Job Description
The VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) is hiring a Utility Systems Operator Supervisor to oversee daily operations of boiler and air-conditioning plants at the Dallas VA Medical Center.
This journeyman-level supervisor maintains hands-on proficiency while leading a team of utility workers. The role is ideal for experienced utility operators who want to move into supervision while staying technically engaged.
As the supervisor, you will plan work assignments, direct staff, inspect completed work, and train new employees on safety procedures and standard operating procedures.
Qualification
To qualify for this Utility Systems Operator Supervisor position (WS-8), you must demonstrate sufficient training or experience to perform the duties. There is no specific length of training required, but your resume must clearly show the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed. Applicants are rated under OPM Federal Wage System standards.
- No specific length of training or experience required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the work.
- Your resume must include detailed descriptions of your knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the position.
- Screen-out element: You must meet the minimal acceptable qualification requirement as assessed by the online questionnaire.
- Job elements evaluated: Dexterity and Safety, Equipment Assembly/Installation/Repair, Interpret Instructions/Specifications, Lead or Supervise, Machine Tools, Measuring Instruments, Technical Practices, and ability to work without more than normal supervision.
- Experience can be paid or unpaid, including volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps).
- Part-time experience is credited based on actual hours worked (35-40 hours per week equals full-time).
- This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Subject to a background/security investigation.
Role Responsibilities
Plan the use of workers, equipment, facilities, materials, and tools on a day-to-day or project-by-project basis.
- Adhere to work priorities, project schedules, resources, and detailed work plans established by higher-level supervisors.
- Follow customary work cycles and sequences in planning work assignments.
- Track and report progress on work assignments and request authority to adjust work assignments and use overtime, equipment, and materials to meet schedules.
- Recommend changes to schedules, priorities, and work sequences as necessary; make minor deviations in procedures or redirect resources to overcome problems such as equipment failure, material delays, or unplanned absences.
- Assign work to individuals and provide technical direction and/or help in accomplishing difficult work steps and processes.
- Observe work in progress to anticipate and resolve problems, reassign personnel within the group supervised, and coordinate work among workers and other supervisors to maintain progress.
- Inspect completed work for quality and work order requirements.
- Train new employees in all areas of operations, safety, Standard Operating Procedures, and personnel policies.
- Maintain journeyman-level proficiency by routinely operating each plant (boiler and air-conditioning).
Conditions & Requirements
U.S. Citizenship required.
- Selective Service Registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Pre-employment physical required.
- Must complete an online onboarding process.
- Acceptable form of identification (REAL ID compliant) required for pre-employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all VA Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Must serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period.
- Physical requirements: walking, standing, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling moderately heavy loads daily and occasionally heavy loads. Good eyesight (with or without glasses) and not colorblind.
- Work conditions: exposure to temperature extremes, drafts, dampness, water, noise; work in industrial environments, outdoors, ladders, catwalks, confined spaces; potential exposure to asbestos.
Benefits
Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
- Annual leave accrual based on years of service (4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period); prior work or military experience may qualify for credit toward higher accrual rate.
- Access to a range of benefits designed for federal employees; eligibility depends on position type and work schedule.
- Opportunity to serve veterans and contribute to the VA mission.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must submit your application through the official application portal. Start by logging into your the official application portal account (or create one using Login.gov). Complete the online occupational questionnaire and attach your federal resume and all required documents. Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages (effective September 27, 2025) and includes detailed description…
Additional Information
This announcement is open to current permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans, current permanent Federal employees, Schedule A individuals, military spouses, reinstatement eligible, CTAP and ICTAP eligible.
- Veterans should claim preference (5pt, 10pt, or Sole Survivor) in the questionnaire and provide required documentation (DD-214, SF-15).
- Active duty service members expecting discharge within 120 days must submit documentation reflecting dates and character of service.
- The Fair Chance to Compete Act prohibits VA from requesting criminal history prior to a tentative job offer.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- REAL ID compliant identification is required for pre-employment after May 7, 2025.
- Influenza vaccination is mandatory for VA Health Care Personnel; exemptions may be granted for medical or religious reasons.
- This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
- Contact Chuquita Whatley at [email protected] for questions.
About Company
The VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, providing complete healthcare services to veterans in North Texas. The Dallas VA Medical Center, located at 4500 South Lancaster Road, is a major facility offering inpatient and outpatient care. This Utility Systems Operator Supervisor position supports the medical center's infrastructure by ensuring reliable operation of boiler and air-conditioning plants, which are critical for patient care and facility operations. Working at VANTHCS means joining a team dedicated to serving those who served. The VA offers stable federal employment, competitive wages, and a public service work environment.
FAQs
What experience is needed for the Utility Systems Operator Supervisor role?
There is no specific length of training or experience required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the duties. Your resume should detail your knowledge, skills, and abilities related to boiler and air-conditioning operations, supervision, and safety. Experience can be paid or unpaid, including volunteer work.
Is this position remote or telework eligible?
No. This position is not eligible for telework or remote work. The work is performed on-site at the Dallas VA Medical Center, primarily in industrial environments including boiler and air-conditioning plants.
What is the selection process for this job?
After the announcement closes, applications are reviewed for eligibility and qualifications. You will be rated against a screen-out element and job elements. If referred, you may be contacted for an interview or asked to provide additional information. Pre-employment reference checks are conducted. Final selection is made by the hiring office.
Can I substitute education for experience?
No. This job does not have an education qualification requirement, so education cannot be substituted for experience. You must demonstrate relevant training or experience.
What documents are required to apply?
You must submit a resume (two pages or less after September 27, 2025). Depending on your eligibility, you may also need SF-50s (for current/former federal employees), DD-214 (for veterans), disability letters, or other documents listed in the required documents section. Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline.