Utility Systems Repairer-Operator
What you'd do
The incumbent serves as a Utilities System Repairer-Operator within the Facilities Management Service located at the Joliet CBOC. The incumbent is supervised by the Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor who will be located primarily at Hines VA Hospital.
Major duties
Air Conditioning Equipment Duties Independently operates, maintains, and repairs all HVAC and refrigeration systems throughout the facilities, ensuring strict temperature control for sensitive clinical areas. Performs inspections, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on chillers, air-handling units, pumps, controls, valves, compressors, and related components. Conducts quality-assurance checks, vibration analysis, rounds, and water testing to ensure system performance meets established tolerances. Installs and repairs ductwork, tubing, and fittings using welding, brazing, soldering, and mechanical assembly methods. Tests systems for leaks, evacuates and charges refrigerants properly, and ensures optimal operating conditions using a broad range of mechanical, electrical, and rigging tools. Boiler Plant Duties Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs all boiler plant systems, including boilers, pumps, condensate/steam systems, pollution control equipment, and water-softening equipment. Uses manual, automatic, and microprocessor controls to adjust and monitor boiler operations for efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulations. Performs chemical water testing and treatment for both chilled and boiler systems. Maintains and repairs pneumatic control systems, industrial controls, and auxiliary equipment required for reliable plant operation. Uses mechanical, electrical, and rigging tools to perform rebuilds, installations, preventive maintenance, and system adjustments. Industrial Equipment & Power Support Systems Duties Monitors, operates, troubleshoots, and repairs fire alarm systems, building automation controls (Andover), pneumatic controls, and all emergency power systems including generators, ATS units, and switchgear. Performs calibration, modification, maintenance, and installation of non-medical electrical and electronic systems. Conducts monthly generator and ATS testing per Joint Commission and NEC requirements. Interprets wiring diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and control drawings to diagnose and correct electrical, mechanical, and engine-generator issues. Maintains electrical distribution systems, ensuring proper voltage, phase, load, regulation, and synchronization. Ensures compliance with CEOSH, Life Safety, OSHA, and environmental standards through regular inspections and coordination with Safety and GEMS staff. Supports other Engineering Service functions as required. Work Schedule: Multiple Fixed Tours. Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator/PD13158A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/20/2026. 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: 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. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: The work requires frequent climbing, bending, crouching, stooping, standing, and walking-often for extended periods and sometimes in confined or hot/humid spaces. The incumbent must lift and carry parts and supplies up to 50 pounds and perform tasks involving pulling, crawling, overhead work, and use of arm, back, and leg muscles. Duties may require working from ladders or staging and handling equipment in tight or physically demanding environments.
Before you apply
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