Utility Systems Repairer Operator

There is no specific length or level of experience requirements. The applicant's overall background of experience, education and training must clearly demonstrate the ability to perform the duties, as described in this announcement, screen out element (i.e. without more than normal supervision).

Applicants must meet the screen out elements and achieve an overall score of at least fifty (50%) or higher 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; religious; 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. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification System for Trade and Labor Occupations Handbook.

If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration

The mission of NIST's Office of Facilities and Property Management (OFPM) is to advance NIST's mission success by planning, building, operating, maintaining, and servicing facilities that provide a safe, secure, and sustainable environment for world-class scientific research.

This position is in the Gaithersburg Facilities Maintenance Division, which manages and operates facilities for the NIST Gaithersburg site to ensure maximum responsiveness to NIST programs through reimbursable engineering design and renovation, as well as building systems operation and maintenance.

As a Utility Systems Repairer Operator for this division, duties vary by grade level: At the WG-10 level, you will: Operate, regulate, and monitor centralized plant equipment, including 150 psi steam boilers and 3,500-ton chillers, to support utility demands across federal campus facilities. Perform routine checks, tests, adjustments, and operational troubleshooting on utility systems such as heating, air conditioning, and water distribution using trade tools and standard operating procedures.

Conduct chemical testing on boilers, chillers, and cooling systems to maintain proper operational thresholds and efficiency. Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and perform mechanical repairs using blueprints, sketches, and shop mathematics, referring complex or unusual problems to the supervisor. Plan and lay out assigned work independently, selecting proper tools, equipment, materials, and safety precautions required for working around high-pressure and moving machinery.

At the WG-11 level, you will: Operate and maintain large-scale centralized plant systems with little to no instruction, including multiple 150 psi boilers (up to 88,000 lb/hr), campus service air compressors, seven 3,500-ton chillers, and related ancillary equipment supporting research laboratories. Perform non-standard industrial troubleshooting and complex mechanical repairs on special-purpose utility equipment, independently interpreting blueprints, sketches, and operating/maintenance manuals.

Conduct comprehensive chemical testing and water treatment across boilers, chillers, and cooling towers to ensure optimum efficiency and asset preservation. Participate in training and operational support for the campus 8 MW Co-Generation unit, including its 14-stage gas turbine, heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), and high-pressure gas compressor.

Make independent decisions during complex system issues, collaborating directly with factory technical representatives to troubleshoot and resolve critical mechanical problems. At the WG-12 level, you will: Serve as a senior shift operator, independently monitoring and troubleshooting central utility plant alarms and directing operational adjustments to ensure continuous utility service to complex R&D laboratories.

Apply expert knowledge to operate, maintain, and execute complex repairs on high-capacity plant infrastructure, including 88,000 lb/hr steam boilers, 3,500-ton chillers, service air compressors, and the 8 MW Co-Generation plant. Provide technical leadership and guidance on shift, assisting junior operators with difficult troubleshooting, maintenance tasks, and problem-solving.

Collaborate directly with factory representatives to resolve complex utility failures and assist the supervisor in reviewing completed repair work and unusual operational problems. Perform advanced chemical testing programs, complex shop mathematics, and refrigerant handling under Universal CFC standards across centralized heating, cooling, and power generation systems.