Boiler Plant Operator

Summary

The position is located in the Boiler Plant Unit, Facilities Management Services (Engineering) of Edward Hines, Jr. Veteran's Hospital, Hines, IL. The primary purpose of this position is to provide utility steam, cold domestic water, and hot domestic water required for many processes to include, sanitation, infection control and a healthful environment for the delivery of health care. The plant is operated in a safe and economical manner.

Duties

The incumbent is responsible during their assigned tour of duty for the operation adjustment and minor repair of four water tube combination oil and natural gas fired, high pressure steam boilers; potable water pumping and chlorinating equipment; softened water treatment, dealkalized water treatment facilities and boiler plant auxiliary equipment such as: water and oil pumps, steam turbines, air compressors, internal combustion engines, unit heaters, air handling units, hot water generator tanks, and fixed and portable gas analyzers. The incumbent starts up and shuts down bailer and boiler plant auxiliary equipment to meet routine, as well as, emergency conditions during assigned tour of duty. The incumbent collects, prepares, and performs a chemical analysis of water potable, domestic, boiler, feed, soft water, and steam condensate return) samples, including the determination of the chemicals and dosage to be used. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Multiple Fixed Schedule. Determined at time of hire. Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD08964A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/16/2026. 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. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE INCLUDES BUT NOT LIMITED TO: Knowledge of the structure and operating characteristics of boilers and associated auxiliary equipment. Knowledge of the location/function of numerous pumps, valves, regulators, and gauges. Knowledge of the chemical and physical characteristics of fuels and principles of combustion, steam generation, and heat transfer. Knowledge of the relationship between fuel quality and efficient combustion characteristics. Knowledge of water, analysis and basic chemical treatments. Skill in adjusting air temperature, draft, and other furnace conditions. Ability to recognize malfunctioning equipment/systems and potentially dangerous operating conditions. Skill in the use of hand tools, electric, and pneumatic power tools. Skill in applying preventative maintenance procedures, and limited operational repairs (e.g. cleaning equipment. Greasing, and oiling moving parts). Ability to read and wok from blueprints, drawings, and diagrams to diagnose and locate problem areas for repair. 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 eligibilities are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: 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: Frequently work in confined areas in and around boilers. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, crouching, stooping, turning, kneeling, and stretching. Frequently lift above head 25 pounds and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, carries items weighing over 40 pounds.