Boiler Plant Operator Job in Milwaukee, WI

Vacancy No. CAZP-12756990-25-AM Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $30.56 to $35.62 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/30/2025 Close Date 7/21/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Milwaukee, WI


Summary

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

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

Duties

The position is located in the Utilities Shop, Facilities Management Division at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI. The primary purpose of this position is to provide utility steam for many processes to include, humidification, heating hot water, sanitation, infection control and a healthful environment for the delivery of health care. The plant is operated in a safe and economical manner recognizing its importance and the potential for pressure vessel and/or furnace explosion. Physical plant safety is paramount and is the first priority for the facility's Boiler plant operations.

The incumbent is responsible for the operation, adjustment and minor repair of five water tube oil and natural gas fired, high pressure steam boilers; potable water pumping equipment; softened water treatment, water softener treatment, RO water treatment, and boiler plant auxiliary equipment such as; water and oil pumps, air compressors, internal combustion engines, unit heaters, air handling units, and fixed and portable gas analyzers. Three of the five high pressure steam boilers are rated at a steam capacity of 50,000 lbs per hour and the other two high pressure steam boilers are rated at a steam capacity of 19,800 lbs per hour at an operating pressure of 125 psig. Backup connection for trailer mounted boiler of even larger capacity is possible. Maximum steam demand conditions normally require operation of two boilers and occasionally three for generation of an average output of over 100,000 lbs. of steam per hour for an annual steam heating cycle.

The incumbent starts up and shuts down boilers and boiler plant auxiliary equipment to meet routine, as well as emergency conditions during any assigned tour of duty, without need for prior consultation with other supervisory and non-supervisory personnel.

Work Schedule: Full-time, Week 1 of a Pay Period: Monday 2 PM-10 PM; Tuesday-Friday 6 AM-3 PM; Week 2 of a Pay Period: Monday-Thursday 6 AM - 3 PM. May be required to be present to provide off-hours support for utility outages, maintenance and projects support, etc. This position is also the night shift coverage position, so you would cover the 6 PM-6 AM shifts for any approved leave of night shift operators.

Physical Effort: Frequently work in confined areas in and around boilers. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, crouching, stooping, turning, kneeling, and stretching. Frequently lift above head 25 pounds and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, carries items weighing over 40 pounds.

Working Conditions: Mainly works indoors, but occasionally work outside for short periods of time. Subject to hot, cold, damp or wet conditions and occasionally performs work under adverse lighting or ventilation conditions, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil and fumes. Subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam and contact with boilers. Work on catwalks and ladders. He/she regularly works with toxic and corrosive water treatment chemicals. The incumbent is required to wear rubber apron, rubber gloves and goggles or face shield while preparing, mixing, or transferring chemicals used for water treatment.

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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
  • Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

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.

Your resume must show knowledge of the structure and operating characteristics of boilers and associated auxiliary equipment. Knowledge of the location/function of numerous pumps, valves, regulators and gauges. Knowledge of the chemical and physical characteristics of fuels and principles of combustion, steam generation and heat transfer. Knowledge of the relationship between fuel quality and efficient combustion characteristics. Knowledge of water, analysis and basic chemical treatments. Skill in adjusting air temperature, draft and other furnace conditions. Ability to recognize malfunctioning equipment/systems and potentially dangerous operating conditions. Skill in the use of hand tools, electric and pneumatic power tools. Skill in applying preventive maintenance procedures, and limited operational repairs (e.g. cleaning equipment, greasing and oiling moving parts). Ability to read and work from blueprints, drawings, and diagrams to diagnose and locate problem areas for repair.

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.

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/.

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

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.

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.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • 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 07/21/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12756990.

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.

Agency contact information

Alana Mueller
Address
Clement J Zablocki Veterans Administration Medical Center
5000 West National Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53295
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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