Utility Systems Operator

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Pittsburgh, PA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$30.26–$35.30 Per Hour
SKILLS
Adobe Acrobat, Animal Research, Assembly Equipment, Code of Federal Regulations, Conservation, Control Systems, Department of Veterans Affairs, Driver's License, Energy Management, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Facilities Management, Federal Assistance, Federal Government, GIF, Government, Government Organizations, HTTPS (HyperText Transport Protocol Secure), Healthcare, Healthcare Administration, Human Resources, Intensive Care, JPEG, Legal, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Maintenance - HVAC, Microsoft Word, Onboarding, Operations Security (OPSEC), Organizational Skills, PNG, Patient Care, Peace Corps, Performance Reviews, Physical Demands, Publications, Pumps, RTF, Radiation Therapy, Regulations, Scaffolding, Startup, System Operations, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Maintenance, Training/Teaching, United States Citizen, Volunteer Experience
LOCATION
Pittsburgh, PA
POSTED
29 days ago

USAJOBS - Job Announcement Skip to main content

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

MENU

  • Sign in

  • My jobs

  • Profile

  • Resumes & documents

  • Notifications

  • Talent networks

  • Sign out

  • My jobs

  • Profile

  • Resumes & documents

  • Notifications

  • Talent networks

  • Sign out

  • Events

  • Help Center

  • Search

Back to results

Apply

Utility Systems Operator

Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Health Administration

Veterans Health Administration

Apply

Print

Share

Save

  • Summary
  • This job is open to
  • Duties
  • Requirements
  • How you will be evaluated
  • Required documents
  • How to apply

Summary

This position is located in the VA Pittsburgh Health Care Systems Facilities Management Service Line and reports to the Utility Systems supervisor. The incumbent is responsible for operation and maintenance of the Utility Systems and may be required to work at both divisions - HJ Heinz and University Drive. Incumbent works all three shifts, including holidays and weekends, on a rotating basis to provide coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Learn more about this agency

Summary

This position is located in the VA Pittsburgh Health Care Systems Facilities Management Service Line and reports to the Utility Systems supervisor. The incumbent is responsible for operation and maintenance of the Utility Systems and may be required to work at both divisions - HJ Heinz and University Drive. Incumbent works all three shifts, including holidays and weekends, on a rotating basis to provide coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

05/15/2026 to 06/15/2026

Salary $30.26 - $35.30 per hour

A recruitment or relocation incentive may be paid to a Highly Qualified candidate.

Pay scale & grade WG 9

Location

3 vacancies in the following location:

Pittsburgh, PA

Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required Not required Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent Work schedule Full-time Service Competitive

Promotion potential

None

Job family (Series)

  • 5406 Utility Systems Operating

Supervisory status No Security clearance Not Required Drug test No Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process

  • Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status Yes

Announcement number CBSZ-12960854-26-CKS Control number 869485200

This job is open to

Help

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

ALL U.S. CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties

Help

Duties include but not limited to:

  • Proper and efficient operation of the Boiler and Air Conditioning plants and auxiliary equipment to maintain a steady supply of steam and chilled water for the medical center.
  • Monitors and controls air handlers, hot water and chilled water systems, pumps, fans, etc., via the computerized energy management system.
  • Serve as central point of contact for Patient Care Coordinators (PCC) during off-tour hours and weekends to contact FMS tradesman, supervisors and/or managers to report for urgent or emergency repairs at the medical center.
  • Works on boilers, boiler plant control systems, computerized management systems, tank level measuring systems, associated pumps, valves, and auxiliary equipment.
  • Monitors and maintains close control of air conditioning systems for specialized areas such as computer rooms, Pharmacies, OR rooms, research and animal facilities, intensive care areas, MRI and CAT scans, and Radiation Therapy areas that require close control of temperature and/or humidity.
  • Monitor the Energy Management System and take calls from medical center personnel pertaining to any utility systems or equipment outages and contact the necessary personnel to make proper repairs.
  • Use independent judgment in starting up and shutting down heating and cooling systems for comfort, protection, and energy conservation, requiring the incumbent to apply knowledge of all phases of plant operations with a high degree of accuracy.

Work Schedule: 6:00am to 2:00pm, 2:00pm to 10:00pm, and 10:00pm to 6:00am. Rotating shifts for coverage 24 hours/day, 7 days a week to include weekends and holidays

Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Operator/PD00279-A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be paid to a Highly Qualified candidate.

Note: Definition of Highly Qualified Candidates: Candidates who possess unique skills and competencies needed to perform critical mission-essential functions. Per OPM.gov, to be Highly Qualified, the candidates are considered by the Human Resources Office and the subject matter expert (selecting official) as being highly proficient in all the requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position almost immediately or with a minimum amount of training and/or orientation. (Highly Qualified is not defined by years of experience alone). Refer to VA Handbook 5007, Part VI, Ch. 3

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • A complete application package; including Resume, Transcripts, etc. is required
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
  • Effective May 7, 2025, drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:

  • Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
  • Technical Practices
  • Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Without more than normal supervision

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: The incumbent frequently carries and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds and must be able to exert a high level of physical exertion when necessary. Hoists, holders, and pulleys are operated when removing units such as large compressors, condensers, and chillers. The incumbent makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding and platforms, where the parts of the systems worked on are frequently in hard-to-reach places; and climbing, lifting, stooping, stretching, bending and kneeling are frequently required. Incumbent is required to pass a physical examination annually.

Working Conditions: Most of the work is performed inside, but the incumbent is frequently subject to sudden temperature changes when working on equipment such as walk-in freezer units. The incumbent is occasionally subjects to cuts, burns, electrical shocks, and respiratory ailments. Exposure to repeated, prolonged or concentrated amounts of refrigerant gases may cause toxic effects to eyes, skin and internal organs. The incumbent is also exposed to high voltage, chemicals, cleaners, and solvents. The incumbent is occasionally required to work outside, on top of tall buildings, in drafty attic spaces, and in cramped areas with low overheads. Uncomfortable facemasks and protective clothing may be occasionally worn where there is possibility of exposure to toxic refrigerants.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPMs Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Expand Hide additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

This is an open continuous announcement. The initial cut-off will be May 26th, 2026, and the announcement may be extended until all positions are filled. Any further cut-offs will be announced in the extended announcement, if applicable. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file for 90 days.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required documents

Required Documents

Help

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

Documents Required:

  • Resume

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

How to Apply

Help

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/15/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12960854.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.

Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.

Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.

Agency contact information

Carletta Sligh

Phone (412) 822-2185 Email carletta.sligh@va.gov Address Pittsburgh VA Medical Center

1010 Delafield Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15215

US

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Help

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

Documents Required:

  • Resume

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

How to Apply

Help

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/15/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12960854.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.

Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.

Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

Carletta Sligh

Phone (412) 822-2185 Email carletta.sligh@va.gov Address Pittsburgh VA Medical Center

1010 Delafield Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15215

US

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

Expand Hide next steps

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincolns promise to care for those who have served in our nations military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?

The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries.

The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence ("I CARE").

As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips.

DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Agency contact information

Carletta Sligh

Phone (412) 822-2185 Email carletta.sligh@va.gov Address Pittsburgh VA Medical Center

1010 Delafield Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15215

US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what its like to work at Veterans Health Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.vacareers.va.gov/.

Summary

This position is located in the VA Pittsburgh Health Care Systems Facilities Management Service Line and reports to the Utility Systems supervisor. The incumbent is responsible for operation and maintenance of the Utility Systems and may be required to work at both divisions - HJ Heinz and University Drive. Incumbent works all three shifts, including holidays and weekends, on a rotating basis to provide coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

05/15/2026 to 06/15/2026

Salary $30.26 - $35.30 per hour

A recruitment or relocation incentive may be paid to a Highly Qualified candidate.

Pay scale & grade WG 9

Location

3 vacancies in the following location:

Pittsburgh, PA

Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required Not required Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent Work schedule Full-time Service Competitive

Promotion potential

None

Job family (Series)

  • 5406 Utility Systems Operating

Supervisory status No Security clearance Not Required Drug test No Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process

  • Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status Yes

Announcement number CBSZ-12960854-26-CKS Control number 869485200

Previous result

Next result

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.

Sign out Stay signed in

Return to top

USAJOBS is a Opens in a new windowUnited States Office of Personnel Management website.

(Opens in a new window) OPM on LinkedIn (Opens in a new window) OPM YouTube channel (Opens in a new window) OPM on X

  • Opens in a new windowEEO Policy Statement
  • Opens in a new windowReasonable Accommodation Policy Statement
  • Opens in a new windowVeterans Information
  • Opens in a new windowLegal and Regulatory Guidance
  • Opens in a new windowAbout USAJOBS
  • Opens in a new windowAccessibility
  • Opens in a new windowFOIA
  • Opens in a new windowInspector general
  • Opens in a new windowNo Fear Act Data
  • Opens in a new windowPrivacy policy
  • Opens in a new windowReports and publications
  • Opens in a new windowTerms and conditions
  • Opens in a new windowUSA.gov

Opens in a new windowVote.gov

About the Company

U

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs