Duties
A Boiler Plant Operator performs duties such as:
- Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing.
- Performs routine house-keeping duties maintaining a safe, clean and orderly work environment.
- Alerts of potential hazards and takes precautions to protect self and others.
- Makes adjustments to operating systems, equipment and controls determining the need for shutting down or firing up additional boilers.
- Maintains steam pressure when fuel change overs occur due to drops in natural gas pressure from cold weather.
- Operates all boiler plant and auxiliary equipment to meet changing demands.
- Stabilizes boilers in a closed system when one boiler starts to go down while maintaining safe levels and efficient combustion.
- Maintains constant observation of low meters and charts to determine how much steam is being produced.
- Use measuring instruments such as gauges, meters, recorders and computer generated data to determine operation status and make necessary adjustments.
- Maintains, repairs, and makes adjustments to the automatic chemical feed system.
- Operates, maintains, and repairs oil pumps, including filters, pre-heaters and metering devices.
- Inspects, observes, troubleshoots, removes, checks for wear, cleans, replaces, repairs, adjusts, tests and maintains complicated boiler plant systems and equipment to critical and rigid specifications and tolerances.
- Determines proper amount of chemicals to be added to the boiler and amount of time needed to blow down excess solids.
- Interprets diagrams, drawings, and operational manuals.
- Adheres to repair manuals to properly complete required repairs.
- Maintains a concise and accurate narrative log on plant conditions and communicating plant status to supervisor, mechanics, and next shift operator.
- Applies comprehensive knowledge of all operational phases of power boiler plant operations (e.g., water treatment, fuel systems, steam generation, and pollution control) and their interrelationships for efficient and economical generation of steam.
- Applies a thorough knowledge and understanding of standard practices and applicable codes.
Work Schedule: Tour of Duty involves rotating shift work between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift.
Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD84223A
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: The position frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. The work requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Will frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 40 pounds without assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. Makes repairs from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms to reach equipment in out-of-the-way places. When working on ladders and scaffolds must be able to climb and carry tools and materials. Works indoors and occasionally works outside for short periods subject to prevailing weather conditions. Subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes in the work area. Subject to strains, cuts, eye damage/irritation, bruises, infection, and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam, and contact with piping and boilers. In addition, work on catwalks and ladders. Work is at heights and/or in close quarters, as each assignment dictates, to accomplish the work in the physical plant. Required to use appropriate personal protective equipment. Works around operating equipment, steam tunnels, manholes, and mechanical rooms. The plant and building contain hazardous chemicals that require special handling procedures and protection.
Required Documents
Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Other (1)
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Documents Required:
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
Resume Requirement: Your resume must include the following information: Job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment, and average hours worked per week.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/12/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12591829.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Next steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.