Launch Your Career as a Utility Systems Operator with the VA
Are you a skilled technician with experience in boiler and chiller operations? The Central Iowa VA Health Care System is looking for motivated professionals to join our Facilities Management team in Des Moines, Iowa. This is an incredible opportunity to use your technical skills to support the health and well-being of America's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Utility Systems Operator, you are the backbone of our physical plant. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- System Operation: Managing the safe operation of the central boiler and chiller plant.
- Maintenance: Performing preventive and corrective maintenance on chillers, boilers, pumps, and steam traps.
- Chemical Treatment: Monitoring and adjusting water chemistry for boilers and cooling towers.
- Inspection: Testing and calibrating safety controls, instrumentation, and flowmeters.
- Documentation: Keeping accurate operational logs and reading gauges to manage fuel and energy efficiency.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following federal requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Physical Fitness: You must be able to perform heavy lifting (up to 80 lbs) and work in demanding environments.
- Resume Limits: Resumes must be two pages or less to be considered.
- Background Check: Successful completion of a suitability investigation.
Comparison of Key Factors
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Des Moines, Iowa |
| Pay Rate | $28.35 - $33.05 per hour |
| Shift Type | 12-Hour Fixed Shifts |
| Incentives | Recruitment/Relocation Authorized |
Salary and Benefits
We offer a competitive hourly wage ranging from $28.35 to $33.05. Additionally, the VA provides a robust federal benefits package, including retirement contributions, health insurance options, and generous leave policies. For highly qualified candidates, recruitment or relocation incentives may be available.
How to Apply
Applications are processed online. Ensure your resume is formatted correctly and that you have addressed all elements of the questionnaire to reflect your technical experience. The VA cannot make assumptions regarding your skills—if it isn’t on your resume, it isn’t counted!
If you take pride in your work and want to serve those who served us, this position offers a stable career path with excellent benefits. Apply today to help us continue providing the best care possible to our Veterans.
Why This Utility Systems Operator-Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Matters
Power the mission of caring for our nation’s heroes. Join the Central Iowa VA Health Care System as a Utility Systems Operator and play a critical role in maintaining the infrastructure that supports our Veterans.
Utility Systems Operator-Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Overview
The Central Iowa VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Utility Systems Operator to maintain, monitor, and optimize the critical boiler and chiller systems at our Des Moines campus. In this role, you will be part of a team committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and efficient environment for Veterans receiving primary care, surgery, and behavioral health services. This is a vital position that requires technical expertise in industrial HVAC and utility plant operations, ensuring our facilities remain operational around the clock.
Requirements for Utility Systems Operator-Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Must be able to pass a background and suitability investigation.
- Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks, including standing, bending, and lifting up to 80 pounds.
- Must be able to work in industrial environments involving temperature extremes, noise, and potential exposure to chemicals.
- Must maintain a two-page maximum resume length.
- Ability to work fixed shifts, including 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM or 8:00 PM - 8:00 AM.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Utility Systems Operator-Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized
- Hands-on experience with boilers, chillers, cooling towers, and associated pumps.
- Proficiency in chemical water treatment and monitoring for plant equipment.
- Ability to use and calibrate technical measurement tools like multimeters, manometers, and infrared thermometers.
- Strong technical diagnostic skills to troubleshoot mechanical and safety control issues.
- Previous experience working in a hospital or large-scale industrial utility setting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive hourly compensation.
- âś“Recruitment or Relocation Incentives for qualified candidates.
- âś“Access to a comprehensive Federal benefits package including health and retirement plans.
- âś“Paid annual and sick leave.
- âś“Professional development within a major healthcare network.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Utility Systems Operator-Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Utility Systems Operator-Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job
- Create or log in to your account on the official federal jobs portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, focusing on relevant utility system experience.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Upload required documentation, including your resume and any relevant certifications or SF-50 forms.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume is formatted to be two pages or less; longer resumes will not be accepted.
- Be specific about your hours per week for each past role to ensure your experience is credited correctly.
- Highlight your experience with boilers and chillers in detail, as this is the focus of the evaluation.
- Submit as early as possible, even though this is an open continuous announcement, to be considered during the first cut-off cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This role involves fixed 12-hour shifts, either from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM or 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
Is a formal education degree required?
No, there is no specific educational degree required, but you must demonstrate sufficient experience and training to perform the duties of the position.
Can I submit a long resume?
No, per the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes for this position must be exactly two pages or shorter. Any resume exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.
Is this a permanent position?
Yes, this position is a standard federal appointment subject to an initial one-year probationary period.
What is the work environment like?
It is an industrial setting that can be noisy, warm, and involve handling chemicals. Proper safety gear is provided and required.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to provide exceptional care to those who have served our nation. Operating a massive, multi-campus healthcare network, the VA requires highly skilled professionals to manage the infrastructure that keeps our facilities running safely. Working with the Central Iowa VA Health Care System means you are a vital part of a team dedicated to compassion and excellence.