Boiler Plant Operator Job in Northport, NY

Vacancy No. CBTE-12647314-25-AS Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $32.20 to $37.62 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 3/17/2025 Close Date 3/31/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Northport, NY


Summary

The Plant Operator is assigned to the Main Boiler Plant, Plant Operations Section, Engineering Service at the Northport, NY VAMC. Although supervision of others is not included in the duties, the Plant Operator is solely in charge of the main boiler plant on any watch or shift the operator is assigned to. The Boiler Plant Operator receives emergency and service calls during weekends and irregular tours. The Plant Operator takes necessary action to ensure these calls are satisfactorily resolved.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties

About the position: The Plant Operator is assigned to the Main Boiler Plant, Plant Operations Section, Engineering Service at the Northport, NY VAMC. Duties include but are not limited to:

  • The Plant Operator is required to stand eight-hour watch shifts, on any of the tours of duty involved in the twenty-four-hour, seven day per week operation on a rotating basis. In the event of an emergency, the Plant Operator may be recalled to duty, and/or may be required to remain on duty in the absence of the scheduled operator.
  • Regardless of the tour of duty the operator is assigned to, the operator has complete responsibility for the operation of the boiler, auxiliary machinery, instruments, controls, recorders, well water console and all other plant equipment. (See fact sheet data on plant equipment and output). The Plant Operator receives fuel oil, keeps daily logbooks, log sheets and takes readings and sounding for report purposes. The Plant Operator is also responsible for preventive maintenance required to keep the equipment in continuous service or ready for service. Preventive maintenance includes periodic checks of machinery, equipment and lubrication of machinery and equipment to reduce wear and preserve parts. The Boiler Plant Operator's duties also include any testing and adjusting to maintain proper boiler plant operations, and the ability to detect minor leaks or faulty parts in the system and to make minor repairs as necessary.
  • Although supervision of others is not included in the duties of Boiler Plant Operator, the operator is solely in charge of the main boiler plant on any watch or shift the operator is assigned to.
  • The Boiler Plant Operator, in the performance of assigned duties, will be required to use all sized pipe wrenches and other plumbing/steam fitter function necessary to proper plant maintenance. The Plant Operator will be required to utilize tools such as wrenches, pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, saws, tube cleaning equipment, ladders, chain hoists and electrical testing motors, in the performance of assigned duties. The Boiler Plant Operator is also required to mix chemicals for boiler water treatment, regrind and repack valves, and other similar duties involved in the preventative maintenance of boiler plant.
  • The Boiler Plant Operator receives emergency and service calls during weekends and irregular tours. The plant Operator takes necessary action to ensure these calls are satisfactorily resolved.
Work Schedule: Rotating Shift (8am-4pm, 4pm-12am & 12am-8am). Position is required to work rotating shifts of a 7day, 3 shift operational plans.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD11577A
Physical Requirements: Boiler plant workers frequently work in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment (i.e., auxiliary and pollution control equipment). The work requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Workers frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds) unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 18 kilograms (40 pounds) with assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. Workers lifts and carry tools and heavy equipment up and down ladders, scaffolds, and gratings. The Plant Operator may also be required to stand for long periods of time while performing maintenance, inspections, or repairs necessary for proper plant operations.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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

Basic Requirements:
  • Specialized Experience: The Plant Operator is required to have a minimum of four years' experience in boiler operations to perform the above duties AND,
  • Education: The Boiler Plant Operator is required to have at least a complete elementary school education, including the ability to read and write. The Boiler Plant Operator is required to remain aware of the technological changes in the field by reading and noting changes in VA procedures, policies and other publications relating the boiler plant operation and procedures. AND,
  • Training: Although the rotation of shifts makes it difficult for the Plant Operator to attend regularly scheduled training sessions, the operator will receive instruction relative to the use and maintenance of new instruments, controls, equipment, and other general, administrative type information. The Plant Operator will take advantage of training and instruction available during the regular tour of duty. The Operator will also subscribe to, or have access to, a variety of technical publications, manuals, etc., to keep well informed. AND,
  • Mental Application: The Boiler Plant Operator is required to apply a good mathematical knowledge to simple and complex problems pertaining to fuel combustion, steam generation, boiler water analysis, chemical treatment of water and other mathematical problems pertaining to proper plant operation. The Operator must also be able to read and understand sketches and blueprints of plumbing, electrical systems, etc. The Operator must also remain constantly alert to the possibility of leaks in steam, fuel and water systems.
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
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
  • Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Operation of Equipment/Machinery
  • Technical 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

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

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/.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related 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. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

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

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

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.

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

Your responses to the assessment questionnaire will be reviewed along with the information provided in your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you are qualified for the position. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered and/or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • Other (1)
  • 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 03/31/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12647314.

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

Amira Sago
Address
Northport VA Medical Center
79 Middleville Road Building 200
Northport, NY 11768
US

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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