Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO)

Job Title: Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (USRO) Pay Scale & Grade: WG-8/9/10/11 (Progressive wage grade; promotion potential to WG-11)

Salary: $28.68 – $39.19 per hour

Organization: Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) – Facilities Services Directorate

Division: Pentagon Heating and Refrigeration Plant (PH&RP), Facilities Operations and Services Division Location: The Pentagon – Arlington, VA P

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Tour of Duty: Rotating shifts (24/7/365 operation) – Days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays required

Telework Eligible: No

Security Clearance Required: Secret (must be able to obtain and maintain)

Who We Are

Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) provides essential facilities, infrastructure, and support services to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, the Military Departments, and other DoD components in the National Capital Region, including the Pentagon, the White House, and Congress.

About the Role

As a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator at the Pentagon Heating and Refrigeration Plant, you will play a critical mission-critical role keeping one of the world’s largest and most complex buildings operational 24/7/365. You will operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair high-pressure steam boilers, large centrifugal chillers, 15kV electrical distribution systems, city water, natural gas, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems that serve the entire Pentagon Reservation.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate computerized building automation and energy management systems to monitor and control boilers, chillers, pumps, and electrical distribution equipment.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on single- and multiple-fuel power boilers, centrifugal chillers, pressure vessels, large pumps (chilled water, boiler feed, fuel oil, sewage), air compressors, turbines, generators, and associated auxiliary/pollution-control equipment.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and test complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and electronic control systems (valves, relays, solenoids, thermostats, rheostats, aqua stats, boiler controls, combustion fans, etc.).
• Plan and lay out installation, modification, and repair of utility systems; install and align pumps, motors, piping, and safety devices.
• Conduct operational tests on fuel delivery systems, economizers, de-aerating equipment, water treatment systems, and high-voltage (15kV) switching equipment.
• Work safely in confined spaces, steam tunnels, manholes, mechanical rooms, and areas containing hazardous chemicals, high-pressure steam, and rotating machinery (required use of PPE including hard hats, hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, and respirators).

You Are the Right Fit If You Have

• Demonstrated journey-level experience maintaining and repairing high-pressure steam boilers, large centrifugal chillers, or similar industrial utility systems (commercial power plant, hospital central plant, large campus, or military base experience highly desired).
• Strong knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, and repair of complex mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, technical manuals, and control diagrams.
• Proficiency using stationary and portable shop tools (power saws, drill presses, lathes, grinders, etc.).
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and repair automated boiler and chiller controls, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and instrumentation.
• Physical ability to work in hot, cold, noisy, dusty, and confined environments while wearing required PPE.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)

• Universal EPA Refrigerant Certification
• High-voltage electrical switching experience (4.16kV–15kV)
• Stationary Engineer or Power Plant Operator license
• Experience with Siemens, Johnson Controls, or similar BAS/BMS platforms

Benefits

• Federal benefits package (health, dental, vision, life insurance)
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency match
• 11 paid federal holidays generous annual/sick leave
• Pension under FERS
• Overtime and shift differential pay
• Promotion potential to WG-11 without further competition

Additional Information

• This position is covered by the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) – Direct Hire Authority (DHA). Veterans’ preference does not apply.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Pre-employment physical and drug test required.

Ready to keep the Pentagon running? Click the Apply Now button

We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and military spouses.

Washington Headquarters Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.