Boiler Plant Operator

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Boiler Plant Operator to manage and maintain boiler systems in a high-pressure environment. The role involves operating equipment, performing preventive maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Candidates should possess the requisite technical skills and experience necessary to maintain efficient operations in a critical setting.

Qualifications

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job.
• Experience in maintenance, installation, or repair is required.
• Ability to work with high-pressure boiler systems is essential.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains boilers and auxiliary equipment.
• Performs preventative and scheduled maintenance.
• Monitors operation and maintains records of plant conditions.

Skills

Ability to interpret instructions, specifications

Dexterity and safety

Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, and repair

Operation of equipment/machinery

Technical practices

Use of measuring instruments

Job description

The Boiler Plant Operator operates boilers & auxiliary equipment and installs, maintains & repairs complex equipment.

Duties

The duties of the Boiler Plant Operator includes but is not limited to:
Operates & Maintains Boilers & Auxiliary Equipment
Operates and performs operational/preventive maintenance on a semiautomatic, gas/oil-fired, high pressure steam plant consisting of three fire-tube type power boilers and related auxiliary equipment.
Monitors the overall operation of the plant to maintain the required steam production for heat and process use throughout the station.
Makes various operational adjustments to maintain plant efficiency and safety.
Maintains records and logs of plant operating conditions.
Performs daily boiler water test to determine chemical treatment required to prevent scale and corrosion of the boilers.
Maintains efficient combustion levels and ensures compliance with air pollution laws or regulations.
Uses electronic and hydraulic 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.

Installs, Maintains & Repairs Complex Equipment
Repairs, troubleshoots and maintains boilers and auxiliary equipment.
Monitors and tests the operation of boiler systems in order to identify malfunctions and potential problems with equipment such as automatic controls, valves, piping, pumps, and related components.
Performs preventative and scheduled maintenance on equipment including boiler feed water pumps, fuel oil
pumps, air compressors, turbines, generators, and other boiler plant systems.

Work Schedule:
Vacancy #1- Week 1: Friday - Wednesday 6:00am to 6:00pm, Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm; Week 2: off
Vacancy #2-Week 1 : Friday - Wednesday 12:00am to 12:00pm, Thursday 12:00am to 8:00am; Week 2: off
Work schedule is subject to change pending the requirements of the Facility and or Service.
Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD923930

Requirements

• 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
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

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:
Applicants must receive a minimum of two points on the below screen-out element to be deemed eligible for consideration.

• Ability To Do the Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision.

Tasks related to: 1) installing and or repairing piping systems according to drawings or manufacturer specifications; 2) reading electrical schematic drawings; and 3) taking readings of combustion information, gauge pressures, and water properties & levels

JOB ELEMENTS. The below job elements (skills, knowledge, abilities, and personal characteristics considered necessary for success on the job) are approved by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for individual occupations as well as for jobs having common requirements.

• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)
• Dexterity and Safety
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.
• Operation of Equipment/Machinery
• Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
• Use of Measuring Instruments - 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. Works from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and elevated catwalks. Work may be at or above ground level. Frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, reaching, stooping, and crouching, as the work
site dictates. Frequently lifts and carries boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 lbs. unassisted. Occasionally carries items weighing over 50 lbs. with assistance. Must submit to an annual physical examination.

Work Conditions. Mainly works indoors but occasionally works 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.

NOTE: Your answers will be verified against the information you provide on your resume, documents, and information supplied by your references. If you do not clearly describe your experience in your resume, you will be rated ineligible. We cannot make assumptions about your work experience and skills.