Boiler Plant Operator
What you'd do
The Facilities Management service at Samuel S. Stratton DVAMC, Albany NY is recruiting for one Boiler Plant Operator. At the Journeymen level, operate and perform operational maintenance of single and multiple fuel water or fire tube boilers and associated auxiliary and pollution control equipment; extremely large capacity and flexibility high-pressure boilers and chillers; and a wide Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning Systems.
Major duties
Duties include but not limited to: Steam Boiler Plant Systems - The incumbent starts, operates, adjusts, stops, maintains, and performs various operational repairs on single or multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary and pollution control equipment. The boilers operated at this facility are dual fuel utilizing both oil and natural gas to produce the steam required to meet changing load demands. The boilers require constant attention to maintain efficiency and control the formation of pollutants. They maintain efficient combustion levels and ensure compliance with air pollution laws or regulations. Using both manual and automatic control systems, boiler plant operators monitor, adjust, and control all phases of boiler plant operations. Electrical Systems - The BPO has experience with various Electrical systems, AC, DC, single phase and 3 phase, Machinery Control Centers, control isolation and read circuit diagrams pertaining power supply, boiler controls, pump controls, Fan controls, DDC panels, UPS supplies, electric actuated control valve systems and various instrumentation. Incumbent will independently trouble shoot and repair electrical circuits, single phase and 3 phase motors, switches, starter circuits, Variable Frequency drives, and other process controls. Have knowledge of the NFPA Electrical code andelectrical lock out tag out procedures. The Operators also work on electric motor driven pumps on feed water and condensate systems along with heating hot water and chilled water systems. BPOs have a working knowledge of electric driven centrifugal chillers. Plumbing Systems - The BPOs performs plumbing related duties which include planning, layout, and routing or piping systems. The operators must be able to work from sketches and blueprints or other technical data. The operator works on the installation and repair of different types of piping which include copper, galvanized steel, black iron, PVC, Carbon Steel, Plastic tubing, Stainless tubing as well as transition couplings and valves associated with these materials. All plumbing and piping must meet trade standards, Material specifications and codes for Water, Air, High pressure steam, BoilerCondensate, Fuel oil, and Natural gas. Other duties include repairing various pumps and general plumbing maintenance. Instrumentation Systems - The BPO works to troubleshoot, repair, modify, overhaul, test, calibrate and install a variety of multi- component industrial and precision instruments and system equipment as it relates to both the Boiler Plant and Chiller Plant. The equipment and systems normally serviced are interdependent electrical, mechanical, and Hydraulic devices which control and regulate flows, pressures, and levels. The operator will work using operating principles, blueprints, diagrams, technical manuals, test equipment trade tools. The position works with various machinery including reciprocating pumps, centrifugal pumps, gear pumps and electric motors. Air Conditioning Equipment Systems - The BPO operates a centralized, multiple zone system, checking temperature sensing points in the buildings, adjust controls, start, regulate, stop air handling equipment, and reset temperature controls and steam spray valves for humidity control. Operators log gauge readings, test water in cooling towers and record results of water condition tests, perform operator maintenance, and replace minor parts. Due to the size and complexity of the facility and end users (e.g., industrial, computer and telecommunications areas, hospital operating rooms, special research laboratories that contain sensitive measuring equipment, clinical laboratories, or intensive care wards) the incumbent requires a more extensive knowledge and skillset when compared to other facilities. The facilities chilling system, which has an extremely large capacity and flexibility, entails many components and auxiliary equipment with many controls and gauges to monitor and coordinate. Work Schedule: Shift Work, schedule to be discussed with hiring manager Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD05716A Physical Requirements: The incumbent frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment (i.e., auxiliary and pollution control equipment). Prolonged physical effort is not routine. The work requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, stooping, climbing, bending, crouching and work on ladders (occasionally over operating equipment). Workers frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 50 pounds with assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment, such as chain hoists.
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/26/2026. 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: 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: The incumbent frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment (i.e., auxiliary and pollution control equipment). Prolonged physical effort is not routine. The work requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, stooping, climbing, bending, crouching and work on ladders (occasionally over operating equipment). Workers frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 50 pounds with assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment, such as chain hoists.
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.