Become a Utility Systems Operator: Powering Critical Healthcare for Veterans

Are you a skilled technician looking for a role that combines technical precision with a higher purpose? The VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) is currently hiring for a Utility Systems Operator in Dallas. This critical role ensures that one of the largest medical complexes in the nation remains operational 24/7. If you have a background in plant operations and a desire to support our nation’s Veterans, this may be the perfect career move.

Job Responsibilities

As a Utility Systems Operator, you are the heartbeat of the facility's Energy Center. Your responsibilities include:

Steam Plant Operations: Managing three D-type pressurized water-tube boilers and a combined heat and power system.
Chiller Management: Operating 1000-ton centrifugal chillers and managing thermal storage systems.
Life Safety Monitoring: Overseeing emergency power, fire alarms, elevators, and medical gas systems.
Preventive Maintenance: Performing repairs on pumps, steam traps, and air-control systems to ensure peak efficiency.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:

You must be a U.S. citizen.
You must pass a suitability background check.
Resumes must be two pages or less.
Ability to work in confined, strenuous environments.

Salary and Comparison Table

Utility Systems Operators receive competitive federal pay based on their hourly rate. Below is a breakdown of key aspects regarding the role:

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$30.12 - $35.12 Per Hour
Location	Dallas, Texas
Schedule	Rotating, Includes Nights/Weekends
Clearance	Low Risk/Non-Sensitive

Benefits

Federal employment offers a robust suite of benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, a generous retirement pension plan, and significant paid time off. Additionally, the VA provides opportunities for professional development, allowing you to grow your career within the federal government.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages long and uses a standard, readable font.
Be Specific: Detail your mechanical experience clearly. Don't leave room for guesswork.
Stay Timely: The announcement is open until 2027, but reviews happen in two-week cycles. Don't wait to submit.

Serving as a Utility Systems Operator for the VA is more than just a job; it is a vital contribution to the care of our Veterans. With a competitive salary, stable work environment, and the opportunity to work on complex, state-of-the-art infrastructure, this position offers a unique career path. Apply today via the official USAJOBS portal.

Why This Utility Systems Operator Job Matters

Join the elite Engineering team at the VA North Texas Health Care System and ensure the mission-critical operation of our nation's third-largest VA hospital facility.

Utility Systems Operator Job Overview

The VA North Texas Health Care System is seeking skilled Utility Systems Operators to manage the complex Energy Center and critical facility infrastructure of our massive 84-acre Dallas medical campus. This is a vital role responsible for the round-the-clock reliability of boilers, chillers, and emergency life-safety systems that support patient care and clinical operations across 2.5 million square feet of facility space.

Requirements for Utility Systems Operator

U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
Must pass a background/suitability investigation.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
Resume must be strictly limited to two pages or less.
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks, including standing, climbing, and lifting up to 40 pounds.
Experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for utility systems operation.

Preferred Qualifications for Utility Systems Operator

Professional experience in large-scale boiler and chiller plant operation.
Knowledge of ASME boiler and pressure vessel codes and ASHRAE standards.
Experience monitoring emergency power, fire alarm, and medical gas systems in a clinical setting.
Proven technical skills in troubleshooting mechanical equipment, pumps, and steam traps.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive Federal employee health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Federal life insurance and long-term care options.
✓Professional development and training opportunities within the VA system.

💡 How to Apply Utility Systems Operator Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Utility Systems Operator Job

Log in or create an account at USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less and formatted clearly.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
Upload all required supporting documentation (e.g., DD-214, SF-50).
Submit your complete application package before the recurring cut-off dates.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must clearly detail your experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your background.
Use a clean, professional font like Lato or Arial and save as a PDF to maintain your formatting.
Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; otherwise, it will be rejected.
Check your application status regularly through your account dashboard.
Apply early; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis every two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shift expectation for this role?

This position requires working a rotating schedule that includes nights, weekends, and holidays, as the facility requires 24/7 coverage.

Does this position use Veterans' Preference?

Because this role uses Direct-Hire Authority, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply, though qualified veterans will be given full consideration.

Is a degree required?

*A: No, the position focuses on relevant training and experience in utility operations.*

Is there relocation assistance?

*A: No, relocation benefits are not offered for this position.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to providing compassionate care to those who have served in our military. The VA North Texas Health Care System is a powerhouse of clinical care, research, and support services. Spanning 84 acres and totaling 2.5 million square feet, the Dallas campus is a sophisticated environment where utility operators play a front-line role in ensuring patient safety.