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.
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 (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.
Major Duties Include: Operates and maintains boilers and auxiliary equipment. 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. Operates boiler plants with a capacity of over 100,000 pounds of steam per hour. Maintains efficient combustion levels and ensures compliance with air pollution laws and/or regulations. Constantly attends to boilers to maintain efficiency and control of the formation of pollutants. 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. Operates emergency electrical generators to meet plant electrical requirements when the main electrical source is unable to provide the necessary power. Work Schedule: Rotating 8am-4pm, 4pm-12am, 12-8am Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD00154A Physical Requirements: 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.