Summary The Boiler Plant Operator is employed in the Environmental Shop, Facilities & Engineering Service, Perry Point VA Medical Center, a division of the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS). The Boiler Operator will operate and maintain steam boilers/chiller plant and associated equipment. In addition will be required to work irregular tours of duty as required to support plant operations, participate in training activities and assist with any emergencies. Responsibilities Major Duties: Operates a multiple fuel boiler using natural gas as the primary fuel with No. 2 fuel oil providing backup. Oversees the unloading of tanker fuel oil trucks and transferring the fuel to a 150,000 gallon above ground fuel storage tank. Provides assessment and initial response to an emergency in this process. Maintains efficient combustion levels and ensures compliance with air pollution laws and/or regulations. Uses electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic controls, and zone charts in conjunction with meters, gauges, and computer generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements. Adjusts 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 quality. Operates emergency electrical generators to meet plant electrical requirements when the main electrical source is unable to provide the necessary power. Works in conjunction with electric power controllers in starting and stopping steam generating units and auxiliary electrical equipment in accordance with electrical load requirements during peak demand times. Tests and analyzes feed water, boiler water, and condensate using standard chemical tests. Tests, adjusts, maintains, and repairs boiler safety devices such as flame safeguard systems, pressure switches, pressure differential 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. Through the use of manual, automatic, semi-automatic, microprocessor controls or systems, the incumbent monitors, adjusts and controls all phases of boiler plant operations. Uses 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. Uses tools such as manometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometer, and deadweight gauge tester, to maintain, calibrate, and repair safety devices. Operates, adjusts, maintains and repairs auxiliary plant equipment. Adjusts fuel feeds, volume and velocity of draft and other firebox variables to maintain combustion efficiencies, prevent unexpected shut downs and prevent equipment failures. Repairs, troubleshoots and maintains boilers and auxiliary equipment. Monitors and tests the operation of boiler systems in order to identify malfunctions and potential problems with equipment such as automatic controls, valves, piping, pumps, and related components. Performs preventative and scheduled maintenance on equipment including boiler feed water pumps, fuel oil pumps, air compressors, turbines, generators, and other boiler plant systems. Maintains burner management control systems including electronic and electro-mechanical controls utilizing infrared, ultra-violet, and related testing devices. Applies 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. Designated as the "operator in charge" (OIC) of the complete plant on the second and third shifts and all day on weekends and holidays, and as such is responsible for following written instructions from the supervisor or the OIC on the previous shift as well as relaying instructions to the next shift operator, including problems encountered and action taken. Evaluates and makes decisions with the steam distribution system, hazardous spills, safety problems, as well as problems concerning other trades such as electrical, plumbing, locksmith and environmental controls (HVAC); initiates immediate action to correct any of those situations that are determined emergencies. Independently cut off and re-route steam to the medical center buildings. In the absence of written contingency procedures, determines when to bring another boiler on line or remove a boiler from operation, in the least amount of time, to meet changing load demands while maintaining safe levels and efficient combustion. Responsible for determining what work must be done and the authority to call in off-duty maintenance staff from other shops to make repairs and isolate problems. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts: 8am-4pm; 4pm-12am; 12am-8am Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD00154A Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job Subject to a background/suitability investigation May serve a probationary period Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc. 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. 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, 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. 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 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: 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 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 maintain a high degree of mental alertness and concentration at all times for up to twelve hours at a time. 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 Education Additional Information 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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.
