Utility Systems Repairer-Operator - Fort Harrison, United States - Department Of Veterans Affairs

Description

Summary

The incumbent serves as a Utility Systems Repairer/Operator (USRO) and is responsible for boiler, chiller, and domestic water system repair and operations. During non-regular duty hours when there is no other staff member present, the incumbent has shift responsibility and serves as the "operator in charge". This position is located in the Central Utility Plant, Engineering Section of Facilities Management Service Line.

Duties

Duties include:

• Operates all equipment located in the Boiler Plant inclusive of three heating boilers and two power boilers as well as all subordinate support systems.
• Start, operate, adjust, stop, maintain, and perform various operational repairs on single or multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary and control equipment.
• Maintain efficient and safe combustion performance through the use of manual, automatic, or digital controls systems via monitoring and making corresponding adjustments.
• Operators utilize a variety of controls output data and manual readings to determine necessary adjustments and corrective actions to ensure proper boiler operations or address changing load requirements.
• Operate, adjust, and maintain auxiliary support equipment including but not limited to condensate pumps, deaeration tanks, forced air draft fans, and emergency electrical generators.
• Monitor and make operational adjustment to maximize combustion efficiency.
• Observe and take readings from numerous data points to detect danger, changing load properties, potential carryover or other output quality concerns, and calculation of overall plant thermal efficiency.
• Analyze feedwater chemistry as well as boiler water and direct condensate to determine chemical properties.
• Determine the necessary treatment actions (manual boiler blow downs, make-up water modifications) and any modifications to automated chemical feed systems to achieve parameters.
• Performs all maintenance actions germane to the position or as per manufacture documentation.
• Identifying necessary additions, deletions, and modifications to said program.
• Required to inspect, maintain, repair, and replace system components including but not limited to steam traps, pressure reducing valves, condensate receivers and pumps, and heat exchangers.
• Perform hourly checks of all operating equipment in the central utility plant, making adjustments and minor repairs as necessary.
• Ability to use various power and hand tools in the repair of equipment, i.e., drill presses, portable hand drills, bench grinders, and pipe threading machines.
• Responsibility to initiate procurement actions under the micro-purchase threshold level in support plant operations via market research, development of requirements, and initiation of funding allocation when necessary.
• Monitoring, adjusting and maintaining chlorination equipment, testing samples and recording results, and completing reporting requirements in accordance with VA and State Requirements.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 6:00am-6:30pm Varied, Rotating with Weekends/Holidays

Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD11249A

Physical Requirements: Frequently work in confined areas in and around equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Frequently lift and carries parts, materials, and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, carries items weighing over 40 pounds.

Working Conditions: Works inside and outside at heights up to 50 feet. Subject to extreme temperature changes from a +105 to a -40 degrees. Subject to high noise level which requires wearing of hearing protection. Work inside boiler drums (when doing major overhaul) is tight and hot. Work is dirty, greasy, hot, cold and wet. Employee is subject to cuts, bruises, traffic hazards and is exposed to danger from boiler explosion, high temperature water and steam lines, electrical shock, falls, burns, scalds, chemicals, broken bones, explosive chemical or conventional munitions, carbon monoxide poisoning, and gas and oil fumes.

Other Significant Facts: Incumbent must report for work during periods of hazardous road and weather conditions. Work is performed on a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 3 shift rotating tour of duty. Incumbent will be subject to rotate work hours through all three shifts schedules. Incumbent could be subjected to hazards normally encountered in the trade. This position requires working rotating shifts and overtime.