Boiler Plant Operator Leader
What you'd do
This 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 (pounds per square inch) and all associated auxiliary equipment required to meet the facility's continuous steam demand.
Major duties
Monitors boiler performance through gauges, meters, recorders, and water level indicators to identify abnormal conditions. Adjusts burner controls and fuel air ratios and rotates boilers to maintain stable and efficient operation. Performs routine operational maintenance such as cleaning tubes, drums, and firesides and replacing minor components including gauges, valves, and small pumps. Troubleshoots mechanical issues within operator capability and identifies conditions requiring licensed trades or contractors, such as welding or structural repairs. Performs daily water chemistry testing of boiler water, feedwater, condensate, and make up water. Monitors water quality trends and adjust chemical levels as needed to maintain proper operating conditions. Identifies deviations from normal operating parameters and takes corrective action within established procedures. Determines when conditions exceed operator authority and notify the boiler plant supervisor or on call maintenance personnel. Observes plant alarm panels for fire alarms, medical gas systems, emergency generators, refrigeration and freezer units, security systems, and underground storage tanks. Follows established protocols to report alarms to designated responders. Records operating data, plant conditions, test results, equipment status, and shift activity in accordance with established logging requirements. Performs all duties as assigned. 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) Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized
What you need to qualify
PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK CONDITIONS: 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. 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. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications. For this position, the job element method is used to match what you, the applicant, can do against what the work calls for. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be compared to the knowledge, skills and abilities (called job elements) needed for success. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element (WG-2 and higher only; screen-outs are not applicable to WG-1). Applicants who appear to meet the screen out element are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligibles are rated against the remainder of the job elements. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume. This position includes a Selective Placement Factor (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration. The Selective Placement Factor for this position is: possess a valid and current state driver's license. (Please DO NOT submit a copy of driver's license). We may not accept pictures. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your driver's license. (Do NOT upload) A Quality Ranking Factor* has been requested by the facility to help determine which of the basically qualified applicants are likely to be better qualified for a position. The quality ranking factor for this position is: possess a State of Minnesota 1st Class B Boiler License. *Quality Ranking Factors are skills, knowledge, abilities, or other worker characteristics which could be expected to result in superior performance on the job. Quality ranking factors will not be used for screening, but may be used as ranking criteria. Applicants with higher proficiency levels may rank above those with lower proficiency levels on a quality ranking factor. You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Dexterity and Safety Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Lead or Supervise Measuring Instruments Operation of Equipment/Machinery Quality Ranking Factor Selective Placement Factor Technical Practices IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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; religious; 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.
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