Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Helper (TCF)

Company: Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Location: White City
Posted on: August 4, 2022

Job Description:

Summary The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. The incumbent participates in the USRO Technical Career Field (TCF) two-year training program, designed to prepare the participant for a journeyman-level skillset and position. Responsibilities 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. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. *Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. TCF is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. 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 2 years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. In collaboration with the Preceptor, the individual develops a Professional Development Program (PDP) that includes the program objectives and activities in accordance with the local training plan, and the training guide for the TCF USRO training program. The incumbent trains to qualify as a participant in the areas of operations, maintenance and repair of state-of-the-art boilers and Boiler Plant auxiliary equipment, chillers, air-handlers, steam distribution systems, chilled water systems, hydronic heating systems, and all types of HVAC/R equipment. This is a developmental position leading to a WG-9, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Major duties include but are not limited to: Assists higher graded shop personnel in Boiler Plant operations. Under the direct supervision of a USRO Journeyman, assists with preventative maintenance(PM), and the maintenance and repair of boilers and associated steam production equipment. Moves and holds heavy or awkward items and attachments; carries, lift s, and holds materials in place during operations; operates power saws, grinders, pipe threaders, drills, cutting torches, etc., for the repair or installation of equipment as instructed by a journeyman. Assures safety requirements and housekeeping rules are followed and that personal protective equipment are properly used. Performs proper safety procedures prior to working on any type of HVAC/R equipment, fan motors, fans, pumps, etc. Cleans shop equipment utilizing standard procedures, tools, and cleaning and lubricating agents. Keeps shop tools properly stored, sweeps, and cleans work area, and keeps work area clean and orderly Performs all other related duties as assigned Work schedule: Rotating shifts, night, day, and second-shift, weekends and holidays Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Telework: Not Authorized Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Helper (TCF)/PD904610 Requirements 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 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Training-Service Agreement and Mobility Agreement required Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 07/29/2022. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element for the Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Helper (TCF) is: Examples include: Ensure safe efficient and continuous operations of three, low-pressure fire tube boilers; Operate, adjust, maintain and repair axillary equipment including: unfired pressure vessels, centrifugal pumps, rotary pumps, piston pumps, forced draft fans, atomized air compressors, water softening units, fuel oil strainers and filters, steam traps and strainers, piping and valve; Troubleshoots, repairs and installs various components of the steam, condensate, fire sprinklers, water and drainage/sewer systems throughout campus. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Equipment Assembly, Installation, RepairInterpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)MaterialsMeasuring InstrumentsUse and Maintain Tools and EquipmentWithout 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. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Physical Requirements: The work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion while lifting, carrying, handling, moving, pulling, pushing, transporting or setting up; equipment, ladders, materials, parts, scaffolds, tools up to 50 pounds unaided. Occasionally required to lift and move items weighing in excess of 100 pounds, with the help of weight handling equipment or with assistance from other workers. Works from catwalks, ground level, ladders, platforms, scaffolds, or hard-to-reach places requiring climbing, reaching over and under while in cramped, awkward, tiring, and or uncomfortable positions; applying hand, eye, leg, and body coordination. Work requires kneeling, stretching, pushing, pulling, crouching, stooping, bending, climbing, walking, considerable crawling and standing for long periods on concrete floors and corrugated steel catwalks and negotiating confined spaces. Must be able to perform work at heights in excess of thirty feet and inside confined spaces requiring entry and exit through standard manual openings. Must be able to use appropriate respiratory protective equipment while working in conditions involving adverse elements such as carbon, cement, fire clay, fibrous glass, silica and soot dust; chemical and organic vapors. Must have vision of no less than 20/40 (corrected) and be able to distinguish basic shades of color. Must have ability to assess equipment/system operating conditions during all hours in often remote locations while working alone and respond with sound judgment and ingenuity to stressful situations. Ability to maintain a high degree of mental alertness and concentration at all hours for up to twelve hours at a time. Incumbents will receive annual physicals to ensure they are physically fit to perform the assigned duties. Working Conditions: Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in areas where it is usually dirty, dusty and greasy; outside in bad weather; and in areas where it is hot and noisy. Some of the work is performed in attics, service tunnels and under buildings where space is limited, requiring the incumbent to work in cramped positions. Work involves exposure to asbestos dust from old drywall, siding and pipe insulation. Adequate safety procedures, training and personal protective equipment are provided to make the work environment as safe as possible. Listing of additional asbestos duties and responsibilities for classification purposes: 1. Mandatory to know small scale abatement codes and regulations from federal and state agencies, such as ORAPD, OSHA, or NESHAPS, or Licensing, Worker Protection Rule and AHERA. 2. Mandatory to know how to handle and identify asbestos as a hazardous material, without contaminating self, area or others. 3. Must know the health effects of asbestos, a hazardous material. 5. Mandatory to perform abatement of asbestos, such as removal, encapsulation, and enclosures to complete pipefitting projects. Skills and knowledge of glove bagging, mini enclosures, identifying health hazards, cleanup of tools, area, personal respirator, disposal of contaminated material, records of contaminated levels (personal), etc. 6. Must know the proper use of protective wear, respirators, "Tyvec" suits, negative air machines, personal air samples, etc. 7. Responsible to post hazard communication warning signs, to demarcate regulated areas and each location where asbestos may be higher than the permissible exposure level. Responsible to ensure areas remain secure. 8. Responsible for the cleanup and prompt disposal of contaminated material and equipment. 9. Responsible for personal hygiene, respirators, clothing, showers, etc., after exposure. 10. Responsible for self supervision of small scale asbestos abatement projects, on how to properly and safely remove, handle and identify, asbestos containing material. 11.To be physically and emotionally prepared to crawl in protective gear and respirators while hauling heavy pipe wrenches, piping and equipment to work in hot, cramped and dirty areas. 12. Heat stress while in protective overalls and respirator; possibility of heat stroke. 13.Work involves exposure to asbestos, a hazardous material which there is no 100% filter, protective device or clothing. When assigned to cover boiler plant shifts: 1. Works alone in a remote and restricted access area. 2. Regularly works in extreme temperature environment in excess of 100 degrees. 3. Regularly exposed to chemicals, fossil fuels, lubricants, moving machinery and parts; air, steam and liquids under high pressures and temperatures and solvents. 4. There is danger of boiler or furnace explosions, burns, broken bones, cuts and scalds, electrical shock, pressure vessel ruptures, slipping, tripping and falling. Painting, and housekeeping duties in the boiler plant. Is also required to perform minor electrical troubleshooting and repairs. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

Keywords: Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Medford , Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Helper (TCF), Professions , White City, Oregon