Boiler Plant Operator

Summary

This is an Intermediate position located within Facilities Management, Engineering section in the boiler plant operations. The incumbent participates in the VISN 2 Boiler Plant Operator 2-year training program. The Boiler Plant is a 24-hour per day, 7 days per week operation. The position may be subject to rotating work shifts.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: The incumbent receives minimal supervisory oversight and can perform fundamental tasks independently. The duties performed at any one time might include those above the simpler and more routine duties of the apprentice level, less difficult than the journey worker level, but up to and including, under close supervision, journey worker level duties. At this grade, the incumbent has a working knowledge of boiler plant operations and associated equipment and systems. Must know the location and function of numerous pumps, valves, regulators, gauges, recording instruments, controls, power operated dampers, and other equipment associated with clean, safe, and efficient boiler operation. Incumbent is responsible for observing and documenting meters and gauges to ensure proper combustion and prescribed temperatures, pressures, and emissions, and for performing routine operator maintenance of equipment. Work is checked for effectiveness and adherence to established policies, procedures, and regulations through periodic visits to the work sites. They have skill in applying preventive maintenance procedures and performing limited operational repairs such as cleaning equipment, greasing, and oiling moving parts of machinery, repainting equipment, repacking valves, replacing pumps. Assisting higher grade workers in more difficult repairs and replacements. Knowledgeable of operations necessary in start-up, shutdown, and restart procedures and in casualty control. Requires knowledge of the chemical and physical characteristics of fuel and combustion. Essential working knowledge of principles and practices required for the operation of Boiler Plants. Knowledge of fuel handling and distribution equipment and systems, fuel firing mechanisms, and feed water treatment systems. Know function of numerous pumps, valves, regulators, gauges, recording instruments, controls, power operated dampers. General understanding of the individual and combined effects of chemical additives. Requires knowledge of fuel handling and distribution equipment and systems, fuel firing mechanisms, and feed water treatment systems. Incumbent is responsible for understanding and responding to a variety of emergencies and conditions indicated by equipment inherent to boiler operations to prevent equipment damage or explosion. Must be knowledgeable of operations necessary in startup and shut down. Working knowledge of water tending analysis, and basic chemical treatment; and a general understanding of the individual and combined effects of chemical additives. They have skill in applying preventive maintenance procedures and performing limited operational repairs such as cleaning equipment, greasing, and oiling moving parts of machinery, repainting equipment, repacking valves, replacing pumps, and assisting higher grade workers in more difficult repairs and replacements. A Boiler Plant Operator or supervisor is available for advice and assistance on any work problem encountered. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not authorized. Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD49815A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not authorized. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/28/2026. 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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Dexterity and Safety Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Measuring Instruments Operation of Equipment/Machinery Technical Practices 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. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.