The Boiler Plant Operator (BPO) is assigned to the Utility Plant, in Facilities Management Service, at the Butler VA Medical Center. The Boiler Plant Operator is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and safe operation of two Keeler gas/oil combination boilers. The BPO monitors hospital alarms for various systems and engineering control systems. The BPO is also responsible for testing and analyzing water used by the various machines.

Duties

Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD04542A Work Schedule: Major Duties: Responsible to him for assignments and execution of duties with work subject to review for quality, completeness, and timeliness. Responsible for the maintenance, repair, and safe operation of two Keeler gas/oil combination boilers, Models 14860-3 NB4601 and 14860-1 producing steam capacity of 20,000LBS/HR each; and one Unilux gas/oil combination boiler model ZF1200HS producing steam capacity of 9,918 LBS/HR. Monitors facility alarms and engineering systems management alarms using systems knowledge and judgment to properly notify appropriate response personnel in a timely manner. Operates the boiler plant to maintain efficient combustion levels and ensures compliance with air pollution laws or regulations. Uses electronic, hydraulic, mechanical and pneumatic controls in conjunction with meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements. 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. Responsible for testing and analyzing boiler feed water, boiler water and condensate return water using standard chemical tests. Tests, adjusts, maintains, and repairs boiler safety devices such as flame safeguard pressure switches, limit switches, timers, water column safety devices, electric/electronic probes and sensors, steam safety valves, and automatic/manual fuel valves. Visually inspects boiler settings and refractory linings for signs of deterioration and failure due to heat stress. Through the use of manual, automatic, semi-automatic, microprocessor controls or systems, the incumbent monitors, adjusts and controls all phases of boiler plant operations. Repairs, troubleshoots and maintains boilers and auxiliary equipment. Auxiliary equipment may include fuel delivery systems, de-aerating equipment, water treatment equipment, and air compressors that often require regular adjustment and maintenance to meet rigid tolerances. 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, scheduled, and emergency maintenance on equipment including boiler feed water pumps, fuel oil pumps, air compressors, automatic controls, valves, piping, pumps, plant electrical systems and related components and other boiler plant systems. Maintain burner management control systems including electronic and electro-mechanical controls utilizing ultra-violet, and related testing devices. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Telework: Not Authorized. Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

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

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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal SupervisionAbility to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)Dexterity and SafetyKnowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.Operation of Equipment/MachineryTechnical PracticesUse of Measuring Instruments 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 Effort: 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. Must possess sufficient strength to be able to open/close large valves including those located overhead. Must be able to enter physically and mentally a 12" x 16" manhole to access boiler confined spaces. Must have ability to assess equipment /system operating conditions during all hours in often remote locations while working alone and respond with sound judgment and ingenuity to stressful situations. Ability to always maintain a high degree of mental alertness and concentration for up to twelve hours at a time. 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address VA Butler Healthcare 353 North Duffy Road Butler, PA 16001 US
• Name: Maurice Covington
• Phone: (412) 822-3542
• Email: [email protected]