2024 to Thursday, January 16, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy; AND, 
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. (limit characters)
3. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the Department of Veterans Affairs?  If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. (limit characters)
Preferences
1. Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service?

If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service. (limit characters)
Your resume must be submitted in English and include the following information for each job listed:
  • Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible)
  • Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
  • Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
  • Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages or encrypted, and digitally signed documents linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications. (limit characters)
By submitting your application, you are certifying, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by you with your application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that you have truthfully and accurately represented your work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). The information you provide as part of your application may be investigated. You are also certifying, and acknowledging, that misrepresenting your experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in, or with your application, may affect your eligibility for appointment and/or continued employment. False or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001). (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in a Utility Systems Repairer position with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in Bronx, NY. The following assessment will be used to see if you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position you are applying to. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience is subject to verification by investigation. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience as proof to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task. Note: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation. Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position. (limit characters)
For each task in the following groups, select the appropriate answer to each of the following questions based on your current level of experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. Note: Your resume must support the response you select. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
1. Do you possess the ability to perform the complex duties of a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO), WG-4742-10 without more than normal supervision?

Experience includes: Expert knowledge of Boiler Plants, and Air Conditioning Plants is required due to the complexity of the various equipment as well as the ability to use fast, sound judgment in emergencies. Expert working knowledge of high-pressure boilers, high arid low-pressure air-conditioning equipment, and all auxiliary equipment operated, maintained and repaired. In addition, the USRO must have high pressure boiler operator experience: firing on natural gas or fuel oil. Must have computer knowledge and have the ability to read, write, speak and interpret the English language and transform those interpretations into action required for the operation and repair. Must have the expert ability to ascertain when a true emergency exists and take the appropriate action needed.

Note: Your resume must support the response you select. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
2. Do you have experience testing and treating boiler water, feed water, condensate return water, cooling tower water and city water as per facility instructions and manufacturers recommendations as well as experience adjusting pump settings to maintain concentration of chemicals within the systems?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select. (limit characters)
3. Do you have experience repairing and up-keeping operations for Chillers, Boiler Plants, and Air Conditioning Plants?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select. (limit characters)
4. Do you have experience maintaining and repairing the integrity of the Chiller and Boiler Plant and all associated equipment in the event of an energy management computer failure?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select. (limit characters)
5. Do you have experience maintaining safe, efficient, and continuous operation of Boiler Plant equipment?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select. (limit characters)
6. Do you have expert experience in evaluating and performing corrective action on all problem calls that arise throughout the medical center such as, elevator calls (malfunctions/entrapments), HVAC system malfunctions, plumbing/piping leaks/stoppages, etc?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select. (limit characters)
7. Do you have experience operating, maintaining and repairing air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, central oxygen systems, central vacuum systems, medical air systems, and pneumatic control air systems?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select. (limit characters)
8. Do you have experience operating and adjusting various auxiliary equipment such as controls, pumps, pressure reducing valves, strainers, and refrigerate driers?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select. (limit characters)
9. Do you have experience maintaining boiler water levels, temperatures and internal pressures, and accurately recording these data on operating logs and computerized tracking systems?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select. (limit characters)
10. Do you have experience analyzing boiler water, feed water condensate return, and city water, and adding appropriate chemicals by adjusting the stroke/speed of the fully automated chemical pumps directly injected to the system to prevent corrosion; maintaining proper chemical levels concentration within the systems and blow downs to protect equipment and remain cost effective and prevent chemical waste?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select. (limit characters)
11.

Do you have experience using information from a control center to control, adjust, stop-state, etc. air handling systems throughout an area?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
12.

Do you have experience being responsible for locating faulty equipment and determining supplies and repairs needed to stabilize the numerous and complex systems?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
13.

Do you have experience being responsible for actively completing installations, adjustments, and repairs; and testing with little or no supervision or changes upon completion?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
14.

Do you have experience operating a computer controlled variable frequency drive system for the Chillers, air handlers, exhaust systems and all associated support?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
15.

Do you have experience adjusting combustion variables such as fuel/air ratio, temperature, combustion time, etc.?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
16.

Do you have experience communicating plant conditions, any problems encountered, and corrective action taken to the oncoming operator and Supervisor to ensure the proper flow of information?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
17.

Do you have experience monitoring gauges, charts, temperature monitoring equipment, combustion analyzers, and adjusts controls and control systems as required for proper air conditioning and power boiler plant operations for varying cooling and steam load demands?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
18.

Do you have experience reading and interpreting schematic diagrams and blueprints in order to trace lines, turn off chiller water, steam, hot and cold water lines in various areas?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
19.

Do you have experience interpreting specifications in order to perform preventive maintenance?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
20.

Do you have experience maintaining and performing minor repairs of both electronic and pneumatic instrument controls and measuring devices?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
21.

Do you have experience operating and analyzing data from various combustion gas analyzers?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
22.

Do you have experience utilizing knowledge of chemicals used for air conditioning condenser water systems?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
23.

Do you have experience using chemical analysis for a determination of needed chemicals for air conditioning condenser water systems to properly control scale, corrosion, solids, etc.?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
24.

Do you have experience using various tools and monitoring devices normally needed for utility systems repair?

Note: Your resume must support the response you select.

 (limit characters)
Thank you for completing your Online Assessment. We will now perform a comprehensive review of your application, assessment results, and resume. Note: If you are a current or a former Federal employee, you must provide a copy of your last or most recent SF-50.

Resume Reminder: Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: - Job title - Duties (be as detailed as possible) - Month and year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) - Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

Note: Please make sure you submit all required documentation before the closing date of the announcement. (limit characters)
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