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

What you'd do

• 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