Skilled Trades Leadership: Maintenance and Operations Supervisor at Tomah VA Medical Center

Are you an experienced trade leader looking to take your supervisory career to the next level while serving America's veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently accepting applications for a Maintenance and Operations Supervisor at the Tomah VA Medical Center in Tomah, Wisconsin.

This position plays a critical role in overseeing the infrastructure, utility systems, and facility upkeep essential to delivering continuous, whole-health care to veterans. Offering an attractive wage rate between $37.71 and $44.02 per hour, this position provides stability, competitive benefits, and a rewarding operational leadership environment.

About the Agency: Tomah VA Medical Center

Guided by President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors," the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) stands as one of the largest integrated healthcare networks in the United States.

The Tomah VA Medical Center serves veterans living across Western and Central Wisconsin. Beyond its primary hospital campus in Tomah, the medical center manages four community-based outpatient clinics in La Crosse, Clark County, Wausau, and Wisconsin Rapids. As part of Veterans Integrated Services Network 12 (VISN 12), the Tomah facility collaborates with regional partners across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan to maintain state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to high-quality healthcare.

Key Job Responsibilities

As the Maintenance and Operations Supervisor (WS-10), you will serve under the general direction of the Maintenance and Operations Supervisor Foreman. You will directly plan, coordinate, and supervise work operations for the Utilities Maintenance Shop. This section comprises 16 employees across four specialized trade areas: Plumbing, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning, Steam Fitters, and the Boiler Plant.

Primary Duties Include:

Personnel & Labor Administration: Oversee staff administrative matters, direct personnel actions (rewards or discipline), and handle union grievances or agreements in accordance with established guidelines.
Work Scheduling & Operational Control: Develop daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly work schedules for subordinate journeymen and tradesmen. Ensure work orders accurately reflect material usage and labor hours.
Budgeting & Procurement: Monitor operational funds, research maintenance costs, compile equipment analysis data, and draft procurement specifications to request necessary equipment, repairs, or contractor services.
System Inspections & Quality Control: Perform routine inspections of utility systems, identify deficiencies, create corrective work orders, and supervise execution to ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Inventory & Preventative Maintenance: Maintain organized tool and material inventories for preventative maintenance (PM) routines and emergency repairs.
Training & Staff Development: Identify skill gaps, design in-service training programs, and oversee staff development to ensure high standards of safety and technical competence.

Specialized Shop Breakdown

The supervisor manages four distinct shop functions vital to facility infrastructure:

Utility Shop Unit	Primary Focus & System Oversight
Plumbing Shop	Domestic water supply, drainage, backflow prevention, and medical gas piping systems.
Refrigeration & AC Shop	Chillers, HVAC controls, refrigeration units, air handling systems, and climate regulation.
Steam Fitters Shop	High and low-pressure steam distribution, heat exchangers, valves, and mechanical piping.
Boiler Plant Shop	Central boiler plant operations, fuel delivery systems, steam generation, and continuous pressure monitoring.

Qualification & Physical Requirements

Candidates must meet specific Federal Wage System (FWS) qualification standards set by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Initial qualification is determined by a prescribed "Screen-Out Element" that evaluates your foundational capability to perform supervisory duties without direct supervision.

Key Competencies Evaluated:

Ability to Lead or Supervise trade personnel
Oral Communication clarity
Physical Strength and Agility under operational conditions
Capacity for Planning and Evaluating complex maintenance programs
Technical Competence across utility trades

Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions:

This role involves active site walk-throughs and inspections. Candidates must be able to:

Periodically lift heavy loads, machinery parts, and specialized tools.
Climb ladders, step stools, and scaffolding, or work from hydraulic platforms.
Perform work in hot, dusty, greasy, poorly lit, confined, or uncomfortable environments, as well as in outdoor weather conditions.
Navigate physical hazards typical of plant environments (e.g., heat, noise, tight spaces).

Mandatory Conditions of Employment

To qualify for appointment, candidates must fulfill the following mandatory requirements:

Citizenship: United States Citizenship is required.
Drug Testing: Tentative selectees must complete and pass a pre-employment urinalysis screening.
Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must demonstrate Selective Service registration or exemption.
Background & Physical Checks: Pass a background security investigation and a pre-employment physical exam.
Vaccination Requirement: Comply with annual seasonal influenza vaccination mandates for VA Health Care Personnel.
Probation Period: Serve a successful 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period upon appointment.
ID Verification: Provide REAL ID compliant identification for onboarding after May 7, 2025.

Compensation & Federal Benefits

This position offers competitive compensation under the Federal Wage System:

Wage Range: $37.71 - $44.02 per hour (Grade WS-10)
Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Comprehensive Federal Benefits Package:

Health & Life Insurance: Choice of multiple health plans under FEHB, dental/vision coverage, and life insurance options.
Retirement System: Dual-tier retirement through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching up to 5%.
Paid Time Off: Earn annual leave, sick leave, and enjoy 11 paid federal holidays per year. Qualified applicants may request annual leave accrual credit for prior non-federal or military trade experience.

Essential Application Tips & Guidelines

Applying for a federal position requires strict adherence to documented standards. Keep these strategies in mind to maximize your chances of referral:

Respect the Two-Page Resume Limit: Federal guidelines strictly enforce a two-page maximum limit for resumes. Resumes exceeding two pages will automatically result in application disqualification.
Format for Clarity: Use clear 0.5-inch margins, legible sans-serif fonts (such as Arial, Calibri, or Lato), and present information in concise bullet points.
Detail Supervisory Experience: Explicitly detail your leadership background, team sizes managed, budget responsibilities, and labor/union interaction on your resume.
Submit Required Documentation: Ensure all mandatory attachments are uploaded before the closing date. This includes current or former federal employee SF-50s (verifying time-in-grade), DD-214s for Veterans' Preference, and Schedule A letters for disability appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the closing date for this job announcement?

Applications are accepted through October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Q: Are relocation or recruitment incentives offered?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this opening.

Q: Can non-citizens apply?

No, United States citizenship is mandatory for employment in this position with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Q: How do I submit my resume and application?

Applications must be submitted electronically through USAJOBS by navigating to the official announcement, logging into your profile, completing the online questionnaire, and uploading your two-page resume.

The Maintenance and Operations Supervisor role at the Tomah VA Medical Center offers an outstanding opportunity for an experienced trades manager to step into federal public service. By leading the Utilities Maintenance Shop, you will directly support facility readiness and contribute to the health and well-being of America's veterans. Review your resume against the two-page requirement and apply today!

Why This Maintenance And Operations Supervisor Job Matters

Step into a vital supervisory leadership role supporting America's veterans at the Tomah VA Medical Center, managing facility utilities with competitive hourly pay and federal benefits.

Maintenance And Operations Supervisor Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a qualified Maintenance and Operations Supervisor (WS-10) to lead the Utilities Maintenance Shop at the Tomah VA Medical Center in Tomah, Wisconsin. Offering a wage range of $37.71 to $44.02 per hour, this position oversees 16 skilled personnel across four distinct trades shops: Plumbing, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning, Steam Fitters, and the Boiler Plant.

Requirements for Maintenance And Operations Supervisor

United States Citizenship is required.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening (urinalysis) and background security investigation.
Selective Service registration required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Pre-employment physical examination required.
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination policy for VA Healthcare Personnel.
REAL ID compliant identification required for onboarding after May 7, 2025.
Must serve a mandatory 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Resumes must strictly adhere to the 2-page length limit.

Preferred Qualifications for Maintenance And Operations Supervisor

Demonstrated experience supervising trade personnel in plumbing, HVAC, steam fitting, or boiler plant systems.
Background handling administrative, union, and personnel matters within a skilled trade environment.
Proven capability in managing operational budgets, material procurement, and maintenance scheduling.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay ($37.71 to $44.02/hr)
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with federal matching contributions
✓Paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 federal holidays
✓Potential annual leave accrual credit for prior non-federal or military experience
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) pension eligibility

💡 How to Apply Maintenance And Operations Supervisor Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Maintenance And Operations Supervisor Job

Review the job announcement and online occupational questionnaire thoroughness.
Prepare a resume that strictly complies with the mandatory two-page maximum rule.
Gather supporting documents such as SF-50s, DD-214s, or Schedule A letters if applicable.
Log into USAJOBS and select 'Apply Online' to submit your application package.
Complete the occupational assessment questionnaire before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 31, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights supervisory duties, trade knowledge, and leadership experience without exceeding two pages.
Quantify your experience, including hours worked per week and specific responsibilities managed in prior positions.
Carefully check that all required eligibility documents (like DD-214 or current SF-50s) are uploaded as legible PDFs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pay rate for this position?

The position pays between $37.71 and $44.02 per hour under the Wage System (WS-10 grade level).

Where is the job located?

The job is based at the Tomah VA Medical Center in Tomah, Wisconsin.

Is telework or remote work available for this job?

No, this position is an on-site facility leadership role and is not eligible for telework or remote work.

What is the resume page limit policy?

Resumes must not exceed two pages. Any resume longer than two pages will make the candidate ineligible for consideration.

Are annual influenza vaccinations required?

Yes, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.