Boiler Plant Operator
What you'd do
The Boiler Plant Operator (BPO) is assigned to the Utility Plant, in Facilities Management Service, at the Butler VA Medical Center. The Boiler Plant Operator is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and safe operation of two Keeler gas/oil combination boilers, Models 14860-3 NB4601 and 14860-1 producing steam capacity of 20,000LBS/HR each; and one Unilux gas/oil combination boiler model ZF1200HS producing steam capacity of 9,918 LBS/HR.
Major duties
Work Schedule: 8 Hour Rotating shifts every 6/7 days - 21 Turn (Shifts include 0800-1600, 1600-0000, 0000-0800) Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD024960 Major Duties Include but not limited to: Monitor hospital alarms for various systems and engineering control systems. Test and analyze water used by the various machines. Promote a spirit of cooperation and understanding and exercise a high degree of judgment and self-initiative to cope with unexpected conditions or emergencies which may arise during tour of duty. Responsible for the maintenance, repair, and safe operation of two Keeler gas/oil combination boilers, Models 14860-3 NB4601 and 14860-1 producing steam capacity of 20,000LBS/HR each; and one Unilux gas/oil combination boiler model ZF1200HS producing steam capacity of 9,918 LBS/HR. The BPO monitors facility alarms and engineering systems management alarms using systems knowledge and judgment to properly notify appropriate response personnel in a timely manner. Operates the boiler plant to maintain efficient combustion levels and ensures compliance with air pollution laws or regulations. Use electronic, hydraulic, mechanical and pneumatic controls in conjunction with meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements. Adjust fuel feeds and the volume and velocity of draft and other fire box variables to achieve maximum combustion efficiency with changing load demands or variations in fuel. Operate emergency electrical generator to meet plant electrical requirements. Responsible for testing and analyzing boiler feed water, boiler water and condensate return water using standard chemical tests. The testing is necessary to determine the treatment and chemicals to be used to control chemical concentrations, remove impurities and entrapped gases, or stabilize fluctuating water conditions in the boiler to protect systems and equipment. Test, adjust, maintain, and repair boiler safety devices such as flame safeguard pressure switches, limit switches, timers, water column safety devices, electric/electronic probes and sensors, steam safety valves, and automatic/manual fuel valves. Visually inspects boiler settings and refractory linings for signs of deterioration and failure due to heat stress. Use manual, automatic, semi-automatic, microprocessor controls or systems to monitor, adjust and control all phases of boiler plant operations. Use electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic controls, charts, recorders, meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements. Use tools such as manometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometer to maintain, calibrate, and repair safety devices. Operate, adjust, maintain and repair auxiliary plant equipment. Repair, troubleshoot and maintain boilers and auxiliary equipment. Auxiliary equipment may include fuel delivery systems, de-aerating equipment, water treatment equipment, and air compressors that often require regular adjustment and maintenance to meet rigid tolerances. Monitor and test the operation of boiler systems in order to identify malfunctions and potential problems. Perform preventative, scheduled, and emergency maintenance on equipment including boiler feed water pumps, fuel oil pumps, air compressors, automatic controls, valves, piping, pumps, plant electrical systems and related components and other boiler plant systems. Maintain burner management control systems including electronic and electro-mechanical controls utilizing ultra-violet, and related testing devices. The devices repaired and maintained are characterized by electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and/or electronic systems with interrelated functions that require the incumbent to deal with all aspects of an integrated assembly to successfully complete work on any of the components. Items serviced are characterized by a variety of data-sensing units, computing assemblies, actuating mechanisms, display indicators, and related controls that are collectively combined and integrated into a complete unit of information gathering devices. Uses broad experience and specialized knowledge of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic theory and a working knowledge of electronics to diagnose, isolate, and repair malfunctions, and to achieve and maintain critical accuracies, sensitivity levels, and precise tolerances in aligning and adjusting complex instrument systems, components, and mechanisms. Incumbent works from manufacturers' technical information sources and operating instructions that may be vague or incomplete.
What you need to qualify
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: Inspect Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) 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: Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Occasionally works from scaffolds and platforms and may perform strenuous work. Frequently lifts and carries tools and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally required to handle items that weigh more than 50 pounds with the assistance of lifting devices or other workers. Must possess sufficient strength to be able to open/close large valves including those located overhead. Must be able to enter physically and mentally a 12" x 16" manhole to access boiler confined spaces. Must have ability to assess equipment /system operating conditions during all hours in often remote locations while working alone and respond with sound judgment and ingenuity to stressful situations. Ability to always maintain a high degree of mental alertness and concentration for up to twelve hours at a time. Working Conditions: Mainly works indoors, but occasionally works outside for short periods of time. Subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil and fumes. Subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam and contact with boilers.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.