Summary
This position serves as the Boiler Operator for the Overton Brooks Veterans Affairs Medical Center (OBVAMC). The OBVAMC covers 40+/- acres and approximately 720,000 gross building square footage and has three CBOC locations, Longview and Texarkana, Texas, and Monroe Louisiana. This position works under the general supervision of the Operations Supervisor, Maintenance and Operations Section
Duties
Duties include:
- Maintains, repairs and makes adjustment 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, clean, replace, repair, adjust, test and maintain complicated boiler plant systems and equipment to critical and rigid specifications and tolerances.
- Maintains a concise and accurate narrative log on plant conditions and communicating plant status to supervisor, mechanics, and next shift operator.
- Applies a comprehensive knowledge of the principles and theories pertaining to combustion, heat transfer and all operational phases of boiler plant operations.
- Applies a thorough knowledge and understanding of standard practices and applicable codes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Makes adjustments to operating systems, equipment and controls determining the needs for shutting down or firing up additional boilers.
- The incumbent will use and troubleshoot manual and automatic, or microprocessor controls or control systems for operating boilers and auxiliary equipment.
- Alert to potential hazards and takes precautions to protect self and others.
- Performs routine house-keeping duties maintaining a safe, clean and orderly work environment.
- Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing.
- 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.
- Operates three 250-HP fire tube four pass high-pressure boiler.
Work Schedule: Monday thorugh Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm; subject to change based on the needs of the facility.
Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD07465A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Physical Requirements: This position requires walking, standing, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling moderately heavy loads daily and occasionally heavy loads. Incumbent must be in good physical condition, have good eyesight with or without glasses. Frequently work in confined areas in and around boilers, pumps, tanks, and HVAC equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, carries items weighing over 50 pounds.
Working Conditions: This position is exposed frequently to temperature extremes, drafts, dampness, water, electrical and chemical hazards, and noise for work conditions. Most of the work takes place in an industrial environment but does require work outdoors, exposed to the elements. Incumbent will frequently encounter ladders, catwalks, confined spaces, scaffolding and platforms etc. Incumbent could be subjected to hazards normally encountered in the trade and may be exposed to asbestos. Incumbents are subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam, and contact with piping and boilers. This position requires working rotating shifts and overtime.
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:
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.
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 04/16/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12720696.
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. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
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.
The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries.
The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence ("I CARE").
As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips.
DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.