Boiler Plant Operator

Summary

The primary purpose of the position is to serve as the Boiler Plant Operator assigned to the Facilities Management Service, at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System (VAPAHCS). The Boiler Plant Operator will start, operate, adjust, stop, maintain, and perform various operational repairs on single or multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary equipment.

Duties

The VA Palo Alto Healthcare System (VAPAHCS) is part of VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21), which includes facilities in California, Nevada and Hawaii. VAPAHCS is a teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research, Comprehensive health care is provided through primary, tertiary and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and extended care. The Research and Development Service excels as a leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The non-profit corporation, the Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR), has contributed to making VAPAHCS a leader in research.VAPAHCS is affiliated with the Stanford University School of Medicine which provides a rich academic environment including medical training for physicians in virtually all specialties and subspecialties. Our Health Care System operates over 800 beds, including three nursing homes and a 100-bed homeless domiciliary.To learn more visit: http://www.paloalto.va.gov/about/The Boiler Plant Operator is in charge of the plant operations during his tour of duty under the general oversight of the Boiler Plant Supervisor. Each Boiler Plant Operator has the authority to make decisions to ensure the safe and reliable repair, maintenance, and operation of the all boiler plant equipment.The major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Repairs, troubleshoots, and maintains single-and-multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary and pollution control equipment such as water treatment systems. Operates boilers under constant attention to maintain efficiency and to control the formation of combustion pollutants, ensuring compliance with local air pollution laws or regulations. Operates, adjusts, and maintains auxiliary equipment such as electrical or steam driven pumps, forced fans, air compressors, deaerating equipment, feed water, heaters, and water softener units. Tests feed water, boiler water and condensate using standard chemical tests. Performs operational maintenance and repairs of limited to moderate complexity on mechanical parts and systems and may be required to perform limited or basic electrical repairs. Work Schedule: Varies Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD6698A Physical Requirements: The Boiler Plant Operator frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers. S/He requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. S/He frequently lifts and carries boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, she or he carries items weighing over 50 pounds. The Boiler Plant Operator mainly works indoors, but occasionally works outside for short periods of time. S/He is subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes. S/He is subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam, and contact with boilers. S/He works on catwalks and ladders. S/He will be required to a rotating shift schedule. Under normal circumstances s/he can work alone, since one qualified Boiler Plant Operator per shift is sufficient to attend gas-fired or oil-fired high ­pressure boilers. At times, s/he will be expected to work extended hours in order to meet plant shift coverage requirements.

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 (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.