What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Systems Repairer-Operator - Technical Career Field (TCF) Trainee position at James H Quillen VA Medical Center?
The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. This is an entry level position located withing Engineering Service in the Boiler and Chiller Plants at the James H. Quillen, VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, Tennessee. The Boiler Plant is a 24-hour per day operation.
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:
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.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Physical Requirements: Works from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and elevated catwalks. Work may be at or above ground level. Frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, reaching, stooping, and crouching, as the work site dictates. Frequently lifts and carries boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted. Occasionally carries items weighing over 50 pounds with assistance. Mainly works indoors but occasionally works outside for short periods of time. Subject to elevated temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil and fumes. Subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment, and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam and contact with boilers. Work on catwalks and ladders.
The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. *Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements.
This is a developmental position leading to a GS-9, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not available
Telework: This position is not authorized for telework.
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator - Technical Career Field (TCF) Trainee/PD605840
Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/27/2026.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:
- Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
- Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading)
- Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
- Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.
- Knowledge of Materials
- Technical Practices
- Use of Measuring Instruments
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.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Physical Requirements: Works from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and elevated catwalks. Work may be at or above ground level. Frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, reaching, stooping, and crouching, as the work site dictates. Frequently lifts and carries boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted. Occasionally carries items weighing over 50 pounds with assistance. Mainly works indoors but occasionally works outside for short periods of time. Subject to elevated temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil and fumes. Subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment, and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam and contact with boilers. Work on catwalks and ladders.
Responsibilities:
Johnson City, located in upper East Tennessee, is a cultural melting pot with invigorating music, amazing outdoor activities, and enchanting culture and history. Local festivals include the Umoja Festival, Blue Plum Festival, The Unicoi Apple Festival, and the Rhythm and Roots Reunion in Bristol TN/VA. Enjoy year-round outdoor activities at our area lakes and parks. Other attractions in the area are the Barter Theater, Bristol Motor Speedway, and Asheville, NC's Biltmore Estate. Come and enjoy an affordable cost of living, no state income tax, and excellent schools and universities! Start your adventure in Johnson City, Tennessee! A Hometown Heart with a Big City Soul!The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. *Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements.
This is a developmental position leading to a GS-9, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
- Under direct supervision of Assistant Chief Engineering, you will gain knowledge in the basis theory of boiler operations, trade, practices and skills in the operation and maintenance of boiler operations;
- Learn the basics of boiler plant operations and steam systems, under close supervision;
- Operate, secure and maintain power boilers and auxiliary support equipment;
- Inspect boilers and auxiliary equipment;
- Perform proper safety procedures prior to working on boiler plant equipment;
- Assist with preventive maintenance inspections;
- Assist with boiler-associated steam production equipment repairs discovered during performance inspections;
- Perform water treatment and chemical testing of pool and boiler feed condensate;
- Clean equipment and performs general housekeeping duties as assigned;
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not available
Telework: This position is not authorized for telework.
Position Description Title/PD#: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator - Technical Career Field (TCF) Trainee/PD605840
Salary : $22