Utility Systems Repairer -Operator Helper - TECHNICAL CAREER FIELD (TCF) TRAINEE
What you'd do
This is an entry level Technical Career Field (TCF) Intern Utility Systems Repairer Operator (USRO) position located at the Western Colorado Health Care System (WCHCS), located in the Facility Management Service. The incumbent serves as a participant in the Technical Career Fields Program under the supervision of the USRO Supervisor (Energy Plant), assigned to the Facility Management Service (FMS), in Grand Junction, CO.
Major duties
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. 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. 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 position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of WG-9. At the WG-5 grade level, the employee performs assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of WG-9. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds. DUTIES Assists higher-graded shop personnel in energy plant operations. Assists with preventative maintenance (PM), the maintenance and repair of boilers and associated steam production equipment in the Energy Plant. Moves and holds heavy or awkward items and attachments; carries, lifts, and holds materials in place during operations. Operates power saws, grinders, pipe threaders, drills, cutting torches, etc. Assures safety requirements and housekeeping rules are followed and that personal protective equipment is properly used. Performs proper safety procedures prior to working on any type of HVAC/R equipment, chillers, cooling towers, fan motors, fans, pumps, etc. Lubricates and 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: Monday - Friday - 8:00AM - 4:30PM Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized
What you need to qualify
PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK CONDITIONS: Subjected to sustained physical effort in the operation of power boilers, chillers, HVAC/R equipment, steam distribution systems, chilled water distribution systems; physical requirements may include working from ladders, scaffolds, and platforms where parts of the system are in hard-to-reach places. Work is carried out in tiring positions such as standing, crouching, stooping, kneeling, and prone for long periods of time. Occasionally, the incumbent will be required to lift items in excess of 70 pounds and 100 pounds with assistance. Subject to hazards of refrigerants, fumes, boiler bursts, flame blow back, high- and low-pressure steam, scalding water, burns and electrical shock. Exposed frequently to temperature extremes, high noise levels, drafts, dampness, water, and noise for work conditions. Most of the work takes place in an industrial environment but does require work outdoors, exposed to the elements. Incumbent will frequently encounter ladders, catwalks, confined spaces, etc., and is subjected to hazards normally encountered in the trade and may be exposed to asbestos. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications. For this position, the job element method is used to match what you, the applicant, can do against what the work calls for. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be compared to the knowledge, skills and abilities (called job elements) needed for success. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element (WG-2 and higher only; screen-outs are not applicable to WG-1). Applicants who appear to meet the screen out element are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligibles are rated against the remainder of the job elements. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume. You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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; religious; 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.
Before you apply
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