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Utility Systems Operator

Pittsburgh VA Medical Center | Pittsburgh, PA

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Posted Date 2/12/2026
Description

This position is located in the VA Pittsburgh Health Care System's Facilities Management Service Line and reports to the Utility Systems supervisor. The incumbent is responsible for operation and maintenance of the Utility Systems and may be required to work at both divisions - HJ Heinz and University Drive. Incumbent works all three shifts, including holidays and weekends, on a rotating basis to provide coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Duties include but not limited to:
  • Proper and efficient operation of the Boiler and Air Conditioning plants and auxiliary equipment to maintain a steady supply of steam and chilled water for the medical center.
  • Monitors and controls air handlers, hot water and chilled water systems, pumps, fans, etc., via the computerized energy management system.
  • Serve as central point of contact for Patient Care Coordinators (PCC) during off tour hours and weekends to contact FMS tradesman, supervisors and/or managers to report for urgent or emergency repairs at the medical center.
  • Works on boilers, boiler plant control systems, computerized management systems, tank level measuring systems, associated pumps, valves, and auxiliary equipment.
  • Monitors and maintains close control of air conditioning systems for specialized areas such as computer rooms, Pharmacies, OR rooms, research and animal facilities, intensive care areas, MRI and CAT scans, and Radiation Therapy areas that require close control of temperature and/or humidity.
  • Monitor the Energy Management System and take calls from medical center personnel pertaining to any utility systems or equipment outages and contact the necessary personnel to make proper repairs.
  • Use independent judgment in starting up and shutting down heating and cooling systems for comfort, protection, and energy conservation, requiring the incumbent to apply knowledge of all phases of plant operations with a high degree of accuracy.

Work Schedule: 6:00am to 2:00pm, 2:00pm to 10:00pm, and 10:00pm to 6:00am. Rotating shifts for coverage 24 hours/day, 7 days a week to include weekends and holidays
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD00279A
Physical Requirements: The incumbent frequently carries and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds and must be able to exert a high level of physical exertion when necessary. Hoists, holders, and pulleys are operated when removing units such as large compressors, condensers, and chillers. The incumbent makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding and platforms, where the parts of the systems worked on are frequently in hard-to-reach places; and climbing, lifting, stooping, stretching, bending and kneeling are frequently required. Incumbent is required to pass a physical examination annually.
Working Conditions: Most of the work is performed inside, but the incumbent is frequently subject to sudden temperature changes when working on equipment such as walk-in freezer units. The incumbent is occasionally subjects to cuts, burns, electrical shocks, and respiratory ailments. Exposure to repeated, prolonged or concentrated amounts of refrigerant gases may cause toxic effects to eyes, skin and internal organs. The incumbent is also exposed to high voltage, chemicals, cleaners, and solvents. The incumbent is occasionally required to work outside, on top of tall buildings, in drafty attic spaces, and in cramped areas with low overheads. Uncomfortable facemasks and protective clothing may be occasionally worn where there is possibility of exposure to toxic refrigerants.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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 , your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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:
  • Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
  • Technical Practices
  • Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Without more than normal supervision


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.This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Salary35.30 Hour

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