This position is located at the Black Hills VA Health Care System within the Facilities Management service line. The employee will operate the boiler plant that has 4 boilers with a capacity of 55,000 pounds of steam per hour.
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. To be found at least minimally qualified for the position of Boiler Plant Operator at the WG-09 level, your application and supporting documents must demonstrate the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential for satisfactory job performance. For this position, you must have the you have the ability to do the work without more than normal supervision in performing the full range of duties. Related experience includes: check, repair and adjust equipment on boilers, reverse osmosis water unit, burners, combustion controls, flow meters, fuel handling equipment, steam driven and electric feed water pumps, chemical metering pumps, feed water heater and/or water softeners; utilize, read and understand various testing instruments such as measuring tapes, sliding square, plumb bobs, drills, grinders, hand and power thread tools and cutters, pipe wrenches, sand blaster, welding equipment, hand tools and other tools ofthe trade; read and analyze information from gauges, meters, analog displays and computer generated data to determine the operation status of the plant; and determine the treatment and chemicals to be used to control chemical concentrations, remove impurities and entrapped gases or stabilize fluctuation water conditions in the boiler. 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: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Physical Effort: Frequently work in confined areas in and around boilers. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, carries items weighing over 40 pounds. Work Conditions: Mainly works indoors, but occasionally work 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 from acids, caustics, hot water, steam and contact with boilers. Work on catwalks and ladders.
Major duties include: Use electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic controls, and zone charts in conjunction with meters, gauges, and DDC computer generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements Repair and replace major steam and water piping assemblies Adjust firing controls for the correct air fuel mixture Adjust fuel feeds and air drafts to get the best combustion efficiency by using combustion testing equipment, opacity readings Adjust fuel feeds and the volume and velocity of draft and other firebox variables to achieve maximum combustion efficiency Operate emergency electrical generator to meet plant electrical requirements when the main electrical source is unable to provide power Analyze boiler feed water, boiler water and condensation using standard chemical tests Clean tools, machines, and equipment and keeps work area clean and orderly Work Schedule: Sunday-Saturday, 24/7 rotating shifts typically scheduled: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., and/or 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (work hours may be further discussed during interview process) Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator - Recruitment and Relocation Incentive Authorized/PD20211A Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified candidates Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.