The position is employed in the Environmental Shop, Facilities & Engineering Service, Perry Point VA Medical Center, a division of the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS). This shop is responsible for the Boiler Plant, Chiller Plant, Water Treatment Plant, sewage disposal plant, swimming pools, steam and water distribution systems. The Perry Point campus includes over 100 buildings on 365+ acres. Most buildings are over 60 years old. The Boiler Plant operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Duties

Major Duties May 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. The incumbent adjusts fuel feeds and the volume and velocity of draft and other fire box variables to achieve maximum combustion efficiency with changing load demands or variations in fuel quality. Operates emergency electrical generators to meet plant electrical requirements when the main electrical source is unable to provide the necessary power. The incumbent will work in conjunction with electric power controllers in starting and stopping steam generating units and auxiliary electrical equipment in accordance with electrical load requirements during peak demand times. Will test and analyze feed water, boiler water, and condensate using standard chemical tests. The testing is necessary to determine the treatment and chemicals to be used to control chemical concentrations, remove impurities and entrapped gases, or stabilize fluctuating water conditions in the boiler in order to protect systems and equipment. Incumbent is designated as the "operator in charge" (OIC) of the complete plant on the second and third shifts and all day on weekends and holidays, and as such is responsible for following written instructions from the supervisor or the OIC on the previous shift as well as relaying instructions to the next shift operator, including problems encountered and action taken. The OIC evaluates and makes decisions with the steam distribution system, hazardous spills, safety problems, as well as problems concerning other trades such as electrical, plumbing, locksmith and environmental controls (HVAC); initiates immediate action to correct any of those situations that he/she determines emergencies. In addition, he/she will independently cut off and re-route steam to the medical center buildings. In the absence of written contingency procedures, determines when to bring another boiler on line or remove a boiler from operation, in the least amount of time, to meet changing load demands while maintaining safe levels and efficient combustion. The OIC has the responsibility to determine what work must be done and the authority to call in off-duty maintenance staff from other shops to make repairs and isolate problems. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts: 8am-4pm; 4pm-12am; 12am-8am Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD00154A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/23/2023. 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 SafetyEquipment Assembly, Installation, RepairInterpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)Machine ToolsWithout 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.

Education

Education is not required.

Contacts

• Address VA Maryland Health Care System 10 North Greene Street Baltimore, MD 21201 US
• Name: Chanel Smith
• Phone: 410-605-7000
• Email: [email protected]