The position is in the Maintenance and Operations Section, Boiler Plant of Engineering Service at the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks (VHSO), Fayetteville, Arkansas. 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.

Duties

The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries. The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence ("I CARE"). As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips. Duties and responsibilities include: Thoroughly brief the oncoming shift relief and the work leader of any problems or unusual conditions and actions taken. Ability to operate and perform operator maintenance and repair on air conditioning, and boiler plant equipment to ensure adequate steam, and air cooling capability at the facility. Keeps training up to date on the Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) program, confined space training, safety harness/fall protection, blood bore pathogens control, missing patient responsibilities, privacy and information security awareness, legionella training, and infection control measures. The position 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. Perform minor electrical troubleshooting and repairs.- Regularly observe and note readings on gauges, meters, detectors, recorders, boiler water level indicators, and computer generated and analog displays to detect danger signals in operations. Inspect, adjust, and repair all boiler controls safety devices, instrumentation, flow meters, etc., and inspect repairs and adjustments made by contractors. Tests and analyzes the feedwater, boiler water, and condensate using standard chemical tests; determine the treatment and add chemicals to be used to control chemical concentrations, remove impurities and entrapped gases or stabilize fluctuating water conditions in the boiler. Working knowledge of standard practices and codes associated with boiler and chiller plant operations. Skill adjusting various conditions such as air temperature, furnace conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings and making changes in combustion and have ability to perform preventative maintenance procedures and limited operational repairs. Comprehensive working knowledge of the theories, principles, and characteristics of refrigeration and air conditioning processes, systems, equipment, controls, and refrigerants, including the refrigeration cycle, heat transfer laws, use of refrigerant tables, airflow and pressure calculations, temperature and pressure characteristics of different systems, heat load and cooling load requirements, air balancing techniques. Logging key readings, any emergencies or equipment problems and actions taken and significant operational events such as power outages, etc. for review by both the oncoming shift relief and supervisor. Reads and interprets wiring diagrams and blueprints. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs. Exercise sound judgment and initiative to a high degree and be prepared to cope with unusual or extraordinary circumstances. Take immediate action to prevent interruptions to plant operations and report all emergencies or dangerous conditions. In maintenance and repair operations, completes all work in accordance with required specifications and use a variety of standard mechanical and basic electrical processes. Work Schedule: Swing shift, rotating schedule on a monthly basis (subject to change based on the needs of the agency) Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD03151A Physical Requirements: The position frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. The work requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Will frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 40 pounds without assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. Makes repairs from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms to reach equipment in out-of-the-way places. When working on ladders and scaffolds must be able to climb and carry tools and materials.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• 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

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: Dexterity and SafetyEquipment Assembly, Installation, RepairInterpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)Measuring InstrumentsOperation of Equipment/MachineryTechnical PracticesWithout 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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Fayetteville AR VA Medical Center 1100 North College Avenue Fayetteville, AR 72703 US
• Name: Michelle Gonzalez
• Phone: 719-208-5525
• Email: [email protected]