Utility Systems Operator

📍 Gallup, New Mexico · 🏛 Indian Health Service · 💰 $33–$38 per hour · 🎓 WG 10 · 🧭 Utility Systems Operating (5406) · ⏳ Closes Nov 27, 2026 · 16 days left · 🗓 Posted Nov 9, 2026

Job details at a glance

AgencyIndian Health Service
DepartmentDepartment of Health and Human Services
LocationGallup, New Mexico
Salary$33–$38 per hour
GradeWG 10
ScheduleFull-time
Occupation seriesUtility Systems Operating (5406)
Openings2
Hiring pathsCareer transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL), Family of overseas employees, Competitive service, Excepted service, Individuals with disabilities, Land and base management, Military spouses, Native Americans, Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista, Veterans
PostedNov 9, 2026
Application deadlineNov 27, 2026
Telework eligibleNo
Remote jobNo
Security clearanceOther
Relocation expenses reimbursedNo
Promotion potentialNone
Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗

About this job

This position is located with the Branch of Facility Management at the Gallup Indian Medical Center in Gallup, NM. The primary purpose is to provide operational duties for the boilers, air conditioning plant, graphic control center, and generators including performing PMI, repairs, cleaning equipment and plant. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Duties

Operates centrifugal air conditioners, high-pressure steam power boilers, graphic control center, emergency generators and other pertinent equipment. Air Conditioning Operation: Adjusts controls to produce chill water temperatures to load conditions, logs and interprets vital information from gauges, thermometers, meters, and sight glasses on required schedule. Able to troubleshoot problems using measuring and testing equipment of the trade, using numerous testing techniques to locate the source of trouble whether in the controls or equipment itself. Boiler Operation: Logs vital information hourly of pressures, temperatures, steam flow, draft and interprets these readings and takes any corrective action needed. Determines boiler efficiency from calculations of feed water and fuel used. Operates the boilers on both natural gas and fuel oil. Graphic Control Center: Monitoring, starting/stopping, resetting of setpoint temperatures and dampers, reprogramming for manual operation, of building service equipment such as; Air Handlers, supply fans, medical oxygen, air and vacuum, emergency generators, air conditioning control system.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. 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; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): WAGE GRADE STATEMENT: Candidates for this position will be evaluated under the Federal Wage System (FWS) Job Grading Standards. Applicants will be rated in the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Each of the job elements must be addressed on the on-line assessment questionnaire in order for the applicant to be rated for the position. In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below. PHYSICAL EFFORT: Physical effort is expended in continually standing, walking, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing and working in small or cramped quarters. Frequently carries, lifts, pulls or pushes carts and equipment weighing up to and beyond 50 pounds. Work is sometimes performed on ladders and/or scaffolds which requires employee to work overhead or in stretched, cramped or awkward positions. Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

There are no education requirements.

Requirements

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. On-call hours or standby duty may be required. Physical Demands: Incumbent mut be capable of climb in over and under equipment, onto catwalks, roof areas, in and out of boiler manholes, work in confined spaces and other isolated areas. Work for extended periods in uncomfortable positions. Work typically requires bending, stooping, crawling, and climbing ladders. Workes frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 40 pounds with assistance from other workers and handling equipment. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. Background Investigation Requirement: This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service. Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process. Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.

Evaluations

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS. To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement. Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element) Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints) Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Operation of Utility System equipment, machinery, etc. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Veterans, i.e. (VEOA, VRA, and 30% or more disabled) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/ Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) - https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/support-documents/ Interagency Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ Schedule A Appointments for the Disabled - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/hiring/ Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13110427. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 11/27/2026, to be considered.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below. To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement. You will be directed to the Login.Gov screen, here will you sign in if you have an existing USAJOBS account or Create a Login.Gov account. If you have an account you will be directed to select a resume or create a resume. If you create an account you can create an resume. Click save and continue. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents. Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJOBS or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job. Read and complete all Eligibility questions. Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process). For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/faq/. The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office (Irvina Metteba, Irvina.Metteba@ihs.gov, and/or 928-380-9291.) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.

Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗

Required documents

USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements. Resume: You are highly encouraged to visit the USAJOBS Help Center before submitting a resume. USAJOBS Help Center - https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements: Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference. Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf. Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50. Noncompetitive eligibles: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy. Licensure, Certifications: Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable. Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer. You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 11/27/2026

What to expect next

Stay Updated with Text Alerts You can choose to receive text message notifications about your application status. To enable this feature: - Log in to your USAJOBS account. - Go to your Account Settings and select Notification Preferences. - Check the option to receive SMS/Text Messages. Text message updates are optional and provided in addition to email notifications. Standard messaging rates may apply. You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJOBS account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line eligibility questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJOBS Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement. If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

Other information

Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit. Financial Suitability Requirement: This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying. Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS). Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.

Frequently asked questions

How much does this Utility Systems Operator job pay?

The announcement lists a salary of $33–$38 per hour (WG 10).

When is the last day to apply?

Applications close on Nov 27, 2026 — 16 days from today.

Where is this job located?

This position is located in Gallup, New Mexico with the Indian Health Service.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.

More jobs at Indian Health Service

All Indian Health Service jobs →

More Utility Systems Operating jobs

All Utility Systems Operating jobs →

Data: USAJobs (U.S. Office of Personnel Management), retrieved 2026-11-11 · Announcement IHS-27-GA-13110427-ESEP/MP · Official announcement. FederalJobs is unofficial and is not affiliated with OPM or the agency.
Utility Systems Operator
Nov 27, 2026 deadline
Apply