Boiler Plant Operator Job in Montgomery, AL

Vacancy No. CBTB-12637232-25-IJ Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $25.48 to $29.72 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/12/2024 Close Date 9/30/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Montgomery, AL


Summary

The position is in the Utilities Section, Boiler Plant of Engineering Service at the Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHCS). Boilers are operated by natural gas, fuel oil, and propane gas or combination of those fuels to produce steam to meet changing load demands. Boilers require constant attention to maintain efficiency and control the formation of pollutants.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (COVID-19 - VA 002) in-accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3) and 5 CFR 337.205(b)(1)-(4).

Duties

Duties and responsibilities include:

  • Responsible to start, operate, adjust, stop, maintain, and perform various operational repairs on multiple fuel boilers, medical waste disposal systems, valves (gate, globe, and needle), water pumps, bearings, fuel pumps, motors, Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), air compressors, regulators, temperature gauges, pressure gauges, steam traps, sight glasses, motorized draft fans, steam traps, dampers, deaerator tank, condensate tank, controls (digital, analog, and pneumatic), water conditioning equipment, chemical conditioning equipment, sensors and pollution control equipment.
  • Maintains efficient combustion levels ensuring compliance with air pollution laws or regulations.
  • Uses manual automatic, or microprocessors controls or control systems, monitors, adjusts, and controls all phases of the boiler plant operations.
  • Uses electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic controls, and zone charts in conjunction with meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements.
  • Operates, adjusts, and maintains auxiliary and pollution control equipment such as electrical driven pumps, forced and induced draft fans, air compressors, deaerating equipment, feed water heaters, economizers, fuel heaters and delivery equipment, and demineralizing systems.
  • Adjusts fuel feeds and the volume and velocity of draft and other fire box variables to achieve maximum combustion efficiency with changing load demands or variations in fuel quality.
  • Observes and notes readings on gauges, meters, detectors, recorders, boiler water level indicators, and computer generated and analog displays to detect danger signals in operations.
  • Tests and analyzes the feedwater, boiler water, and condensate using standard chemical tests.
  • Performs Boiler Efficiency Institute (BEI) testing procedures.
  • Performs operational maintenance and repairs.
  • Maintains the cleanliness and sanitation of the boiler plant, tool room, office, and medical waste room.
  • Maintains inventory of the hand tools, power tools, chemical lockers, replacement part lockers, PPE gear, and cleaning supplies.
  • Controls keys for, but not limited to to the liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen storage area, elevators, government vehicles, and tool room.
  • Monitoring and Alarm Systems - Monitors, interprets, tests, and contacts appropriate personnel for medical gases (oxygen and nitrogen), fire alarms system, energy management system (EMS), boiler system, chiller system, Temp-track refrigeration system, Sterilant gas system, Veeder-root fuel oil system, Power Command generator system, wastewater, elevators emergency phones, and medical waste system using multiple state-of-the-art computer systems. Monitors environmental conditions in the HCS using the EMS via use of Insight (host) and network to view, interpret, and acknowledge alarm messages.
  • Coordinates with the VA police and local fire departments to ensure timely response to fires and other emergencies.
  • Monitors and tests the Medical Gas System to ensure proper flow to all patient areas, working closely with other engineering shops and tenant organizations in the monitoring of the main oxygen system, medical vacuum, low nitrogen, and nitrous oxide systems.

Work Schedule: Swing shift, rotating schedule on a monthly basis; Sunday - Saturday; 12:00 PM-8:00 AM; 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; 4:00 PM-12:00AM; (subject to change based on the needs of the agency)
Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD39490A
Physical Requirements: Frequently carries parts and sets up equipment that weighs up to 50 pounds. Hoist, jacks and pulleys are operated to remove and replace large units. Most equipment is operated or repaired from floor level or through the use of a ladder(s), fixed scaffolding and platforms. Incumbent must have good eyesight, use of all limbs, be able to walk, crawl, climb. Work is sometimes performed in cramped positions where bending, stooping and/or crawling may be required for short periods of time during repair work.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
  • Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
  • May serve a probationary period
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:
  • Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
  • Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
  • Operation of Equipment/Machinery
  • Work Practices


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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

Documents Required:
  • Resume


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.

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 09/30/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12637232.

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.

Agency contact information

Isaiah Jones
Address
Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Montgomery
215 Perry Hill Road
Montgomery, AL 36109
US
Learn more about this agency

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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