Summary The Boiler Plant Operator position is located in the Maintenance and Operations Section, TVHS Facilities Management Service - Nashville Campus. The incumbent receives little or no detailed instructions in the performance of assigned tasks. The Boiler Plant Operator is one of a group of operators who operate on an 8-hour shift, twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week and must rotate the different shifts at planned intervals. Responsibilities The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries. The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence ("I CARE"). As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips. The Boiler Plant Operator's position is in the Boiler Plant of the Maintenance and Operations Section, TVHS Facilities Management Service. The Boiler Plant Operator receives little or no detailed instructions in the performance of assigned tasks. The Boiler Plant Operator is one of a group of operators who operate on an 8-hour shift, twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week and must rotate the different shifts at planned intervals. As the Boiler Plant Operator, the incumbent's duties will include, but are not limited to: Responsible for the entire steam distribution, hot water system and boiler operations. Operate three high pressure gas fired boilers. Start, operate, adjust, stop, maintain and perform repairs to the boilers, associated auxiliary and pollution control equipment. Adjust pressure reducing valves on low, medium and high steam regulators as demand changes. Prepare required reports and maintain logs necessary to the operation. Perform flame failure control testing each shift. Troubleshoot and repair boiler controls, valves, relief valves, and safety valves. Perform required safety checks on complex electrical and mechanical systems. Serve as the operator in charge responding immediately to emergency situations. Obtain and test feedwater, boiler water and condensable using appropriate chemical test procedures. Test and monitor exhaust gases using the absorption or electronic method. Monitor the operation of systems (i.e. central vacuum system, medical gas system, fire protection system, domestic water system, boosted tower water system, emergency water system, and diesel oil storage tanks). *** Recruitment or Relocation Incentive: Recruitment or Relocation incentive may be paid in accordance with federal regulations and in consideration of budget availability for a highly qualified candidate; determination upon selection and the selectee must sign a service agreement. Work Schedule: Operate on an 8-hour shift, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and must rotate the different shifts at planned intervals. Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD70934A Physical Requirements: The duties of this position require physical exertion involving lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying objects of varying weights, sizes and shapes. Physical effort is exerted in walking, running, climbing, crawling, and bending. Strain related to lack of movement such as standing in place, crouching, or stooping for extended periods of time. WORKING CONDITIONS: Incumbent is exposed to heat, restricted ventilation and poor illumination in areas such as equipment rooms. Incumbent is exposed to varying climatic conditions from an office to excessive heat in the boiler plant. Incumbent is exposed to various hazardous materials during performing work assignments. Incumbent is provided protective clothing, equipment and safety devices for his personal protection. The boiler plant and chiller room are above the allowable decibel rating and hearing protection is provided. Hazardous gases are in the work environment during various tasks. Respiratory protection is provided for the incumbent. Incumbent is at risk of high-voltage electric shock; explosions of equipment or cables; injury from falls, burns, bruises and cuts. Incumbent is required to work occasionally outside in inclement weather. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job Subject to a background/suitability investigation Designated and/or random drug testing may be required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 A complete application package; including Resume, Transcripts, etc. is 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 identification 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 , 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 Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Measuring Instruments Operation of Equipment/Machinery Technical Practices 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. 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.
