4742 - Utility Systems Repairing-Operating

Show All / Hide All

Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This standard covers nonsupervisory work that primarily involves repairing and operating one or more utility systems (air conditioning, heating, water, wastewater, etc.). Such work requires the ability to start, stop, and regulate the utility or utilities for optimum efficiency and troubleshoot, maintain, and repair them. Work requires knowledge of user requirements and the locations and functions of all equipment in the system(s) and the repair procedures and specifications.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS WORK FAMILY, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

  • 4714 - Model Making
  • 4715 - Exhibits Making/Modeling
  • 4717 - Boat Building and Repairing
  • 4737 - General Equipment Mechanic
  • 4741 - General Equipment Operating
  • 4745 - Research Laboratory Mechanic
  • 4749 - Maintenance Mechanic
  • 4754 - Cemetery Caretaking

The following certifications have been identified as most relevant to the broad duties of this federal occupational series. Please note that these credentials may not reflect all of the unique job functions that you perform within your organization. Also these credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about any credential, click on the credential title below.

Compare Credential Agency Related As GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Air Conditioning Service Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Air Conditioning Installation Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Air Distribution Specialty (Service) Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Gas Furnaces-Service Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Heat Pump (Air to Air) Service Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Oil Furnace-Services Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) Is Not In Demand Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) someSome    
Mechanic (Powerplant) Is Not In Demand Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Fluid Power Connector and Conductor (CC) Is Not In Demand International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) otherOther    
Hydraulic Specialist (HS) Is Not In Demand International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Pneumatic Mechanic (PM) Is Not In Demand International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Pneumatic Specialist (PS) Is Not In Demand International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Pneumatic Technician (PT) Is Not In Demand International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Control Systems Technician - Level I (CCST-I) Is Not In Demand International Society of Automation (ISA) mostMost    
Commercial Refrigeration Specialty (Service) Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) someSome    
Air Distribution Specialty (Installation) Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Gas Heating (Air) Installation Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Air to Air Heat Pump Installation Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) otherOther GI BillGI Bill  
Hydronics Gas Specialty (Service) Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) otherOther    
Light Commercial Refrigeration Service Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Fire Protection: Fire Alarm Systems - Level II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) otherOther    
Fire Protection: Fire Alarm Systems - Level I Is Not In Demand National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) otherOther    
Fire Protection: Fire Alarm Systems - Level III Is Not In Demand National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) otherOther    
Fire Protection: Fire Alarm Systems - Level IV Is Not In Demand National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) otherOther    
Hydronics Oil Service Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) otherOther    
Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Journeyman Is Not In Demand Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) someSome    
Electrical Power Testing - Level I Is Not In Demand National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) mostMost    
Electrical Power Testing - Level II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) someSome    
Electrical Power Testing - Level III Is Not In Demand National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) someSome    
Electrical Power Testing - Level IV Is Not In Demand National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) otherOther    
Certified Professional Supervisor (CPS) Is Not In Demand Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) otherOther    
Plant Maintenance Technologist Class I Is Not In Demand Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) someSome    
Plant Maintenance Technologist Class II Is Not In Demand Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) someSome    
Plant Maintenance Technologist Class III Is Not In Demand Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) otherOther    
Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Apprentice Is Not In Demand Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) mostMost    

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Private Sector Occupations

The following civilian private sector occupations are similar to the duties performed by 4742 - Utility Systems Repairing-Operating. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Biomass Plant Technicians someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Boilermakers someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Electro-Mechanical Technicians someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Gas Plant Operators mostMost     find local salaryfind local salary
Geothermal Technicians someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Helpers--Electricians someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Home Appliance Repairers someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Industrial Machinery Mechanics someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Top
This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Air Conditioning Service COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

North American Technician Excellence (NATE), Air Conditioning Service is designed for top level service technicians in the HVAC industry. Air Conditioning Service applicants should have knowledge of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems that are limited to 30 tons or less cooling capacity. It is recommended that applicants have two years of field experience working on air conditioning systems as a service technician and technical training for theoretical knowledge. To earn the Air Conditioning Service certification, applicants must pass both a Core exam and an Air Conditioning Service exam. Technicians that earn the Air Conditioning Service certification are also awarded the Air Conditioning Installation certification. The Air Conditioning Service certification is not intended for the HVAC system designer, sales force, or the engineering community.

Click here to go to Air Distribution Specialty (Service) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Gas Furnaces-Service COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) COOL Snapshot page.

The Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) posesses the professional expertise and knowledge required to successfully perform plant and facilities supervisory activities. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of experience in maintenance management. Candidates must also pass a written examination. Recertification occurs through earning at least five recertification credits every three years.

Click here to go to Pneumatic Technician (PT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), Pneumatic Technician (PT) certification is for professionals in the fluid power and motion control industry who troubleshoot, test, modify systems, and prepare reports. PTs fabricate, assemble, service, maintain and test pneumatic equipment. PTs also calculate force and motion control systems and follow blueprints and schematics with ISO standard pneumatic symbols. To earn the PT certification, candidates must pass a written exam and a job performance exam.

Click here to go to Certified Control Systems Technician - Level I (CCST-I) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

ISA's Certified Control Systems Technician Program (CCST) offers third-party recognition of technicians' knowledge and skills in automation and control. CCSTs calibrate, document, troubleshoot, and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables. CCST certifications are available at three levels, and each level requires the successful completion of an examination. The CCST examination is only one requirement for certification. The candidate must also meet minimum requirements comprised of work experience and education.

Click here to go to Commercial Refrigeration Specialty (Service) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Light Commercial Refrigeration Service COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

North American Technician Excellence (NATE), Light Commercial Refrigeration Service is designed for top level service technicians in the refrigeration industry. Light Commercial Refrigeration Service applicants should have knowledge of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of light commercial refrigeration systems that are limited to Fractional to 7.5 Horsepower. It is recommended that applicants have two years of field experience working on refrigeration systems as a service technician and technical training for theoretical knowledge. To earn the Light Commercial Refrigeration Service certification, applicants must pass both a Core exam and a Light Commercial Refrigeration Service exam. Technicians that earn the Light Commercial Refrigeration Service certification are also awarded the Light Commercial Refrigeration Installation certification. The Light Commercial Refrigeration Service certification is not intended for the HVAC system designer, sales force, or the engineering community.

Click here to go to Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Journeyman COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA), Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Journeyman identifies technicians who not only have a broad knowledge of electricity, mechanical and electrical components and the interaction between them, but are proficient in the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of On-Site Power generation systems. Applicants should have a comprehensive knowledge of basic electricity, the functions of a gen-set’s mechanical and electrical components, the interactions and relationships among components and an understanding of various elements of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of gen-sets and On-Site Power generation systems. Applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience as an electrical power generator equipment technician and pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Electrical Power Testing - Level I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), Electrical Power Testing - Level I credential is an entry-level certification for electrical technicians who test equipment used in the production, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. The certification validates a technician’s knowledge required to inspect, test and maintain electrical power equipment. Electrical Power Testing - Level I technicians work under the supervision of a higher-level technician and performs duties such as isolating and ground power equipment safely; connecting test equipment; and conducting and documenting standard tests of basic single-function equipment. Candidates are required to have minimum of one year of practical experience supporting testing and maintenance of electrical power equipment, including basic electrical safety procedures and must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Electrical Power Testing - Level II COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), Electrical Power Testing - Level II credential is a mid-level certification for electrical technicians who test equipment used in the production, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. The certification validates knowledge required to inspect, test and maintain electrical power equipment. The Electrical Power Testing - Level II technicians work under general supervision and perform duties including, isolate and ground power equipment safely; connect test equipment; and conduct and document standard tests of basic (single-function) equipment. To earn this certification candidates are required to have minimum of two years of practical experience in the inspection, testing, and maintenance of electrical power equipment and pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Electrical Power Testing - Level III COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), Electrical Power Testing - Level III certification is an intermediate-level credential designed for technicians who test equipment used in the production, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. The certification validates knowledge required to inspect, test and maintain electrical power equipment. Electrical Power Testing - Level III technicians manage switching procedures; conduct tests of complex (multi-function) equipment; analyze test and equipment data; and plan a job and lead a team. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of practical experience in the testing of electrical power equipment, including a full range of equipment in low, medium, and high voltage systems and one year of supervision and project management of two or three-person test crews. Candidates must pass a written examination.

Click here to go to Plant Maintenance Technologist Class I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Plant Maintenance Technologist Class I is for water and wastewater plant maintenance technologists with knowledge and skills in lubricating, performing readings, conducting rounds, and performing routine preventive maintenance. Plant Maintenance Technologist Class I candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and one year of acceptable maintenance experience in a water or wastewater system. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Plant Maintenance Technologist Class II COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Plant Maintenance Technologist Class II is for water and wastewater plant maintenance technologists with knowledge and skills in tearing down equipment, performing repairs, installing, and reinstalling. Plant Maintenance Technologist Class II candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and three years of acceptable maintenance experience in a water or wastewater system with a minimum of two years performing Class II duties. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Apprentice COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Apprentice credential is an entry-level certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge of on-site power generation equipment and systems. The Apprentice level exam provides technical college students, recent graduates, military personnel and other 1st or 2nd-year technicians with proof that the basic skill set has been met. The certification exam is written to assess knowledge that is necessary for proficient job performance. The exam includes questions about electricity and other topics relevant to the field of electrical generator systems.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Biomass Plant Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Biomass Plant Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Boilermakers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Boilermakers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Electro-Mechanical Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Electro-Mechanical Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Gas Plant Operators
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Gas Plant Operators
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Geothermal Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Geothermal Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Helpers--Electricians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Helpers--Electricians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Home Appliance Repairers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Home Appliance Repairers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators