Boiler Plant Operator Leader
What you'd do
The position is located in the Facilities Management Service of the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. The Boiler Plant Operator is responsible for the operation, adjustment, and maintenance of four high pressure steam boilers rated at 125 PSI and all associated auxiliary equipment required to meet the facility's continuous steam demand. The position ensures safe and reliable steam generation that supports heating, sterilization, humidification, and other utility needs throughout the medical center.
Major duties
Major duties include but not limited to: Operates and monitors high-pressure boilers, adjusts burner controls and fuel-air ratios and rotates boilers to maintain stable and efficient operation. Operates and adjusts auxiliary equipment support systems, including feedwater pumps, condensate systems, deaerators, water softeners, air compressors, draft fans, and related equipment. Conducts water testing and applies treatment for boiler water, feedwater, condensate, and make-up water. Responds to equipment malfunctions by identifying deviations from normal operating parameters and takes corrective action within established procedures. Monitors facility equipment and utility alarms such as fire, medical gas systems, emergency generators, refrigeration and freezer units. Receives and relays afterhours service calls. Maintains boiler plant logs and documentation, operating data, plant conditions, test results, equipment status and shift activity. Performs safety device testing including testing of low-water cutouts, flame scanners, fuel safety shutoffs, and pressure relief devices. Performs emergency shutdowns, fuel isolation, purging, or other emergency actions in response to critical equipment or utility failures. Performs environmental responsibilities reporting spills, illicit discharges, or issues involving fuel or boiler chemicals. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts to cover plant operations (ensuring 24 hour/7 days per week coverage) to include weekend, and holidays. (Work hours will be further discussed during interview) Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Authorized Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator Leader/PD656-903820 Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/07/2026. 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 eligible are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading) Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc. Operation of Job Family Specify Equipment, Machinery, etc. 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. Preferred Experience: The State of Minnesota 1st Class Boiler License 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: The work requires standing and walking for long periods while monitoring boilers and auxiliary equipment. The operator frequently climbs ladders and stairs to access elevated platforms, boiler tops, deaerator areas, and valve galleries. Work requires bending, kneeling, reaching, and working in awkward or confined spaces when performing routine maintenance, cleaning tubes and firesides, opening boiler doors, or replacing minor components. The operator lifts and carries tools, test equipment, chemicals, and replacement components weighing up to 40 pounds, and occasionally heavier items with assistance or mechanical aids. Physical effort is required to manipulate valves, remove access panels, handle chemical containers, and position components during maintenance or inspection procedures. The work requires sustained physical stamina due to the warm environment of the boiler plant and the need to remain within the plant at all times during the shift. The operator must maintain sufficient strength, balance, and mobility to perform safety device testing, respond to abnormal conditions, and access tight or elevated areas quickly when required. Working Conditions: Work is performed inside a boiler plant environment characterized by high temperatures, elevated humidity, and constant noise generated by operating boilers, pumps, compressors, and other mechanical equipment. The operator is regularly exposed to steam, hot surfaces, moving machinery, and heated equipment components. Work areas include platforms, catwalks, tight spaces, and elevated locations that require climbing ladders and stairs to access boilers, deaerators, valve galleries, and auxiliary equipment. Surfaces may be slippery due to condensation or water accumulation. The operator uses required personal protective equipment such as hearing protection, gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to minimize exposure to heat, noise, chemicals, and mechanical hazards. The operator is exposed to chemicals used for boiler water treatment and must handle chemical agents and testing materials in accordance with established procedures. The operator may be exposed to dust, fumes, and odors associated with combustion equipment, boiler cleaning, and auxiliary system maintenance. Plant conditions can vary significantly depending on boiler load, seasonal demand, and equipment status. During emergency situations (such as equipment malfunctions, steam leaks, utility outages, or chemical spills) the operator may be exposed to additional hazards and must take immediate action within established safety protocols.
Before you apply
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