Duties
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.
The Boiler Plant Operator's position is in the Boiler Plant of the Maintenance and Operations Section, TVHS Facilities Management Service. The Boiler Plant Operator receives little or no detailed instructions in the performance of assigned tasks. The Boiler Plant Operator is one of a group of operators who operate on an 8-hour shift, twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week and must rotate the different shifts at planned intervals. As the Boiler Plant Operator, the incumbent's duties will include, but are not limited to:
- Responsible for the entire steam distribution, hot water system and boiler operations.
- Operate three high pressure gas fired boilers.
- Start, operate, adjust, stop, maintain and perform repairs to the boilers, associated auxiliary and pollution control equipment.
- Adjust pressure reducing valves on low, medium and high steam regulators as demand changes.
- Prepare required reports and maintain logs necessary to the operation.
- Perform flame failure control testing each shift.
- Troubleshoot and repair boiler controls, valves, relief valves, and safety valves.
- Perform required safety checks on complex electrical and mechanical systems.
- Serve as the operator in charge responding immediately to emergency situations.
- Obtain and test feedwater, boiler water and condensable using appropriate chemical test procedures.
- Test and monitor exhaust gases using the absorption or electronic method.
- Monitor the operation of systems (i.e. central vacuum system, medical gas system, fire protection system, domestic water system, boosted tower water system, emergency water system, and diesel oil storage tanks).
*** Recruitment or Relocation Incentive: Recruitment or Relocation incentive may be paid in accordance with federal regulations and in consideration of budget availability for a highly qualified candidate; determination upon selection and the selectee must sign a service agreement.
Work Schedule: Operate on an 8-hour shift, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and must rotate the different shifts at planned intervals.
Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD70934A
Physical Requirements: The duties of this position require physical exertion involving lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying objects of varying weights, sizes and shapes. Physical effort is exerted in walking, running, climbing, crawling, and bending. Strain related to lack of movement such as standing in place, crouching, or stooping for extended periods of time.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Incumbent is exposed to heat, restricted ventilation and poor illumination in areas such as equipment rooms. Incumbent is exposed to varying climatic conditions from an office to excessive heat in the boiler plant. Incumbent is exposed to various hazardous materials during performing work assignments. Incumbent is provided protective clothing, equipment and safety devices for his personal protection. The boiler plant and chiller room are above the allowable decibel rating and hearing protection is provided. Hazardous gases are in the work environment during various tasks. Respiratory protection is provided for the incumbent. Incumbent is at risk of high-voltage electric shock; explosions of equipment or cables; injury from falls, burns, bruises and cuts. Incumbent is required to work occasionally outside in inclement weather.
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.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
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:
- Dexterity and Safety
- Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
- Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes 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.
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.
Required Documents
Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
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.
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 08/13/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12772629.
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.
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.