Utility Systems Operator

The Utility System Operator (USO) is assigned to the Utility Plant, in Facilities Management Service, at the Erie VA Medical Center. The USO is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and safe operation of 3 Williams & Davis gas/oil combination boilers, producing steam capacity of 6,900 LBS/HR (1) and 13,800 (2) each; and (2) each 600-ton centrifugal chillers The USO monitors alarms for various systems including medical gas, generators, refrigerator/freezers, and engineering control systems.

Work Schedule: Will vary 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift, Sunday - Saturday Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD02177A Major Duties include but not limited to: Responsible for maintenance, repair, and safe operation of three Williams and Davis gas/oil combination boilers, Models (1) 4200-200S and (2) 4400-200S producing steam capacity of 6,900 LBS/HR (1) and 13,800 (2) each; and (2) each 600 ton centrifugal chillers York OPTI-View computer controls. Monitor all medical gas alarms and energy management system alarms and make educated judgment calls for notification to proper personnel. Use electronic, hydraulic, mechanical and pneumatic controls in conjunction with meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements. Adjust fuel feeds and the volume and velocity of draft and other fire box variables to achieve maximum combustion efficiency with changing load demands or variations in fuel. Operate emergency electrical generator to meet plant electrical requirements when the main electrical source is unable to provide the necessary power. Operate a chiller plant that is physically connected to the Boiler plant. Consisting of two 600-ton York centrifugal chillers. Perform all necessary operations to maintain the chiller plant and associated equipment, such as Condenser water pumps, chilled water pumps, condenser water cooling towers, pump and fan VFD's. Responsible for testing and analyzing boiler feed water, boiler water, condensate return water, chilled water, and chiller condenser water using standard chemical tests. Tests, adjust, maintain, and repair boiler safety devices such as flame safeguard systems, pressure switches, pressure differential switches, limit switches, timers, water column safety devices, electric/electronic probes and sensors, steam safety valves, and automatic/manual fuel valves. Visually inspect boiler settings and refractory linings for signs of deterioration and failure due to heat stress. Through the use of manual, automatic, semi-automatic, microprocessor controls or systems, the incumbent monitors, adjusts and controls all phases of boiler plant operations. Use electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic controls, charts, recorders, meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements. Use tools such as manometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometer to maintain, calibrate, and repair safety devices. Incumbent operates, adjusts, maintains and repairs auxiliary plant equipment. Repair, troubleshoot and maintain boilers and auxiliary equipment. Auxiliary equipment may include fuel delivery systems, de-aerating equipment, water treatment equipment, and air compressors that often require regular adjustment and maintenance to meet rigid tolerances. Monitor and test the operation of boiler systems in order to identify malfunctions and potential problems with equipment such as automatic controls, valves, piping, pumps, and related components. Perform preventative, scheduled, and emergency maintenance on equipment including boiler feed water pumps, fuel oil pumps, air compressors, automatic controls, valves, piping, pumps, plant electrical systems and related components and other boiler plant systems. Will maintain burner management control systems including electronic and electro-mechanical controls utilizing ultra-violet, and related testing devices. Devices repaired and maintained are characterized by electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and/or electronic systems with interrelated functions that require the incumbent to deal with all aspects of an integrated assembly to successfully complete work on any of the components. Items serviced are characterized by a variety of data-sensing units, computing assemblies, actuating mechanisms, display indicators, and related controls that are collectively combined and integrated into a complete unit of information gathering devices. Apply broad experience and specialized knowledge of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic theory and a working knowledge of electronics to diagnose, isolate, and repair malfunctions, and to achieve and maintain critical accuracies, sensitivity levels, and precise tolerances in aligning and adjusting complex instrument systems, components, and mechanisms. Work from manufacturers' technical information sources and operating instructions that may be vague or incomplete. Other duties as assigned. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.