Summary The Primary Purpose of the Position is the operation and operational maintenance of single and multiple fuel water or fire tube boilers and associated auxiliary and pollution control equipment. The Organizational Location of the Position is at the Temple or Waco campus, Engineering Service, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX. Responsibilities Major duties include, but are not limited to: Works with and assists operators in the operation of the plant in such manner as to produce the required amount of steam and obtain maximum combustion efficiency. Monitors electronic control boards, operating machinery, instruments and control equipment and makes demand adjustments in order to maintain adequate pressures, temperatures, steam flows, maximum combustion and supplies of fuel, air and water mixtures and to comply with EPA and State air pollution control requirements. Exercises knowledge in the maintenance of plant and possess the skill to start up from cold start through normal operations and to shutdown boiler as necessary. Operates auxiliary equipment such as centrifugal pumps, water softeners, compressors, surge tanks and deaerators. Collects samples of boiler water and exercises skill in performing tests to determine chemical content, determines treatment necessary to control corrosion and scale formation in the distribution system. Performs adjustments, installation maintenance, and repairs during operational and non-operational season, such as painting boiler rooms and equipment. Cleans boilers, furnaces, packs pumps and valves, etc. Repairs motorized valves. Disassembles, cleans, checks for worn or broken parts such as gears, bearings gaskets, etc., and replaces parts as required. Repairs and replaces pins, heat plates, and gear equipment. Cleans, repairs, or replaces fans. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Worker/PD00433A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/10/2025. 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: Heavy Lifting (45 pounds and over), pulling, pushing, reaching, walking, standing, kneeling, bending, etc. Exposure to various contagion's and infections is a constant hazard as is the danger of cuts and stabs from glass, metal objects and needles found in soiled linen, electrical shocks in equipment and slips on wet floors. Skin rashes and allergies due to chemicals are possible. Incumbent is exposed to hot and humid conditions. Incumbent is exposed to possibility of bruises and minor burns resulting from carts and machinery, and presence of hot steam pipes. The work affects the accuracy, quality and quantity of linens or services within and outside the service. Education There is no education substitution. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
