Air Conditioning Equipment Operator

at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in Spokane, Washington, United States

Summary The Air Conditioning Equipment Operator position performs work involved in operating, troubleshooting and repairing complex utility systems. The position is located in the Maintenance & Operations Section, Engineering Service, at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, Spokane, Washington. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited to: Performs journeyman level electrician work independently such as wire pumps, fabricate extension cords, replace fan belts, install electric motors, install high/low pressure switches on fuel line systems, disconnect electric line from auto blown down valves, and grease all electric motors, valves and pumps. Performs journeyman level steamfitter work independently. Test and replace wires, switches, and other basic electrical components. Individual must be able to determine when to bring another boiler on line or to remove a boiler from operation in the least amount of time. Individual must be able to change load demands while maintain safe levels and efficient combustion. Individual must be responsible for the start operation, adjustment, shut-down, maintenance and repair of four (4) Burnham Boilers capacity of 12,000 lbs, steam per hour at a maximum pressure of 200 psig with a normal operating pressure of 120 psig. Use of manual, automatic microprocessor controls or control system to monitor, adjust, and control all phases of the boiler plant operations. Operates and maintain feed water and condensate regulators and pumps, combustion control equipment, dr.-aerating equipment, dr.-alkalizers, and special safety equipment such as relief valves and flame failure devices. Operates all boiler auxiliary equipment such as automatic boiler controls, feed water heaters, pumps, forced and induced draft fans, and water softeners. Keep steam in the patient areas if a power, water, or steam failure occurs. Adjust firing controls for the correct air fuel mixture, adjust fuel feeds, and air drafts to obtain the most efficient air fuel mixture for maximum combustion efficiency and energy conservation. Maintains the proper percentages of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and oxygen. Takes boiler and condensate return water samples and run test to determine specifics such as acidity, causticity, and alkalinity using reagents, color sides and other standards. Maintains efficient combustion levels to ensure compliance with air pollution laws, pollution levels are monitored regularly by the Maryland Department of the Environment (