The Plant Operator is assigned to the Main Boiler Plant, Plant Operations Section, Engineering Service at the Northport, NY VAMC. Although supervision of others is not included in the duties, the Plant Operator is solely in charge of the main boiler plant on any watch or shift the operator is assigned to. The Boiler Plant Operator receives emergency and service calls during weekends and irregular tours. The Plant Operator takes necessary action to ensure these calls are satisfactorily resolved.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: Specialized Experience: The Plant Operator is required to have a minimum of four years' experience in boiler operations to perform the above duties AND, Education: The Boiler Plant Operator is required to have at least a complete elementary school education, including the ability to read and write. The Boiler Plant Operator is required to remain aware of the technological changes in the field by reading and noting changes in VA procedures, policies and other publications relating the boiler plant operation and procedures. AND, Training: Although the rotation of shifts makes it difficult for the Plant Operator to attend regularly scheduled training sessions, the operator will receive instruction relative to the use and maintenance of new instruments, controls, equipment, and other general, administrative type information. The Plant Operator will take advantage of training and instruction available during the regular tour of duty. The Operator will also subscribe to, or have access to, a variety of technical publications, manuals, etc., to keep well informed. AND, Mental Application: The Boiler Plant Operator is required to apply a good mathematical knowledge to simple and complex problems pertaining to fuel combustion, steam generation, boiler water analysis, chemical treatment of water and other mathematical problems pertaining to proper plant operation. The Operator must also be able to read and understand sketches and blueprints of plumbing, electrical systems, etc. The Operator must also remain constantly alert to the possibility of leaks in steam, fuel and water systems. 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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Dexterity and Safety Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than 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.
About the position: The Plant Operator is assigned to the Main Boiler Plant, Plant Operations Section, Engineering Service at the Northport, NY VAMC. Duties include but are not limited to: The Plant Operator is required to stand eight-hour watch shifts, on any of the tours of duty involved in the twenty-four-hour, seven day per week operation on a rotating basis. In the event of an emergency, the Plant Operator may be recalled to duty, and/or may be required to remain on duty in the absence of the scheduled operator. Regardless of the tour of duty the operator is assigned to, the operator has complete responsibility for the operation of the boiler, auxiliary machinery, instruments, controls, recorders, well water console and all other plant equipment. (See fact sheet data on plant equipment and output). The Plant Operator receives fuel oil, keeps daily logbooks, log sheets and takes readings and sounding for report purposes. The Plant Operator is also responsible for preventive maintenance required to keep the equipment in continuous service or ready for service. Preventive maintenance includes periodic checks of machinery, equipment and lubrication of machinery and equipment to reduce wear and preserve parts. The Boiler Plant Operator's duties also include any testing and adjusting to maintain proper boiler plant operations, and the ability to detect minor leaks or faulty parts in the system and to make minor repairs as necessary. Although supervision of others is not included in the duties of Boiler Plant Operator, the operator is solely in charge of the main boiler plant on any watch or shift the operator is assigned to. The Boiler Plant Operator, in the performance of assigned duties, will be required to use all sized pipe wrenches and other plumbing/steam fitter function necessary to proper plant maintenance. The Plant Operator will be required to utilize tools such as wrenches, pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, saws, tube cleaning equipment, ladders, chain hoists and electrical testing motors, in the performance of assigned duties. The Boiler Plant Operator is also required to mix chemicals for boiler water treatment, regrind and repack valves, and other similar duties involved in the preventative maintenance of boiler plant. The Boiler Plant Operator receives emergency and service calls during weekends and irregular tours. The plant Operator takes necessary action to ensure these calls are satisfactorily resolved. Work Schedule: Rotating Shift (8am-4pm, 4pm-12am & 12am-8am). Position is required to work rotating shifts of a 7day, 3 shift operational plans. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD11577A Physical Requirements: Boiler plant workers frequently work in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment (i.e., auxiliary and pollution control equipment). The work requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Workers frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds) unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 18 kilograms (40 pounds) with assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. Workers lifts and carry tools and heavy equipment up and down ladders, scaffolds, and gratings. The Plant Operator may also be required to stand for long periods of time while performing maintenance, inspections, or repairs necessary for proper plant operations.