Boiler Plant Operator Job in Philadelphia, PA

Vacancy No. CBSZ-12806784-26-SC Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $30.31 to $35.41 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/2/2025 Close Date 10/6/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Philadelphia, PA


Summary

The position is organizationally located in the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Facilities Management Service, Utilities Section under the direct supervision of the Utility Engineer in Philadelphia, PA. The Boiler Plant Operator is a key position in maintaining the safe, uninterrupted operations of the boiler plant, which is a very complex, potentially dangerous and critically needed resource of the Medical Center.

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

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Conduct tests including adjusting, maintaining and repairing boiler safety devices such as flame safeguard systems, pressure switches, pressure differential switches, limit switches, timers, water column safety devices, electric/electronic probes and sensors, steam safety valves and automatic and manual fuel valves used to ensure avert pressure vessel failures and/or furnace explosions.
  • Inspect boiler settings and refractory linings for signs of deterioration and failure due to heat stress.
  • Use manual, automatic, semi-automatic and microprocessor controls to monitor, adjust and controls all phases of boiler plant operations.
  • Use electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic controls, charts, recorders, meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements.
  • Use tools such as manometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometer and dead-weight gauge testers to maintain, calibrate and repair safety devices.
  • Operate, adjust, maintains and repair auxiliary equipment.
  • Adjust fuel feeds, volume and velocity of draft and other firebox variables to maintain combustion efficiencies, prevent unexpected shutdowns and prevent possible furnace explosions.
  • Observe and documents information such as pressures, temperatures, levels to detect signs of system malfunction.
  • Perform pre-boiler water treatment.
  • Perform mechanical de-aeration.
  • Make use of water softeners to remove all hardness and oxygen in the make-up waters.
  • Gathers water samples daily from boilers.
  • Test for various levels of chemicals and concentrations.
  • Treat water to ensure that the boiler operation is consistent with prescribed standards.
  • Adjust chemical dosages and documented application.
  • Test return waters for proper pH levels to reduce corrosion.
  • Maintain and repair domestic pumps and systems located in the Boiler Plant.
  • Maintain and monitor the Veeder Root System for fuel oil capacities and tank leaks.
  • Maintain, monitor and calibrate the carbon monoxide and combustible system.
  • Troubleshoot, perform various checks, tests and adjustments to determine performance, repair and or operation needs.
  • Conduct preventive maintenance using the Medical Center's computer system.
  • Inspect and check machinery and equipment for appearance, cleanliness, excess heat and working condition of moving parts.
  • Lubricate machinery and equipment as necessary.
  • Make minor repairs such as stopping leaks by tightening connections, tightening and replacing belts, repacking or replacing valves, covering and insulating pipe and performing other repairs.
  • Make major repairs of equipment such as rebuilding pumps, air compressors, regulators and motors.
  • Replace piping, repair and refinishes valve seats.
  • Replace steel piping, cut and tread pipe using low grade welding and cutting torches.
  • Replace motor bearings using hydraulic presses.
  • Cutting and solder copper piping.
  • Perform minor, major repairs and replacement of refractory, tile and baffle brick.
  • Rebuild and replacing steam reducing valves.
  • Replace large safety valves.
  • Rebuild, repair or replacing steam traps and heat exchangers and water softeners.
  • Rebuild or replacing steam traps and heat exchangers.
  • Operate the facility's emergency fire pumps and systems according to guidelines.

Work Schedule: Rotating shift, the shifts are 8:00am to 4:30pm, 4:00pm to 12 midnight, and 12 midnight to 8:00am.
Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD00238A
Physical Requirements: Subject typically from light to moderate physical effort. Adjustment of valves (opening and closing) and lifting items to a workbench is often required. Occasionally, required to lift over 50 pounds.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
  • 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
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.

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
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.
  • Operation of Job Family Specify Equipment, Machinery, etc.
  • Technical Competence
  • Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments


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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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)
  • 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 10/06/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12806784.

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.

Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.

Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.

Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.

Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:

  • Prioritize most relevant and recent experience
  • Use concise, results focused language
  • Align language from the job announcement
  • Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies
  • Remove outdated or unrelated experience
  • Use the USAJOBS resume builder

Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at:

Agency contact information

Sylina Conley
Address
Corporal Michael J Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
3900 Woodland Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
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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