This position is in the Maintenance and Operations Section, Boiler Plant of Engineering Service at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC Jackson, MS. Boilers are operated by natural gas, fuel oil, and propane gas or combination of those fuels to produce steam to meet changing load demands. Boilers require constant attention to maintain efficiency and control the formation of pollutants.
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. Preferred Experience: 5 years experience as a Boiler Plant Operator. 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.
The duties of the Boiler Plant Operator include: Monitors the operation of chillers, air handlers, pumps, cooling towers, computer rooms, refrigeration equipment, and alarms to assure proper pressures and temperatures are maintained in the facility. Monitors, interprets, tests, and contacts appropriate personnel for medical gases (oxygen and nitrogen), fire alarms system, energy management system (EMS), boiler system, chiller system, Temp-track refrigeration system, elevators emergency phones. Monitors the Medical Gas System to ensure proper flow to all patient areas, working closely with other engineering shops and tenant organizations in the monitoring of the main oxygen system, medical vacuum, low nitrogen, and nitrous oxide systems. Tests and analyzes the feed water, boiler water, and condensate using standard chemical tests. Preform Boiler Efficiency Institute (BEI) testing procedures. Operates, adjusts, and maintains pollution control equipment. Interprets information provided by Material Safety Data Sheets. Observes readings on gauges, meters, detectors, recorders, boiler water level indicators, and computer generated displays. Interprets wiring diagrams and blueprints. Work Schedule: Monday - Sunday, 12-hour rotating shifts, 4 days per week - including holidays; Subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD84223A Physical Requirements: The Boiler Plant Operator is required to work in confined areas. Moderate to strenuous effort is common, to include long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. The employee is expected to frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted. The work is typically completed indoors. However, the employee may be asked to occasionally work outside for short periods where they are subject to prevailing weather conditions. Workers are subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes in the work area. Boiler plant workers are subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam, and contact with piping and boilers. In addition, they work on catwalks and ladders.