Becoming a Utility Systems Operator at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC)

Are you looking for a stable, high-paying career where your hands-on mechanical skills help protect and support the nation? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently hiring a Utility Systems Operator at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia.

Offering hourly rates ranging from $31.39 to $38.48 per hour (WG-10/11 levels), this role provides a unique path to a secure federal career. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the agency, the duties involved, key requirements, and how to successfully navigate the unique application process.

About the Agency: The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC)

FLETC serves as the cornerstone of federal law enforcement training in the United States. Through strategic partnerships, FLETC prepares the federal law enforcement community to safeguard America's people, property, and democratic institutions.

Operating as an inter-agency organization under the Department of Homeland Security, FLETC trains thousands of officers and agents from over 90 federal agencies, as well as state, local, tribal, and international partners. To support this vital, high-tempo training environment, the physical infrastructure of the training centers must run flawlessly. The Facilities Operations and Facilities Management Branches are responsible for maintaining the extensive complexes, training grounds, and administrative structures that make up the expansive Glynco, Georgia campus.

Job Responsibilities: Keeping FLETC Infrastructure Running

As a Utility Systems Operator, you will serve as a crucial member of the Mission and Readiness Support Directorate. Your primary objective is to operate, monitor, maintain, and repair a complex network of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, large-scale industrial boilers, and auxiliary plant machinery.

Daily Operational Duties:

Boiler Plant Operation: Maintain and monitor industrial boilers equipped with dual natural gas and fuel oil burners, fuel handling equipment, draft gauges, and advanced combustion control systems.
HVAC and Chilled Water Systems: Control and maintain large, complex centrifugal and reciprocating refrigeration machines, cooling towers, circulating pumps, heat exchangers, and air handling units.
Energy Management Systems: Utilize computerized Energy Management Control Systems (EMCS) to monitor and adjust climatic conditions for various training and office structures across the campus.
Chemical Testing: Conduct precise chemical tests on boiler feed and chilled water to manage scale buildup, prevent corrosion, and ensure equipment longevity.
Preventive Maintenance: Replace worn-out components, such as V-belts, filters, and gaskets. Lubricate motor bearings, repack valves, and tighten loose mechanical fittings.

Understanding the Grade Levels: WG-10 vs. WG-11

This position is open at both the WG-10 and WG-11 grade levels. Candidates selected at the WG-10 level may be promoted to the WG-11 level without further job competition once performance standards and time-in-grade requirements are met. The following table highlights the difference in technical responsibilities between the two grades:

Feature / Responsibility	WG-10 Level	WG-11 Level
Supervision Level	Performs routine work independently; complex troubleshooting requires guidance.	Works with high independence; handles advanced diagnostics and major systems alone.
Boiler Maintenance	Routine monitoring, startups, shut-downs, and basic corrective actions.	Complex troubleshooting, major repairs, and precise system adjustments on dual-fuel setups.
HVAC & Chiller Systems	Basic checks of oil pressures, temperatures, and routine visual inspections.	In-depth troubleshooting, monitoring of flowmeters, and direct repairs on large reciprocating/centrifugal machines.
Decision Making	Identifies abnormal conditions and reports complex issues to supervisors.	Analyzes warning alarms, diagnoses system-wide failures, and executes immediate repairs.

Key Job Requirements & Working Conditions

Working in industrial utility operations requires a high degree of physical fitness, resilience, and adaptability. Applicants must be fully aware of the demands and environment associated with this position:

Physical Demands:

This role is physically intensive. You will be required to stand, walk, kneel, crouch, and bend for extended periods while inspecting machinery. Work often takes place in awkward, cramped, or confined spaces. Additionally, you must be capable of lifting and carrying heavy machinery parts or tools weighing more than 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

You will encounter uncomfortable working conditions, both indoors and outdoors. A significant portion of your shift will be spent in high-temperature boiler rooms and utility facilities. The work environment is frequently dirty, dusty, and greasy. Operators are exposed to physical hazards, including hot steam lines, electrical high-voltage lines, chemical fumes, pressurized gas, and loud mechanical noise. Safety gear and strict adherence to protective protocols are mandatory.

Emergency Essential Status:

Because Glynco, Georgia is located in a coastal region vulnerable to extreme weather, this position is designated as Emergency Essential under the FLETC Hurricane Response Plan. In the event of a hurricane or other natural disasters, you may be required to remain on-site or report to work to secure utility networks, maintain emergency systems, and assist in recovery efforts.

Salary and Comprehensive Federal Benefits

Federal employment offers competitive compensation alongside a gold-standard benefits package. The salary for this position ranges from $31.39 to $38.48 per hour, depending on the grade level at which you are hired and your years of experience.

Included Benefits:

Healthcare Coverage: Choose from a wide selection of low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Retirement Security: Participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which features an agency match of up to 5%.
Paid Time Off: Earn annual vacation days and sick leave based on your length of service, in addition to 12 paid federal holidays each year.
Incentives: Recruiting or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates on a case-by-case basis.
Wellness Support: Free access to on-site fitness centers and physical wellness classes located within the FLETC training campus.

Navigating the Application Process: Critical Tips

Applying for a federal job is significantly different from applying for a job in the private sector. If you fail to follow the rules precisely, your application will be disqualified before a human recruiter even views it.

1. The Strict Two-Page Resume Rule

Your resume must not exceed two pages. The USAJobs system will automatically block or reject applications with resumes that are three pages or longer. Limit your resume to highly relevant experiences, detailing your technical mechanical work, boiler safety certifications, and HVAC diagnostics clearly and concisely.

2. The Essay Questionnaire & AI Prohibition

The application includes four short, free-response essay questions designed to highlight your commitment to public service. Each answer must be 200 words or less. You must certify that your writing is entirely your own. Do not use AI writing assistants, such as ChatGPT or Copilot, to draft these responses; doing so can lead to immediate disqualification.

3. Clear Documentation for Veterans and Transitioning Employees

If you are claiming a hiring preference (such as Veterans' Preference or priority transition rights via ICTAP), you must upload the appropriate, legible documentation. For veterans, a clear Member-4 copy of your DD-214 is preferred. For ICTAP candidates, you must submit your official agency notice, a recent SF-50 form, and your latest performance review.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is Glynco, Georgia, and is relocation paid for?
A: Glynco is located in coastal Georgia, near Brunswick and the Golden Isles. Government-paid Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation is not authorized for this position, though a temporary relocation or recruitment incentive may be considered.

Q: How often are applications reviewed under this 'Open Continuous' posting?
A: The first batch of applications will be pulled and reviewed on September 8, 2026. After that date, reviews will occur systematically every two weeks until the final closing date.

Q: Can I apply if I have no formal utility operating licenses?
A: While formal municipal or state operating licenses are highly beneficial, the primary federal requirement is having equivalent hands-on experience (civilian or military) of sufficient quality and scope to perform the duties of the position safely and effectively.

Q: What steps are involved in the candidate evaluation phase?
A: Qualified applicants will first undergo a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Resume Review. Candidates who pass this initial screening will be invited to a technical SME Question and Answer Session to verify their experience before a referral list is sent to the hiring manager.

Working as a Utility Systems Operator at FLETC is more than just a maintenance job; it is a vital service role that ensures our nation's law enforcement personnel train in safe, fully operational, climate-controlled environments. If you possess the mechanical aptitude to handle heavy boilers and complex HVAC chillers, and you desire the unmatched security of a federal career, do not hesitate. Update your two-page resume, complete your application questionnaire, and apply today to join the DHS team in Glynco, Georgia!

Why This Utility Systems Operator Job Matters

Power the infrastructure that trains America's front-line federal agents. Step into a mission-critical utility role with FLETC in Georgia and secure a stable, rewarding federal career.

Utility Systems Operator Job Overview

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) is seeking a skilled and reliable Utility Systems Operator to maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot complex utility infrastructure at its Glynco, Georgia facility. As part of the Department of Homeland Security, FLETC provides state-of-the-art training facilities for federal law enforcement personnel. In this role, you will ensure the continuous and safe operation of large-scale boiler plants, chilled water systems, and modern HVAC equipment. This is an open continuous announcement with regular application review periods, offering a path to a stable federal career with competitive hourly wages and exceptional benefits.

Requirements for Utility Systems Operator

Must be a U.S. citizen or national to apply.
Must successfully pass a Moderate Risk background investigation for suitability and fitness.
Ability to perform demanding physical labor, including heavy lifting of objects over 50 pounds, kneeling, crouching, and standing for long periods.
Willingness to work in challenging environments, including high-temperature boiler rooms and dirty, dusty, or greasy conditions.
Must hold or be able to obtain a valid state driver's license to operate government vehicles between worksites.
Must adhere to the strict 2-page limit for your resume; applications with longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
Must agree to random drug testing as a condition of employment.
Subject to recall and designated as Emergency Essential under the FLETC Hurricane Response Plan.

Preferred Qualifications for Utility Systems Operator

Hands-on experience operating industrial centrifugal and reciprocating chillers.
Familiarity with Energy Management Control Systems (EMCS) for facility automation.
Experience performing advanced chemical treatment tests on boiler water systems to prevent scale and corrosion.
Demonstrated ability to work safely around electrical, thermal, and chemical hazards with minimal oversight.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay with potential for non-competitive promotion from WG-10 to WG-11.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions up to 5%.
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) defined benefit pension plan.
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓12 paid federal holidays per year.
✓Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care.
✓Access to on-site fitness centers and physical wellness programs.
✓Disabled Veteran Leave available for qualifying service-connected disabilities of 30% or more.

💡 How to Apply Utility Systems Operator Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Utility Systems Operator Job

Prepare your resume, ensuring it does not exceed the mandatory two-page maximum limit.
Navigate to the USAJobs application portal using the apply link provided.
Create or log in to your USAJobs account and select your tailored two-page resume.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire, answering all questions honestly and accurately.
Submit responses to the four short, free-response essay questions within the application system.
Upload all required supporting documents, such as DD-214 for veterans, SF-50 forms for federal employees, or ICTAP letters.
Review your application carefully and submit it before the 11:59 PM Eastern Time deadline on the current review cycle.

💡 General Tips

Strict Resume Limit: Your resume must be two pages or fewer. The USAJobs system will block or disqualify applications that exceed this limit.
Write Your Own Essays: The application contains four short essay questions. Do not use AI assistants, consultants, or large language models to write these; you must certify that the work is entirely your own.
Detail Your Specialized Experience: Ensure your resume explicitly describes your hands-on experience with boilers, chillers, and HVAC systems. If you are applying for the WG-11 level, focus on complex troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance on multi-zone climate systems.
Check Document Legibility: Ensure that scanned versions of your DD-214, SF-50, or certification documents are high-resolution and completely legible, as unreadable attachments can disqualify you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum page length for my resume?

Your resume must be no more than two pages. If your resume exceeds this limit, the system will not allow you to complete your submission, or your application will be disqualified during review.

Is this position eligible for remote work or telework?

No, this is a hands-on, physical utility operation position located entirely on-site at Glynco, Georgia, and is not eligible for telework or remote work.

What does 'Open Continuous' mean for this job posting?

An open continuous announcement remains open for a longer duration, and applications are collected and reviewed periodically. For this position, the first review starts on September 8, 2026, and subsequent reviews occur every two weeks until the closing date.

Is drug testing required for this position?

Yes. FLETC maintains a drug-free workplace. All tentative selectees must pass a pre-employment drug screening, and employees are subject to random drug testing throughout their employment.