Boiler Plant Operator

Summary

The position is in the Maintenance and Operations Section, Boiler Plant of Engineering Service at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS), Little Rock, Arkansas. Boilers are operated by natural gas, fuel oil, and propane gas or combination of those fuels to produce steam to meet changing load demands. Boilers require constant attention to maintain efficiency and control the formation of pollutants.

Duties

Major duties include, but not limited to: Starts, operates, monitors, adjusts, and shuts down multiple-fuel boiler systems, medical-waste disposal systems, and related plant equipment to ensure safe, reliable operation. Performs preventive and operational maintenance on boilers, pumps, motors, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), air compressors, fans, valves, dampers, steam traps, tanks, controls, and water-treatment equipment. Monitors boiler plant operations through manual, automatic, and microprocessor-based control systems; interprets gauges, meters, detectors, recorders, zone charts, and computer-generated data to identify and correct abnormal operating conditions. Adjusts fuel feeds, combustion air, draft, furnace conditions, and other firebox variables to maintain efficient combustion and meet changing load requirements and fuel-quality variations. Maintains compliance with applicable air-pollution laws and regulations by operating and maintaining pollution-control equipment and monitoring combustion efficiency and emissions-related controls. Tests and analyzes feedwater, boiler water, and condensate; determines appropriate chemical treatment and adds chemicals to control concentrations, remove impurities and gases, and maintain required steam quality. Performs Boiler Efficiency Institute (BEI) testing and verifies proper operation of boiler safety devices, alarms, interlocks, pressure switches, safety valves, fuel shutoff systems, flame scanners, and combustion controls. Diagnoses and completes limited-to-moderate mechanical and electrical repairs, including repairing or replacing pumps, valves, gauges, sight glasses, belts, packing, wiring, switches, relays, fuses, contactors, controls, and associated equipment. Maintains accurate computerized and paper records of boiler plant operations, service and emergency calls, maintenance actions, medical-waste processing, and safety documentation; coordinates after-hours service dispatches and emergency elevator-rescue communications. Work Schedule: Rotating Schedule, Varies, 6:00am - 6:00pm (Subject to change based on the needs of the Agency) Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD04516A Physical Requirements: The position frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. The work requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Will frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 40 pounds without assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. Makes repairs from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms to reach equipment in out-of-the-way places. When working on ladders and scaffolds, must be able to climb and carry tools and materials. Working Conditions: Works indoors and occasionally works outside for short periods where they are subject to prevailing weather conditions. Subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes in the work area. Subject to strains, cuts, eye damage/irritation, bruises, infection, and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam, and contact with piping and boilers. In addition, they work on catwalks and ladders. Work is at heights and/or in close quarters, as each assignment dictates, to accomplish the work in the physical plant. Required to use appropriate personal protective equipment. Works around operating equipment, steam tunnels, manholes, and mechanical rooms. The plant and building contain hazardous chemicals that require special handling procedures and protection.

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: Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Operation of Equipment/Machinery Technical Practices Measuring Instruments Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Dexterity and Safety Without more than normal supervision 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.